Isn't it ironic...

i·ron·ic
(-rnk) also i·ron·i·cal (-rn-kl)
adj.
1. Characterized by or constituting irony.
2. Given to the use of irony. See Synonyms at sarcastic.
3. Poignantly contrary to what was expected or intended: madness, an ironic fate for such a clear thinker.

I had to run into Wal Mart today to pick up something. As Alayna and I were approaching the door we saw two teenage boys standing next to a table trying to talk to people who were coming in and out. I wondered what they were trying to sell? When we get near one of them says to me "Would you like to buy a bracelet and show your support for Cancer"!? It took me a second to realize that I am actually dealing with this firsthand. All of those little papers the cashiers try to sell to support this and that - it was always out of my peripheral. Those unfortunate diseases happen to people I don't know. Isn't it ironic.

If you were wondering, I gave them $2 but didn't take a bracelet.

The results on Paul's spinal fluid came back with no signs of cancerous cells! That is good news. He did have to receive 2 units of blood today and his chemo. He also got a fantastic gift today- a PSP thing with a couple of games. He will be able to use it when he is in the hospital and while away the days. He is just like a little kid - all giddy and charging it up already. : )

Short tour...

Paul is in remission! At this time they do not find any cancer cells in most of his body. Yesterday they performed a lumbar puncture to test his spinal fluid and inject chemo to reach his spinal column and brain. The other chemotherapy does not reach these areas. I didn't get to be in the room with him but Paul said Dr. Wadleigh had to stick him 4 times before it went through! She was trying to explain the procedure to me as it being similar to an epidural. I told her I didn't have an epidural because I didn't want a needle in my back! : p But he survived and was sent to the transfusion room for fluids and more chemo. There he was taught to give himself an injection in his leg. The needle is very small and he says it doesn't hurt. He is being so brave! Now we get a semi break and don't have to go back down for a while week. The search for a bone marrow match continues...

I thought I would post a short driving tour of Boston.

The really cool looking Zakim bridge. Some of the Boston skyline. One of my favorite buildings. I think they are luxury apartments. I would so live there! At the end of Storrow drive when we exit off is the giant Citgo sign. That was one of my landmarks when I was figuring out how to get there in the beginning. And of course the famous Boston traffic. The only thing I abhor more than the neverending construction is the don't care what time it is or how much of a rush you are in traffic.

Another fun filled day...

We were given very short notice that Paul had a couple of consultations for his radiation in Boston today so all three of us piled in my car and headed down. The doctor came in and started talking with Paul about his medical history and his diagnosis. I wasn't able to sit in there long - about 15 minutes worth - before Alayna decided she had enough of being a quiet girl. So we walked around the hospital a bit and found this big fish. Then we headed back to my car to watch a movie. Today's selection was Curious George. Then when she fell asleep I watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding. On our way home we stopped and ate a late lunch at The Cheesecake Factory.

While we drove home Paul filled me in a little about everything. Paul will be having full body radiation to try an eradicate any cancer cells before the bone marrow transplant. Again, there is a possibility of numerous side effects from the radiation. He will be rendered sterile, there is a 50% chance of getting cataracts, and he may develop another type of cancer with tumors. Those are the big things.

Some days things seem almost "normal" here, like Paul isn't really that sick. And then a day like today when you hear all of this that will be happening in the not so distant future. :(