Today is Tuesday, October 18th and it’s hard to believe we have been “at this” since October 6th. Sort of feels like a black hole. A silver lining this past week was that it enabled our core family unit to come together as Eric, Owen, his wife Kristina and our granddaughter joined my sister and Mom in rallying Bill with home visits. Activities included quality time at home and even a very short outing to Domino’s Petting Zoo.
These hours of reprieve allowed time for a few quality visits with dear friends too as the Gardner’s, Gredon’s and Metzger’s came calling. Then there were the “invisible angles” too. Who are the “invisible angels”? Those dear friends who joined the “meal train” organized by IHA’s Tarah Lantz. These dinners enable our family to focus on Bill versus worrying about generation of food lists and cooking to get through the crisis as a group. So many thanks to each of you who have provided support and are continuing through Bill’s hospitalization time.
Bill has been very busy with a variety of activities – from more testing to lots of therapy appointments. He has the most wonderful facility and surroundings in which to recuperate and get stronger. Under the direction of Dr. David Steinberg, Bill’s is situated at the best rehabilitation unit with an incredible team that have each worked diligently to strengthen mobility, memory and more. In addition, it is key to note that Sister Yvonne and the administrative leadership of SJMH and IHA have been pillars of support holding the “Fileti” house together. We can’t even begin to express how critical this has been in keeping us from the free fall of this event.
The good news is that Bill continues to be positive and improve. The bad news is that he is in for one heck of a battle. Chemotherapy and radiation is slated to start this week and with, a bit more information and guidance, the team will solidify Bill’s best options for treatment.
We would like to direct our family and friends to better understand the challenge Bill is up against – and yes, it is an aggressive brain cancer. You can go to: www.defeatGBM.org to learn more.
In the interim, we are blessed and surrounded by such supportive colleagues, friends and family and so much positive energy. The medical talent around us is astounding and we have our “ace quarterback” – hematologic oncologist, IHA’s Dr. Katie Beekman, along with clinical directors and thought leaders inside and outside the organization. We will all work towards best outcomes and keep you posted. Till then, Bill and our family can never thank everyone enough…