Happy 2nd Year Surviving GBM and 56th Birthday Philipeeeeee!!

As many of you know, Phil was diagnosed with non-operable brain cancer (GBM) two years ago on his 54th birthday, February 7th. YES, he is still here, alive and has beaten all odds and statistics. Some have been reluctant to ask since I have not updated the blog in a long, long time. This week we are celebrating much more than his birthday! LIFE.

Medical Update:
Weight is at 194.
BP always remains good at 100/64.
Latest brain scan in January shows stabilization. Notice how much smaller it is from the scan in June 2017. Phil continues daily CBD, ketogenic diet, Dr. Budwig diet and exercise. Sister Julie continues to make the fat bombs and we thank you so much!

January 2019

White blood count has been low over the past year - currently at 2.3. Normal range is 4.1-10.6. It was never this low even during chemo. Of course I faxed my own chart below to the doctor. He stated no need for concern. OK right. Since the latest scan shows stabilization, this possibly is the reason for no concern. I will continue to ask.You know me.

Physical Update:  

Phil is back to running his ten miles per day. He said his legs feel better running 10-12 miles in lieu of only 7 miles. He slacked most of the summer due to the Florida heat, World Cup, Tour de France, and Wimbeldon. So, smarty pants here was sick of him being on the couch (entire month of July) regardless of what time I would come home from work and booked a flight for him to Atlanta for much needed chores at the house. I did not realize a truck load of mulch was a LOT. I called and said I need a shitload. So, this kept him busy the remainder of the year. The yard looks beautiful. 😆

Mental Update:
Interesting conversations we have had on where he is mentally. At first, it was all about hoping to survive the next 6, 9, and 12 months. The first year consumed us of research, chemo, radiation, doctors, long term disability, social security disability, diet, health insurance, my god the paperwork, do we sell the house, do we move, not working, and throw in a few meltdowns on my part. Thankfully, we sit here two years later and the focus has changed a bit. Phil questions his own purpose and depression started to kick in. He beat the odds and now what? He said the only thing in his life that has not changed is yard work. It is his comfort zone. So, another flight is booked back to Atlanta. Boo Carla, so mean, how could you? Phil needs structure and projects for his sanity. There is plenty to do back home plus being in a condo in Ft. Lauderdale, the walls close in on us just a wee bit. Can you imagine going to work one day, being productive, seeing friends and then all of a sudden it stops in an instant. Sounds great until it happens unexpectedly. I thank everyone who continues to keep in touch with Phil - socialization is very important.

When he returns, I do my best to keep him busy at my job with maintenance, moving furniture, shopping, walking me to work, assembling brochures and even bar tending at events like he is below with my sales partner, Tina. This will stop soon because I bought him a great birthday gift that will keep him really busy and very happy.

Team Symphony

Family Updates:
John and Megan were married in October outside in Helen, GA. Phil's mom and cousins came over from England which meant the world to all of us.

Megan is absolutely perfect in every way imaginable. She is beautiful, smart, hard working, detailed, sweet, great cook and most of all loves our son. What a great, fun loving, adventurous, motivating and always so appreciative couple!

We (more me) enjoy living in Ft. Lauderdale. Love my job and I walk everywhere. I have been asked if I had multiple DUI's and if I can afford a car. Hilarious. The weather is great and I have finally cracked the bridge troll. After waving every day for months, I got a wave AND a smile back. The other day he jumped up and waved. Little things. Plus, look at the view from my work place. How long will we be here? Who knows? Do we do our best to enjoy every day? Absolutely. I was asked on a recent work survey where I would like to be in the next 12 months? Made me smile and I left it blank.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL!! 
YOU ARE A MIRACLE, FIGHTER AND HERO! 
I LOVE YOU!