Thanks Deb for the post. As I read it I couldn't help but laugh because we are even more alike than you think. Dan can't see out of one eye and can't here out of one ear and loves to fix things too. And I've already made my notebook. I went to Target and bought a happy looking 3-ring-binder and put everything together. I had it ready for our first oncologist visit earlier this week.
I so hope that Dan is a pleasant patient, but I can't even begin to imagine the pain he'll deal with so I just pray that I can let it go. I have already met with my doctor and gotten a scrip for anti-deppresants. Also I've been overhearing Dan talk to his dad and brother about "how great I am through this, blah, blah" - well I'm taking that to heart because that's the real Dan talking and if he gets mad as we go forward I'll just have to tell myself that its the medicine talking. Now - as I sit here typing this it all sounds good - kind of like a Monday morning quarterback... But I will come back and read this post in a month and maybe have a good laugh.
I'm really worried about the kids through this. For that and just in general reasons I'm going to start a blog on the blog area. I really need a spot that I can talk about this with my honest feelings and not have to be "putting on a strong front". We have a site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/danreeder where I post updates for friends and family, but I try to keep that all about Dan.
The charting of the food/drink is an excellent idea. I was thinking earlier when I was reading David's post about the amount of water and calories - how do I ever keep up with that.
I just can't say enough how much it means to me to have found this website. I am so upset that I didn't see the brochures for this at my dentist office, ENT's office, oral surgeon's office or CAncer Center. I am going to look again before I "blast" them about it. This is just an invaluable place. I joined today so I can be an official member.