11/7/25

 I am so glad it is Friday! I have about had it with trying to keep up. The girl I am covering for this week is back next week, thank god! I got so far behind. SOOO FAR!

The dogs were cracking me up with their early morning napping session. They kept having to change positions. 

Lazy coworkers!

I met Ethan at the doctor’s office. His primary care wants to start with an ultrasound sound because it feels soft. She was also worried about contrast with a MRI or CT scan.

At Ethan’s last CT (and MRI) they do a quick test and have a rule of thumb that if the GFR (kidney value) is above 30. Ethan’s is currently up at 44. 

I was pushing to skip the ultrasound but she wanted to be cautious of his kidney. I was more thinking about getting him to agree to more testing after the ultrasound. He doesn’t like missing work, now he may have to have a mother appointment.

She said “if it’s just a lipoma we won’t need to do more imaging.”

“Since it is causing nerve pain, we will likely either have it removed or debulked. Will they need more imaging to do that?”

“Probably.” She said

Which was my point.

It really isn’t my call. I am the advocate and know my role. I posed the question to Ethan. He is an adult and can make his own choice. He was aware of the options. He knew the risks and benefits. He chose to do the ultrasound first and then proceed. 

I quietly was annoyed, but would never say anything. It just means more time will go by where he has to be in pain. 

Paul has been away all week. He has been down near NYC in Herriman, NY on a work trip. He had a great week. As soon as he got home, he evening snowballed into one frustration after another. He was so defeated. I felt bad for him.

Ethan was happy to see his buddies. They were talking like 22 year old boys do. I was quietly laughing from the other room, thankful for the moment. They are pretty ruthless with their banter. Ha! I am thankful to be able to see him do normal kid stuff.

He has been working like crazy to get his machine as wild and functional as possible. Paul spent the evening working on things (unsuccessfully) as well.

I am hoping I sleep better tonight than I did last night.