The Right Thing To Do
We left our life in Vermont and relocated ourselves in Maine. Less than two hours from Mass General and surrounded by Kasey’s family.
Our team from Massachusetts General Hospital was having major challenges working remotely and having local doctors do what the MGH people told them to do. Agreed…very hard. Doctors have different opinions. In our case there is one at MGH. “The Hoch”. He’s the man. He’s no BS, no bedside manner, just to the point. He keeps his eyes on the ball. He saves the emotional stuff for his practitioners and nurses. So in order to stay with extreme top notch care, we moved. It was the right thing to do.
We sold our home. Thinned out a lot of things. Whittled down. We purged.
Just south of South Portland there is a “hidden” community called Cape Elizabeth. It all of the sudden stops being Portland and is a country drive through several State Parks and a small town. We’ve rented a home where I can walk everywhere including the post office, schools, coffee shop, library, and so on. . I can really walk to everything.
An equal and only other factor was the school system. It had to be top notch. We researched it hard and our schools here are nationally ranked nine out of ten. Not too shabby. There’s no supervisory union. There no additional schools that are part of things. It’s a standalone K-12 in three separate buildings, which are all on the same grounds. Which is just up the street. Which makes it ideal. I can walk the kids to and from school. We are so close that Coop has to walk. Sadie will too when she hits first grade.
Our home is pretty standard. A small home in a neighborhood of small homes. I no longer want (or need) a 3,000+ square foot home with multiple living rooms, 4+ bedrooms, home theater, and so on. I want a cozy home that fits us all…and that’s it. The kids share a room and have the upstairs to themselves. It’s a cape so it is smallish with dormers and fits them well. Kasey and my bedroom barely fits a queen size…but we just sleep in there. Instead we have a first floor rather large office. This is where I work. And a large workshop in the basement where I can manufacturer those things I do and sell them on eBay. Well, once the kids go back to school.
So we are settled. We are happy. We are glad to be out of our old house. But we’ll miss the friendships and support we received and are forever grateful. I know we’ll keep in touch.
Now on to my health.
I had a hard time waiting for another set of MRI images when I found out from the ones in June that my necrosis (good brains swelling badly) was out of control. The Hoch told me that a chemo called Avastin was being used for an alternate use which happed to be dealing with necrosis. And after two-and-a-half months, I was terrified what the new MRI was going to show. It was either A) the necrosis was as bad or worse. Furthermore, there is no cancer growth as this point. It was B.
B!!! Splendid.
So that’s exceptionally really good. Next MRI three months. I need to Amtrak/bus to Boston every two weeks for an infusion. Then I have two or three days of fatigue and I’m OK again for the rest of the two weeks. We decided it’s just saves us gas money for me to ride down mass-transit by myself. Plus it gives me time to reflect on everything that happed to our family since this all began.
We can hope for improved life quality. I sometimes need a cane to get around. Well, most of the time but I don’t use it. I should.
Well, that’s the update. Sorry it took so long, but with moving and getting kids enrolled and other life things it got away from me.
Thats all. Peace and love,
Rob
September 3rd, 2011 at 7:09 am
So glad you guys are settled! Its a beautiful area up there as you know, so enjoy! Thanks for the update. Glad to hear things seem to be getting better! Keep in touch!
September 3rd, 2011 at 7:25 am
Good to know your all settled in up there. We see your mom and dad and kind of know what’s going on. We will see you soon as you know and have some fun you know where.
Love Uncle Paul and Aunt ML
September 3rd, 2011 at 7:55 am
Oh, Rob…I know it’s not perfect, but my stomach clenches (and, conversely, my heart hopes) every time I see you post something new. This sounds like it’s pretty positive and I’m so glad to hear from you and hear the good things that are going on. We miss you both, but…sounds like you did the right thing. All the best.
Sheryl
September 3rd, 2011 at 8:47 am
It sounds like you are being quite proactive! Welcome to small town living! We love it… most of the time. Sometimes we pine for big tall buildings and a good show, but most of the time we are just grateful. I hope what your update is saying is that both the Necrosis is moderating and that the Cancer has not grown?
Enjoy your beautiful new surroundings and the simple pleasures of rural living. Congrats. You are in our thougts. Love, Todd and Susan
September 3rd, 2011 at 10:15 am
Sounds like a wonderful community for your family. I like the whittling down part ;-). And the mass-transit part. 😉 And most of all the good news part!! I’m very hopeful that your health will only improve.
Much love to you and your family.
Sheila
September 3rd, 2011 at 10:20 am
“B”, you gotta love it!
Never mind all that “A” stuff, “B” is where it’s at.
Glad you’re all settled in, Maine is such a beautiful place.
I think that between you and all of us, we’re just willing that cancer away (with a little help from “Hoch”). Great to hear that you’re doing so well.
September 4th, 2011 at 2:36 am
Hey Rob and family,
Glad to hear positive notes. Messaged your Mom, cuz I hadn’t seen a blog in some time.
You don’t know me from Adam, but I take strength from what you endure. I’m sure I’d easily take the path of least resistance if I were in your shoes. Glad you don’t.
Take care
Darrell
September 5th, 2011 at 11:03 am
Rob,
Everything sounds better and we’re glad to hear it. You’re not far from our favorite place – Higgins Beach. It’s been every year for 23 years. We expect to see you there next year – volleyball and boogieboarding!!! Hope to see you next weekend in Rockport. June and Dan
September 5th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Rob,
Thanks for this wonderful update. We saw your parents in August. They look great! They shared your moving to ME and health history with us. We continue to pray for a complete recovery. Sounds like Maine will agree with you and your family, and you will make many new friends.
Much love,
Marcia & Tony
September 5th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
It all sounds good Rob. I’m happy for you, Kasey and the kids. Its going to be great being able to walk your kids to and from school and listening to them talk about their day. Its nice that the schools are so close together too! Good luck to you, Kasey and the kids. Take care. Lori
September 6th, 2011 at 7:35 am
WOW! Sounds like great news across the board. As you can see the power of prayer does work. And I will not stop praying for you everyday. God Bless!
September 6th, 2011 at 7:53 am
Hi Rob,
It has been some time since we last saw or spoke to each other but I have been following your posts since the beginning. I do keep you in my prayers and any positive update is nice to hear. Your new way of life in ME sounds awesome (minus the trips to the hospital of course). Stay strong. JP
September 6th, 2011 at 8:23 am
hey Rob and Kasey!!
soooo glad you found such an awesome location! sooooo glad the Hoch is so on the ball! sooooooo glad to hear such wonderful news from you!
love, love, love,
ness, gino, M3
September 7th, 2011 at 7:50 am
Glad to hear all the positive news, guys! 🙂 We might just have to take the short trip down to visit when you’re up for it. 🙂 Let me know!
September 7th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Dear Rob and Kasey,
Thank you for the update. I must say I am pleased that you are in Maine. I would love for you to come visit us when you are up to it. Cape Elizabeth is such a beautiful area. I know you have made a good decision. I am disappointed that I will not be attending Kelly’s shower. I will be in VA for Alicia’s wedding. Uncle Paul and Caleb plan to attend. Again, thank you so much for the update. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all, Uncle Paul and Aunt Mary Ellen
September 7th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Hi Rob,
Glad to hear all went well with the MRI, pins and needles brother. I cant imagine how stressful that would be, you keep plugging away and fighting.
The move was the right thing to do, wish I was there to help. I’m in Alamogordo New Mexico learning how these unmanned aircraft vehicles work. MQ-9 is a rather impressive acft, you should google it when you get a chance. Miss you Bro! Take Care!
vr
BFT
September 12th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Glad to hear things are looking up! You deserve some good news! Welcome back to Maine, guess you just couldn’t stay away forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
September 23rd, 2011 at 8:54 am
Hey, Rob,
I’m glad to hear that you’re doing okay, that your treatment seems to be helping,
and that you’re all in a place where you can live well and continue on the path
of recovery. I wish you all the best and hope to see you sometime before long.
I’ll be making a trip to the Portland area sometime this fall, will drop you a line
in advance to see if it’s cool to pay a visit. Take care, all my love to all of you.
– Chris
October 14th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Happy Anniversary to Rob and Kasey, Happy Birthday to Kasey, and a Happy Birthday to Rob. An amazing week in October. Have three wonderful celebrations. We wish you many more years of health, wealth (not monetary) , many good friends and family, many good times with friends and family, and wonderful memories of your kids, parents, and all you do. Have fun, and stay well, God bless you all! Much Love, All the Gruszczynskis.
November 14th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Dude, WTF!
Now that I am over that emotional outburst, how are you doing my friend?
I ran into Ryan Gauthier last week and he told me about you. I can’t believe this challenge that has popped up in your life. As with anything you tackle, you will do so with creativity, a positive attitude and relentless pursuit of a solution. And not to mention, with your beautiful children and smokin’ wife, you have the best support on the planet. I have subscribed to this blog so I can keep up-to-date. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. I am here for you.
Your friend,
\zoltan