Frogger & Fitness
This week provided a bit of a break from the usual chaos—still busy, but not quite as overwhelming. Only a few appointments dotted the calendar, but the pace was more bearable than usual. Maybe because we’re finally getting into a rhythm, and these small steps feel like quiet wins.
Something I never thought I would accomplish was to become an expert on the locations of most of the potholes, mancovers, and public school bus schedules in our town in order to avoid them all. It’s like Frogger but for terrible roads, so Troy’s back doesn’t hurt more than it should driving back and forth to radiation.
We are doing our best to see the positive in everything, so each time we walk into a waiting room, we’re reminded that we’re not the only ones carrying uncertainty. We've been scared, too—holding our breath through test results, wondering what comes next. So now, whenever we're sitting there, we pray for the other patients around us. We may not know their names or stories, but we know what it feels like to hope for good news.
Aside from radiation, Troy had only three appointments this week!
While Troy’s tumor was growing, he started to lose his hearing and eyesight on the right side. Last week, he received his new eyeglasses, and this week, he met with an audiologist and ENT.
The Audiologist ran the pressure testing of his ear drums, sounds, and frequencies. Everything is functioning normally when it comes to pressure, but there is a high-frequency drop in both ears.
Mild drop in the left ear, and the right ear is moderate to severe.
The ENT explained that the tenitus in his ear is permanent hearing loss. He compared it to the loss of a limb. Some patients who have lost a limb still complain of pain or itching in the place where there’s no longer a limb. Somehow, the way our brains receive and compute information, Troy’s brain is telling his ears that the loss is painful. The waves are looking for something to hear and can’t, then relay it back to the brain as pain. He suggested listening to white noise to retrain his brain and/or getting a pair of personally fitted plugs that fit his ear with filters on them to adjust to the sound levels he can manage.
His other appointment was with our naturpath.
She prescribed him a variety of supplements, tinctures, oils, and teas to help cleanse his liver from all the medication and radiation, in addition to helping with the inflammation and pain around the fractures in his spine. She also referred him to an integrative cancer specialist—someone who blends both conventional and natural approaches.
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In other news, Troy made it to his first water aerobics class!
Exercising areas that haven’t been moved in months is somewhat uncomfortable, yet it gives him such a sense of accomplishment! He’s pushing through, giving it his all, and is excited for the long-term benefits it’ll bring.
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Many have asked how they can help, and there are a few meaningful ways to make an impact. One of the most powerful things we can do is pray—asking for strength, comfort, and healing. Prayer is a way to invite God into this situation and trust in His provision.
Another way you can help is by donating, if you're able, directly to one of the accounts below. Every contribution, big or small, will make a huge difference! If you're not in a position to donate, sharing is a wonderful option as well by creating an opportunity for others to step in, whether through prayer or financial support.
When we share, we’re not just sharing Troy’s story; we’re sharing a deeper truth about God's character, and through sharing, we reveal His mercy, love, generosity, and faithfulness. We can invite others to see the ways God is at work, reminding them of His goodness and the hope we find in Him.
With each future post, I’ll update where we are with needs being met. For transparency, you can click on each link, and it should take you directly to the source where you can contribute online using his account number. If you’d rather send a cash donation, you can send it through Venmo @StephanieHdb or PayPal at sheconsiders@gmail.com.
IV Therapy. This is a priorty! The cost varies depending on the prescription. High-dose vitamin C helps keep his immune system strong while undergoing radiation and keeping the cancer away! Once we establish care, we can send you the information if you would like to contribute, and I’ll update the cost here.
Troy’s Recovery Wish List on Amazon. Thank you to those who have already purchased items!
Natrupath for palliative care. ($237)
Anestesia Associates of Boise, Account # 8480598, $833.02
Canyon County Ambulance District, Run # 24-13902. $1039.00
Boise Radiology Group, Account # BRG748704, $479.00
Need Met, Thank you! Rec Center Membership for muscle strength.
Need Met, Thank you! Vibration Table for Lymphatic Drainage & Circulation
Integrative Cancer Specialist—TBD
Biomedical Center- TBD- We’ve previously shared that we intend to seek additional care out of state at a Biomedical Treatment Center instead of undergoing chemotherapy. We are still trying to calculate the costs of the treatment as well as travel costs such as flights and accommodation. I will update here as soon as we have a final estimation.
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us during this time. Whether you’ve donated towards a medical bill, purchased items, prayed for us, or sent an encouraging text or letter, your kindness has been nothing short of a blessing.
Every prayer you’ve whispered, every item you’ve thoughtfully chosen, and every dollar you’ve given has made such a difference. You’ve shown us so much love, and it has been a constant reminder that we don’t have to face this alone.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your unwavering kindness. You are a true blessing, and we are so grateful for every one of you. 💛