Chemo: 2 more to go and then another CT Scan

So far everything is on track. Kris will go for a CT Scan to review the progress on May 11, a week after this round of chemo finishes  Unfortunately, going forward, she may have to have a CT scan 3-4 times a year.

Better news: Kris was approved for her Social Security Disability benefits, which start in May. Her monthly amount is equal to her full SS retirement benefits. She can still work but has a strict earnings limit. She got turned down for SSI - because we have assets over $3,000. but overall, the application process was surprisingly easy and pleasant. 

We also got a new Tommy Hilfiger denim duvet cover which looks like blue jeans. We hope it is Murray-proof -- his claws accidentally ripped two old bedspreads. Only $49 at Marshalls! See photos.

Happy Tax Day

Our cat Desi helping with the taxes

Kris had her 6th chemo session yesterday. So far so good.  She is now taking a new daily oral medication in pill form called Otezla for her Psoriatic Arthritis, another of her ongoing medical issues. Prior to her cancer diagnosis, she was being treated with Remicaid, an infusion-only biotech drug every 8 weeks. The Remicaid was 
put on hold. However, because of her painful psoriatic arthritis, mostly in her hands, she may have to go back to Remicaid when she's done with her chemo. 

Social Security Disability

On Easter Sunday with her sister's
new kitten, Sophia

We have been putting off signing Kris up for Social Security Disability for months. It is a big milestone with lots of emotional meaning and ramifications that neither of us wanted to deal with. Kris loved her job and had worked there for 19 years. The owners and co-workers are like family to us. Once she starts receiving benefits, even if Kris feels up to working, she will not be able to earn more than $700 a month. Life really is unpredictable; you can leave work on any evening and never return. Since we finished the online application (which took hours!) we have already gotten three helpful phone calls from Social Security, which was totally surprising. Apparently, if you have cancer your disability application is fast-tracked. 

Walt Disney World for her birthday/Halloween?

Happy 12-Year Anniversary

Paris Las Vegas hotel: The happy couple waiting for the limo to wedding

Today is Kris and Abby's wedding anniversary. We were married on April 1, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the height of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. The wedding party stayed at the Paris Las Vegas hotel, which was near empty due to the anti-French backlash at the time (Remember freedom fries?) Too bad the hotel had no connection to France except for its theme and decor. We all had a great time.

Kris inside chapel doorway
on right.

The ceremony took place at The Little Church of the West – the same wedding chapel where Elvis Presley and Ann Margret got married at the end of the film "Viva Las Vegas." The Little Church is unique in other ways; built of California redwood, it is a detailed replica of a typical pioneer town church. And, as the oldest building on the Las Vegas Strip, it is listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.