Saturday, August 28 – Laughter and Normal Stuff
“If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.”
These wise Jimmy Buffett words have played in my head in the last few weeks. A lot.
The rest of this week has been filled with “normal” stuff–or our current versions of what “normal” looks like. We’ve tried to find some humor and grace in the ordinary stuff. EB and Wilson each had a good first week of school. Long car lines. High school tennis match. First baseball practice. Mowed lawn. Grocery store runs. Hamburgers on the grill. Some nice time with family.
Because Heath wasn’t feeling bad after his infusion on Tuesday, we were able to spend much of the rest of the week working on navigating his school situation– he is going to be able to work with Duke Hospital School and his current teachers at Lakewood to do school at home for now. The hope is that it will set him up to be ready to head back when he is finished with treatment!! And we’ve also been working on setting up his “Heath Cave” (safe space bedroom if he feels rough or just needs to be away from others.)
I don’t really know what “normal” is at this point, but I felt it creep in a bit this week.
Many folks have been wondering about next steps and treatment. First, know that the plan is a bit of a moving target. At this point, he’ll be doing 6 cycles of 3 weeks each of chemo, which takes us through most of December. He’ll have his 3rd infusion on Tuesday. The next week, probably Tuesday or Thursday, Heath will have a bunch of scans along with annual heart catheterization. That will help the team know whether we’ll stick with the current chemo meds OR if we’ll change up the “cocktail” a bit. And we simply won’t know much more for a couple of weeks.
So, in the meantime, we’re just going to try to find a little more humor and grace in the ordinary moments–even in the “normal” chaos. Goodness knows we have a renewed appreciation of all of it.
So happy and thankful you are home! Praying for steady improvement daily. Love and Caring, Terry and Linda Johnston
That photo is just pure joy — made my day! You are such amazing parents, working so hard to support Heath emotionally, physically, academically as well as keeping things as normal as possible for all your kids. You are not just getting through this, you are thriving in the midst of difficult times. Love you, Terry
Thank you for the update on Heath. The beautiful picture of the Tuttles made us smile. We share your joy! Remembering all in our daily prayers. Penny & Hugh Mayronne
What a joyful photo! Keeping a feeling of “normal” is such an important idea for everyone in your family. Let us know if there are ways we can help you do “normal” in the weeks ahead. We send our prayers and our love in the meantime.
This is the BEST picture and I am so happy to see the smiles.
So glad to get this news–and to know you are feeling some kind of normal. This photo is really precious.
Keeping you all close in heart and prayer.
Love this very “normal” photo and I do see Carrie enjoying that wine – much deserved. Hugs, prayers and laughter to each of you.
Laughter is the best medicine! Continued prayers and love for you all! 🙏💜🙏
Best picture I’ve seen in a long time❤️
Love and sustained prayers for each of you, my dear Tuttle friends. You surely know that your Glenaire family is a humongous body of cheerleaders. Thank you for keeping us in the game with you.
I love that picture! Laughter is a great healer, and expresses love and so much more when you don’t have the words!
Continued prayers for your family and the staff who is caring for Heath. 🥰🙏💞
Love your updates and I know you are feeling encouragement coupled with love and support from many. We too love the Isaiah 41:10 scripture. Prayers continue as ya’ll continue on this detour. I pray the path will stay lighted and the main road will hit your feet with nothing but positive signs. Stay safe and feel the prayers!! Reba and Jim
We can understand and emphasize with you. Don’t have the earthly words to express our feelings, so we wii just recall these words from the prophet Isaiah: ” Isaiah 41:10 – God strengthens you
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. God has promised us His strength. He will never give you a trial you are unable to handle”
Love
Skeeter and Loretta
So glad that this week brought some humor and grace in the new normal. Thinking of you Carrie and your family as you cherish the ‘dear ordinary’.
So glad you have chosen to laugh and find humor and joy amidst the chaos and confusion. It’s so important to keep your sense of humor about you when battling nasty stuff. Praying for all of you and especially for good outcomes. xx
Love this update. Prayer for another “normal “ week, whatever form that takes😁
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Much love to each of you.
Jimmy B is one of my favorite philosophers, glad to hear his wise words are giving voice to your journey! Prayers ongoing for Heath and all of you!
Great perspective my friend. There is such truth in the importance of laughing and in grace giving and accepting. You are all in my prayers and as a fellow Nats fan, tell Heath to “stay in the fight”. Our Nats are a good reminder of one day at a time. ❤️❤️ love you guys.
Humor and grace! Good goals. Great gifts! May it be so for you all. Thanks for this update. A good Sunday morning gift for me!
Laughter IS the best medicine!! I love this picture! So grateful you are finding time to relax in God’s loving arms, and praying you can feel the hugs of so many loving friends!
Keep up the fight…we are all here with you in spirit, sending strength and support.
So grateful for these updates! I see Heath is actively supporting his Nationals on Instagram (if I’m reading Instagram right, who knows?). As an Orioles fan, I can only hope that football season offers us both a bit more joy, lol.
I have you all in my heart always!😊❤
Hallelujah and Thankful for the good first week “normalness” in the Tuttle household.
Praying for more to come.
Love seeing the laughing faces and togetherness…sweet sweet…It truly is the best medicine.
Keeping you all in prayer.
Laughter is the best. Grateful you have a “normal” for the next two weeks to just adjust, relax and enjoy each other. Thank you for the great update. You guys are always on my mind and in my heart! 🙏🏼