S04.E20: Just In Case

[Cosmocrush]

ah geeze... metastatic lung cancer?   I knew something was going on as soon as Gary started complaining about his back  pain a few episodes ago but this?   Too dark for me.  I know this show started with a suicide but somehow this seems worse.

Edited May 20, 2022 by Cosmocrush

[Suzn]

1 hour ago, Cosmocrush said:

ah geeze... metastatic lung cancer?   I knew something was going on as soon as Gary started complaining about his back  pain a few episodes ago but this?   Too dark for me.  I know this show started with a suicide but somehow this seems worse.

It is worse and I find it hard to watch.

[TOL]

On 5/19/2022 at 12:49 PM, Sandman said:

I'm convinced Theo isn't going anywhere; DJ Nash has said, I believe, that his father was in a serious accident and uses a wheelchair. This suggests to me that Theo is, to some degree, anyway, an authorial insertion, and his sensitivity and insistent specialness is meant to be endearing, instead of eyeroll- (or rage-) inducing.

Recast the kid.  Or get writers that know how to write for an adolescent and his parents.  It’s ridiculous and cloying

[historylover820]

In Theo's defense, there was a couple things that I chuckled at.

As stated above, the "Grandma wants to talk to you" tickled me. And, also, even though they were playing Connect 4, which I never would have as a 12 year old, I was amused at him laughing at Grandma's cluelessness that Greta and Katherine were just friends. I mean, yeah, Katherine not only spelled it out for her mother but also performed a song and dance and kissed Greta in front of her mother. How clueless can you get?

[circumvent]

What kind of insurance, or what kind of fertility specialist charges only $135.00 as co-pay or office visit with all that goes with such visits (harvesting, implanting, etc)? I don't think insurance companies cover fertility treatments, and if they do, a co-pay of $135.00 would be ust for the visit, and way too high. Their world is really strange.

Theo is 12 and got a book that would be more fitting for a pre-schooler. My 11 year-old niece is reading a book on sustainability, just for reference.

Cancer story again is really boring and parent leaving videos for future child has been done since forever. There was a whole movie with Michael Keaton from ages ago. 

I also hope that the actor who plays Theo has a growth spur, not because he needs to , but because the writers need a shake up, They need to write the kid's age

[ams1001]

3 minutes ago, circumvent said:

Theo is 12 and got a book that would be more fitting for a pre-schooler. My 11 year-old niece is reading a book on sustainability, just for reference.

What was the book? This is the second reference to it here and I didn't notice it. (Not going to rewatch for that.)

[circumvent]

47 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

What was the book? This is the second reference to it here and I didn't notice it. (Not going to rewatch for that.)

The one Theo had? Something about friendship and there were photos of animals being friends, like a puppy and a monkey. 

[Notabug]

5 hours ago, Lovecat said:

 

It could be a new primary tumor; they didn't get into the results of the pathology report except to reveal that the mass was malignant.  Then again, with these writers, they probably assume that once you've had breast cancer, then any other mass that shows up is going to be the same cancer, sigh.

At the doctor's visit flashback we saw during this episode, the only biopsy report was for the lump on his skin/scar and that was benign.  Then, the doctor told him there was a mass in his lung on the scan they did at the time he had the biopsy.  The doctor acted like it was a sure thing, definitely metastatic cancer; but there was no way to know it at that moment.

It also could've been something totally benign.  In real life, there would've been a biopsy to confirm that it was actually a metastasis as well as potentially more scans to be sure there wasn't something bad someplace else.  I guess I can fanwank that the biopsy of his lung was done during the days that he was running around trying to get a sperm sample to the lab in order to get the results before chemo.

Edited May 20, 2022 by Notabug

[Lovecat]

6 minutes ago, Notabug said:

It also could've been something totally benign.  In real life, there would've been a biopsy to confirm that it was actually a metastasis as well as potentially more scans to be sure there wasn't something bad someplace else.  I guess I can fanwank that the biopsy of his lung was done during the days that he was running around trying to get a sperm sample to the lab in order to get the results before chemo.

You're right, they most likely wouldn't have been able to tell malignant from benign based on the scan!  Oh...maybe the back pain was from a biopsy site, (posterior approach?), not due to the mass?  That hadn't occurred to me.  

And now I've officially spent too much time thinking about Gary's fictional cancer.

[Snazzy Daisy]

11 minutes ago, Lovecat said:

And now I've officially spent too much time thinking about Gary's fictional cancer.

😂😂😂

Edited May 20, 2022 by SnazzyDaisy

[Brian Cronin]

1 hour ago, Notabug said:

It also could've been something totally benign.  In real life, there would've been a biopsy to confirm that it was actually a metastasis as well as potentially more scans to be sure there wasn't something bad someplace else.  I guess I can fanwank that the biopsy of his lung was done during the days that he was running around trying to get a sperm sample to the lab in order to get the results before chemo.

Yeah, they just handwaved a lot of stuff. Which is pretty typical for this show. 

They also didn't explain why Gary didn't just make multiple sperm deposits before starting treatment so that he and Maggie would have other samples to use in the future rather than this being their only shot. 

[Notabug]

7 minutes ago, Brian Cronin said:

Yeah, they just handwaved a lot of stuff. Which is pretty typical for this show. 

They also didn't explain why Gary didn't just make multiple sperm deposits before starting treatment so that he and Maggie would have other samples to use in the future rather than this being their only shot. 

Or why Gary didn't make multiple deposits back when he was first diagnoses with cancer a couple years ago; when he probably had many more viable sperm.  Even if he wasn't in a relationship at the time, a properly preserved semen specimen is goo for decades.

I have a friend who was diagnosed with cancer at 17 and his mom forced him to go down to the sperm bank and make several deposits.  He sure wasn't thinking about having kids himself at the time; she was the one with foresight.  Around 20 years later, he had a son who is the direct result of his grandmother's forward thinking.

Edited May 20, 2022 by Notabug

[Brian Cronin]

12 minutes ago, Notabug said:

Or why Gary didn't make multiple deposits back when he was first diagnoses with cancer a couple years ago; when he probably had many more viable sperm.  Even if he wasn't in a relationship at the time, a properly preserved semen specimen is goo for decades.

I have a friend who was diagnosed with cancer at 17 and his mom forced him to go down to the sperm bank and make several deposits.  He sure wasn't thinking about having kids himself at the time; she was the one with foresight.  Around 20 years later, he had a son who is the direct result of his grandmother's forward thinking.

Oh, absolutely, that's a good idea in general, but it's fair enough to note that a lot of people DON'T think about stuff like that (plenty do, of course). But they CERTAINLY think about it when they're ALREADY donating sperm for IVF! So to not do it now is just an absurd plot point designed to get their desired situation of this being the LAST CHANCE. 

[mansonlamps]

3 hours ago, circumvent said:

 

Cancer story again is really boring and parent leaving videos for future child has been done since forever. There was a whole movie with Michael Keaton from ages ago. 

 

Consider yourself lucky that you think a cancer metastasis story is "boring."  As a survivor,  that video was the only scene that made me cry as survivors live every day with the fear of recurrence or metastasis, and the portrayals of everything coming up roses for these two time and again has been unrealistic.  I appreciated the scene showing the devastation and fear in such a diagnosis. 

[gibasi]

On 5/19/2022 at 9:57 AM, Notabug said:

I am incredibly impressed by Gary's determination to keep his very prodigious full head of hair and beard through chemo.  I presume that it is due to sheer force of will because I don't know any other way that could happen.  Or, maybe the guy who made Maggie's pink wig has branched out and is way more talented than we realized.  There is no IV chemo for metastatic breast cancer that would not cause the hair to fall out, usually with the first round.  The show didn't really delve into it (they reallly don't delve into anythng) but what is happening with Gary is much more serious than what happened with Maggie.  She had a recurrence at the site of the original tumor while his is in his lung, evidence that the cancer cells have spread through his body.  This means he is never going to be 'cured' although many people live years, even decades afterwards. With new targeted treatments including immunotherapy, he could be around to see his kid grow up.

 

historylover820 mentioned her dad not losing his hair. Remember Jimmy Valvano, Coach V? He didn't lose his hair either. He even shaved his head because he felt guilty when he was getting chemo that he had a full head of hair. Well his hair all grew back.

 

I feel like the show has abandoned its aspiration to be another This Is Us and has accepted that it is a soap opera. And I like it for that. Of course there is another obstacle for our group to suffer through. As absurd as it is, a lot of times I have preferred A Million Little Things to This Is Us.

[historylover820]

28 minutes ago, mansonlamps said:

Consider yourself lucky that you think a cancer metastasis story is "boring."  As a survivor,  that video was the only scene that made me cry as survivors live every day with the fear of recurrence or metastasis, and the portrayals of everything coming up roses for these two time and again has been unrealistic.  I appreciated the scene showing the devastation and fear in such a diagnosis. 

Virtual hugs going out to you!

It made me tear up as well.

And that Michael Keaton movie mentioned above.... I remember loving it when I saw it. I think it was called My Life. Nicole Kidman played his wife. I thought that was a really sweet movie.

My dad, thankfully beat his non-Hodgkins lymphoma that he was on chemo for last year. He still has prostate cancer to deal with. But, I was thinking how much I would love seeing a video with my Dad, giving me advice, even though he's not the kind to do that. And, like I said, luckily he beat his aggressive cancer (so far. Knock on wood).

[Snazzy Daisy]

Why is Maggie pulling a Meghan Markle at her first trimester? 🙄

[circumvent]

9 hours ago, mansonlamps said:

Consider yourself lucky that you think a cancer metastasis story is "boring."  As a survivor,  that video was the only scene that made me cry as survivors live every day with the fear of recurrence or metastasis, and the portrayals of everything coming up roses for these two time and again has been unrealistic.  I appreciated the scene showing the devastation and fear in such a diagnosis. 

It is devastating and I agree that it should't be all rosy and fine all the time. I had cancer too, and I have some new things that need monitoring before they present with dysplasia or, in other two parts of my body, before they turn into cancer, to catch it early. I find it boring that they are doing the story for he second time in - what? - as many seasons, and don't even bother to come up with a different idea than to copy an old movie (which I remember liking but it does't mean I want to see it badly reenacted). Besides, as devastating as it is, I am pretty sure they will not kill Gary, so it is just to give them an "easy out". Half of their writing next season is done already. Just copy/paste from other scripts. I reserve the right to call myself out if they do end up killing him (as his child is born, I am guessing)

Another movie I rewatched recently that made me cry, about cancer, is Step Mom

[cinsays]

On 5/19/2022 at 12:44 PM, marceline said:

I still wasn't feeling the way Rome talked to Maddox's father. It was pretty clear to me that Maddox's parents just didn't know how to deal with the situation. I won't pretend to know anything involved with coming out as trans but I feel like Maddox and his family simply needed counseling to figure out the new situation. They didn't need Rome trying to be a savior.

The subplot with Tyrell was ridiculous. Gina just assumed that Tyrell didn't want to go to Yale because of Vali (who continues to be a snotty Gen-Z stereotype) but didn't actually *ask* him?

This show really thinks Gary is much more charming than he is. His behavior in the store was just stupid. I give the show credit for hinting at Gary's cancer throughout the season and giving us a chance to revisit past scenes with new information. I didn't think this show was capable of that kind of subtlety.

That dinner at Katherine's looked amazing. If Katherine's mom made that dinner, she has cooking skills on par with Gina's.

But Maddox's parents were not interested in counseling, they just wanted her to be their daughter.  i think they needed Rome's nudge.

I pretty much zone out during any Gary and what's her name's scenes, but this stuff in the store was even worse than usual.  Sorry Gary is dying but if that means getting rid of Maggie, I am fine with it.

That meal did look wonderful.

 

[circumvent]

On 5/19/2022 at 12:44 PM, marceline said:

I still wasn't feeling the way Rome talked to Maddox's father. It was pretty clear to me that Maddox's parents just didn't know how to deal with the situation. I won't pretend to know anything involved with coming out as trans but I feel like Maddox and his family simply needed counseling to figure out the new situation. They didn't need Rome trying to be a savior.

I can agree with that but I think Maddox asked Rome to talk to the parents so that's the kid asking for help. Maybe not the best person, maybe not the best way - Rome could have guided him to a counselor, help him find the people who are used to deal with unaccepting parents, but I don't begrudge Rome. It was an emotional decision. I have done similar things (not related to sexuality or gender identity) that at the  moment seemed perfectly appropriate because there was too much emotion involved. In hindsight, I should have waited and thought about the whole thing before doing the thing because the person who asked was in such a bad place. I regret not doing better, but not the fact that I tried. 

[Clanstarling]

20 hours ago, circumvent said:

Theo is 12 and got a book that would be more fitting for a pre-schooler. My 11 year-old niece is reading a book on sustainability, just for reference.

Yeah at 12 I was reading true crime about the Boston Strangler. Probably not the right age for that one! Still creeps me out. To be fair, he got the book as a gift, though the girl is, I think about the same age.

13 hours ago, SnazzyDaisy said:

Why is Maggie pulling a Meghan Markle at her first trimester? 🙄

Maybe because there aren't arms on the chair and she needs somewhere to rest her hand?

[mansonlamps]

15 minutes ago, Clanstarling said:

 

Maybe because there aren't arms on the chair and she needs somewhere to rest her hand?

Pregnant women do this all the time,  probably just instinct. 

[Clanstarling]

42 minutes ago, mansonlamps said:

Pregnant women do this all the time,  probably just instinct. 

Yep, been there done that. Just quipping.

[Suzn]

I find a cancer storyline upsetting and couldn't enjoy watching it in any case, but I find Gary and Maggie obnoxious so I really don't want to follow it.  These two are so self-centered that normal behavior doesn't seem to apply to them; they are constantly performing as if on a stage.

The rapid resolution of all other situations leaves the focus for the next season to be all Gary and Maggie.  I do feel compelled to watch it but I'm not happy about it.

[hoodooznoodooz]

On 5/19/2022 at 12:44 PM, marceline said:

This show really thinks Gary is much more charming than he is. His behavior in the store was just stupid. 

This. Maggie, too. They are not cute. It’s too much. Just stop.

[Suzn]

2 minutes ago, hoodooznoodooz said:

This. Maggie, too. They are not cute. It’s too much. Just stop.

The question is why does the show seem to want us to find both of them cute.

[Sandman]

On 5/19/2022 at 9:49 PM, SnazzyDaisy said:

 But the scene between him and his dad in the forest, that was beautifully shot. Kudos to the director - Joanna Kerns.

I agree -- I thought in particular the overhead shot of the two of them with their heads together was lovely and moving. It was the only thing I really liked about the storyline.

Didn't love the bait-and-switch approach to the way Gary got the news, but I also agree that the hints in earlier episodes about what was really going on with Gary were there, and amounted, so far as this show is ever capable of it, to subtlety.

On 5/19/2022 at 9:49 PM, SnazzyDaisy said:

Is the show trying to turn Gary into Jon 2.0 for the series finale? He took over Jon’s role of keeping the group together. And his death, like Jon’s, will bring the whole group together again.

Oh, man, I hope you're wrong here. I mean, it seems likely to occur just this way, given the show's usual hamfistery (see "subtlety, lack thereof," above), but strikes me as overly manipulative and cynical.

[Snazzy Daisy]

10 minutes ago, Sandman said:

Oh, man, I hope you're wrong here. I mean, it seems likely to occur just this way, given the show's usual hamfistery (see "subtlety, lack thereof," above), but strikes me as overly manipulative and cynical.

What will be the most suitable “tragedy” that will bring back Delilah, Danny and Charlie to Boston?

We can say the death of Delilah’s dad but we don’t know whether he’s back in Boston or is forced to stay in France with Delilah due to his health. There’s no update on him, right?

[Maurina]

On 5/18/2022 at 11:42 PM, KaveDweller said:

I also liked Theo's reaction with his grandmother tried to claim Greta was just a friend. He just laughed like she was clueless, like it didn't even occur to him that she had an issue with Katherine being gay/bi.

Yep this was kind of my favorite part of the episode. And I'd like to think that Theo knows quite well that Grandma has an issue with Katherine being gay/bi - he just thinks it's kind of ridiculous. His generation (Gen Z I think? If he's over 10) is very different from even some Millennials when it comes to LGBTQ issues.

Other favorite part, even though I am aware (painfully) of how unrealistic it was:  Maddox's father acting like an actual adult, listening to Rome, and then trying to connect with his son. I was so, SO afraid that the writers were going to kill off Maddox via suicide. I appreciate the representation of a parent learning and supporting their trans kid.  It's much too rare, so seeing it - even in fiction - is important.

Edited May 22, 2022 by Maurina

[Katie111]

Why is Delilah in France (in real life).  I know there was an issue with the actress being from Canada and Covid but why did she move there permanently?  Actually I’m happy about it as I couldn’t stand her but just curious.  
 

“I’m so excited about ice cream before dinner!”.   Theo literally sounded like he was about 6 years old. Sorry but  most 12 year olds would not be happy about spending the day with their elderly grandmother. 

51 minutes ago, Katie111 said:

 

Edited May 22, 2022 by Katie111

[Leeds]

On 5/20/2022 at 2:52 PM, Notabug said:

Or why Gary didn't make multiple deposits back when he was first diagnoses with cancer a couple years ago; when he probably had many more viable sperm.  Even if he wasn't in a relationship at the time, a properly preserved semen specimen is goo for decades.

 

 

Great visual there.  Thanks!

 

[Sandman]

13 hours ago, Katie111 said:

Why is Delilah in France (in real life).  I know there was an issue with the actress being from Canada and Covid but why did she move there permanently?

Szostak was born in Paris; I don't think there's a Canadian connection.

[Clanstarling]

6 minutes ago, Sandman said:

Szostak was born in Paris; I don't think there's a Canadian connection.

As I dimly recall, the issue with Canada was with their Covid restrictions/quarantines and the time she would have to spend away from her family due to them.

[circumvent]

13 hours ago, Katie111 said:

Why is Delilah in France (in real life).  I know there was an issue with the actress being from Canada and Covid but why did she move there permanently?  Actually I’m happy about it as I couldn’t stand her but just curious.

If I remember well what was said in this forum, the actress lives in the US but the show is filmed in Canada, a different coast, and COVID precautions made it hard for her to be away from her family for too long. I am assuming they had to quarantine for some time before shooting, extending the time she would spend apart form her kids - I think. 

Speaking of Delilah, I will predict that she will be back for an episode or two because Gary is having cancer treatment and she is indispensable.  I don't think they will kill Gary, or if they do it will be to end the series, right after his child is born. They the writers might find a way to insert "heaven" where Gary will be everyone's favorite, totally forgiven and even justified for his crimes, and he will protect all the others left, he will guide his child until - time jump - the kid is the most perfect human being. All that will happen while Charlie is still a toddler, maybe an infant. I am only half snarking.

[Sandman]

I can't believe I actually forgot that the show is filmed in Vancouver!

[circumvent]

37 minutes ago, Clanstarling said:

As I dimly recall, the issue with Canada was with their Covid restrictions/quarantines and the time she would have to spend away from her family due to them.

jinx!

[Endora]

On 5/21/2022 at 5:46 PM, SnazzyDaisy said:

What will be the most suitable “tragedy” that will bring back Delilah, Danny and Charlie to Boston?

We can say the death of Delilah’s dad but we don’t know whether he’s back in Boston or is forced to stay in France with Delilah due to his health. There’s no update on him, right?

I thought her father died.

[Lethallyfab]

Wait, wasn’t it here that it was reported that it was a salary negotiation dispute that led to her departure?  I think if they genuinely wanted her back, they would have had her back by now.

[Notabug]

12 hours ago, Lethallyfab said:

Wait, wasn’t it here that it was reported that it was a salary negotiation dispute that led to her departure?  I think if they genuinely wanted her back, they would have had her back by now.

According to TPTB, it was the difficulties with filming in Canada that caused her to leave, at least initially.  The other actors apparently move to Canada during filming, don't know if their families come with them or not.  However, Szostak has always flown back and forth, going to Canada for a few days to film and then back home in the US.  I think she lives in upstate NY.  I guess her kids are enrolled in school there and she didn't want to uproot them.  Once COVID hit, it was virtually impossible for anyone to zip back and forth between Canada and the US as she had been doing which is why she was written out and we got a couple of Facetime visits instead.  I think, since then, either the actress has decided she doesn't want to return to the show or TPTB realized how unpopular her character is and decided to essentially write her out.

As I recall, on the show, Delilah went with her father to France, taking the baby with her.  Her father had dementia and it was progressing; he had spent a lot of time in France and wanted to visit one last time.  Then, just as they were ready to come home, he fell and broke his hip and couldn't travel; so Delilah postponed her return.  When she finally returned to Boston, she decided she needed a fresh start and put the house on the market and went back to Paris.

[Clanstarling]

1 hour ago, Notabug said:

According to TPTB, it was the difficulties with filming in Canada that caused her to leave, at least initially.  The other actors apparently move to Canada during filming, don't know if their families come with them or not.  However, Szostak has always flown back and forth, going to Canada for a few days to film and then back home in the US.  I think she lives in upstate NY.  I guess her kids are enrolled in school there and she didn't want to uproot them.  Once COVID hit, it was virtually impossible for anyone to zip back and forth between Canada and the US as she had been doing which is why she was written out and we got a couple of Facetime visits instead.  I think, since then, either the actress has decided she doesn't want to return to the show or TPTB realized how unpopular her character is and decided to essentially write her out.

As I recall, on the show, Delilah went with her father to France, taking the baby with her.  Her father had dementia and it was progressing; he had spent a lot of time in France and wanted to visit one last time.  Then, just as they were ready to come home, he fell and broke his hip and couldn't travel; so Delilah postponed her return.  When she finally returned to Boston, she decided she needed a fresh start and put the house on the market and went back to Paris.

Now that you've refreshed my memory, that's exactly what I remember. LOL

[desertflower]

Regarding the book Theo got, it’s true it was a younger book but he said a girl gave it to him (didn’t catch the name, was it Shaniece’s daughter or maybe some other girl he had a crush on?) But the point was she was trying to friend zone him. He mentions to his mom that the girl was trying to send him a message with the book. 

I wonder if James RR wants to be written off the show because it’s a big depressing mess. 

Agreed the scene with Maddox and his dad was beautifully shot. I appreciate that while the dad was initially a big jerk, they ended up softening the character a bit as he reveals he just doesn’t know how to handle the situation. It’s got to be hard to process. 

The whole ticket thing at the warehouse store was distracting because there was such a HUGE difference in the numbers. There was one desk helping people and there was like 100 something people before Gary’s number? Pretty sure they were serving 715 or something and Gary was 851? You’d be there all week! I get distracted by little things, lol. 

It would be nice if Eddie could get a break. 

[mansonlamps]

3 hours ago, desertflower said:

Regarding the book Theo got, it’s true it was a younger book but he said a girl gave it to him (didn’t catch the name, was it Shaniece’s daughter or maybe some other girl he had a crush on?) But the point was she was trying to friend zone him. He mentions to his mom that the girl was trying to send him a message with the book. 

I wonder if James RR wants to be written off the show because it’s a big depressing mess. 

Agreed the scene with Maddox and his dad was beautifully shot. I appreciate that while the dad was initially a big jerk, they ended up softening the character a bit as he reveals he just doesn’t know how to handle the situation. It’s got to be hard to process. 

The whole ticket thing at the warehouse store was distracting because there was such a HUGE difference in the numbers. There was one desk helping people and there was like 100 something people before Gary’s number? Pretty sure they were serving 715 or something and Gary was 851? You’d be there all week! I get distracted by little things, lol. 

It would be nice if Eddie could get a break. 

I don't agreee that the dad was a big jerk, but I do agree that he wasn't sure how to handle his teenage daughter presumably out of the blue presenting as his teenage son.   That can't be the easiest thing to deal with and it sounds like they've always been close.   If it takes a minute to process such an enormous announcement I don't think that makes him a jerk.  Plus Rome originally telling him "this is how its going to be" wasn't too productive or helpful.  

[ams1001]

4 hours ago, desertflower said:

The whole ticket thing at the warehouse store was distracting because there was such a HUGE difference in the numbers. There was one desk helping people and there was like 100 something people before Gary’s number? Pretty sure they were serving 715 or something and Gary was 851? You’d be there all week! I get distracted by little things, lol. 

Yeah, and after they lost their ticket their new one was 4 and they were still in the 700s. Were we to believe that they went to 999 and started over? No way were there that many people in the place.

Also, why the hell did they leave their ticket on the cart instead of taking it with them?

[desertflower]

3 hours ago, mansonlamps said:

If it takes a minute to process such an enormous announcement I don't think that makes him a jerk.

I agree with you, my jerk comment was referring to when he demanded Rome be fired and then accused him of putting the whole idea in Maddox’s head. But I’m glad they didn’t keep him that way and instead revealed that he was softening and admitting that he was having trouble processing it. 

[ams1001]

22 minutes ago, desertflower said:

But I’m glad they didn’t keep him that way and instead revealed that he was softening and admitting that he was having trouble processing it. 

I kinda liked the moment when the dad switched from "she" to "he" without even seeming to realize it.

[bybrandy]

If the show wanted Delilah back she'd been in zoom calls more often.  She's not.  So I don't think she's coming back in any long term sort of way.  They could have her weighing in with Sophie or Danny or chatting with a member of the group for a few minutes every episode they aren't doing that.  

Not only do not all people lose their hair during Chemo, not all chemo regimines cause hair loss.   The usual head and neck cancer chemo does not cause hairloss.  But my mom was on a trial that added a second drug and that did cause hair loss.   And people would ask her questions about it because hair loss wasn't something they saw a lot of in the head and neck clinic.   Her hair grew back thick and DARK it really, really, disturbed my mom's hairdresser to see her hair that dark.  It was funny.  

Radiation in the head and neck area though did a number on her hair and while most of it was great a patch in the back never grew back and patches around it were just never the same kind of texture.   Front and sides continued to be banging though.   

Until they tell me otherwise I'm assuming that they gave Gary a new primary (and I'm assuming those tests happened off screen but did happen (regardless if it is metastatic or a new primary) because while I know some people are surviving for years and years on years now it isn't a course I'd wish on my worst enemy.   Hugs to everybody living with cancer.  But I don't want to watch it on tv.

[circumvent]

42 minutes ago, bybrandy said:

 Hugs to everybody living with cancer.  But I don't want to watch it on tv.

Same. Having had cancer, caught very early, I didn't need any treatment. I am also at risk due to cysts all over that need monitoring. So far, so good. The issue with cancer on TV, it gets depressing, or too inspo-porn, more often than not they end up putting a happy face in the end, which is unrealistic for so many viewers. Besides, this show already did too many cancer stories

[mansonlamps]

5 hours ago, circumvent said:

Same. Having had cancer, caught very early, I didn't need any treatment. I am also at risk due to cysts all over that need monitoring. So far, so good. The issue with cancer on TV, it gets depressing, or too inspo-porn, more often than not they end up putting a happy face in the end, which is unrealistic for so many viewers. Besides, this show already did too many cancer stories

I completely agree that I hate cancer storylines as a survivor myself, but I appreciate that they are showing that not everything comes up roses like the last 3 times they chose to have a cancer storyline.  At least make it realistic,  which I feel they did,  even if Gary survives which I genuinely hope for.  I have no idea why the text is centering in my post🤔

[runninggal]

On 5/20/2022 at 3:09 PM, circumvent said:

What kind of insurance, or what kind of fertility specialist charges only $135.00 as co-pay or office visit with all that goes with such visits (harvesting, implanting, etc)? I don't think insurance companies cover fertility treatments, and if they do, a co-pay of $135.00 would be ust for the visit, and way too high. Their world is really strange.

Theo is 12 and got a book that would be more fitting for a pre-schooler. My 11 year-old niece is reading a book on sustainability, just for reference.

Cancer story again is really boring and parent leaving videos for future child has been done since forever. There was a whole movie with Michael Keaton from ages ago. 

I also hope that the actor who plays Theo has a growth spur, not because he needs to , but because the writers need a shake up, They need to write the kid's age

My insurance covered 3 rounds of IVF 100%. I am lucky but it is out there. 

[circumvent]

10 hours ago, runninggal said:

My insurance covered 3 rounds of IVF 100%. I am lucky but it is out there. 

Wow, your world is really weird too! 

Just kidding. I am so skeptical of the American "healthcare" industry, I am surprised when they actually treat people like humans