Chemo treatment on my 48th birthday
Today is the day I turn 48 years old! Happy 48th birthday to me. I am sitting at the Abramson Cancer Center as I get my sixth round of Chemotherapy. I am sitting here listening to the rhythm of the pump as it pushes the first part of my treatment into my body. If you had asked me last year, even six months ago, if this is how I would be celebrating my 48th…well this was nowhere on my radar. It is a surreal feeling. This is my sixth treatment and once completed I will be halfway through my first round of treatment. The plan is to complete twelve rounds of Chemo and then make plans based upon how I am responding to the treatment. If all goes well, and it is so far, I should reach twelve rounds by October. There is a chance I could be Chemo free for Thanksgiving and Christmas…you have no idea how much that possibility excites me.
Rayann’s apple, bacon pancakes from the Drip Cafe
My day began with Rayann taking me out to breakfast. It is always good to share some special time with her. She is growing into a lovely young woman. I am so proud of the person she is becoming. We talked about her trip to Roatan. We talked about going back…traveling together this time. Roatan has become a special place for the two of us…kind of father daughter retreat and my heart broke when I could not share it with her again this year. She shared the same thought but was glad to be able to introduce Nancy to this place that has become so special to the two of us. She shared her plans for college. We had been talking about the wisdom of staying local and getting some of the Gen Ed credits out of the way at a local community college before heading off to the school of her choice. She has decided that sounds like a good idea and is looking forward to spending some more time at home. I made sure she was not making that decision because of my illness…she says she is not. I breathed a sigh of relief…I have a two year reprieve with Owen. He loves her immensely and has “issues” whenever she leaves for extended time periods. I was not sure what was going to be harder, watching Rayann leave for college or living with Owen without Rayann around.
On the way to Chemotherapy we stopped at Dunkin Donuts and picked up a bunch of donuts. If one has to receive Chemo on their birthday we are going to make a party of it. The staff all laughed and were grateful. Some said they should have made me a cake. The truth is they take such good care of me (us) we all ought to be bringing them food each time we come to visit them. They are always in a good mood and have the ability to make a less than ideal situation bearable.
I will be here for a few hours, close to three, and then will head home for the day. I am not sure what the rest of the day holds. I do know that I will be celebrating life and the opportunity to share it with family and friends. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to wish me a happy birthday.
Happy Birthday, Dan! You were born on Claude’s and my second anniversary. Now, I’ll always remember your age and your birthday. As usual, thanks so much for your post today. Your personal thoughts about Rayann, Owen, and even the nurses who take care of you during these treatments speak volumes of your love for others and your Lord.
Thanks so much for sharing these, and know that you’re in our prayers. (Mary)