Cheers
Today we started my first round of systemic chemotherapy, for the fourth time.
I felt like Mr. Peterson as I returned to chemotherapy today. Over the past four years I have had the opportunity to get to know a great many nurses.
Walking in I was greeted with choruses of NORM! or in my case Dan while I made my way to the chair that was to be my home for the next four hours.
One big difference being I never got a beer.
Nurses that recognized me were quick to say hello and come over for a kind greeting. I had not seen most of these nurses for about eight months. We re-connected, talked about family, some of my journey these past months, and then got down to the work at hand.
In short order my nurse for the day had me hooked up to a pump and we started another round of chemotherapy.
Cancer Fight Club
As I got settled in I noticed this picture in the window. I have no idea who Joe is. His message really meant a lot this morning.
I hope you feel better
I am sorry that you’re sick.
Keep fighting the cancer.
Don’t give up! You got this!
I’m praying for you and your family.
I know the experience is hard.
I know God will help you.
You are going to kick cancers butt.
Cancer Fight Club
Love, Joe
Oh Dignity My Dignity
Last week I went for my MRCP and was once again handed a one-size-fits-all gown to wear. This time there was a mirror in the changing room. I figured these circumstances provided the perfect opportunity for me to model how these gowns work for me.
Returning from my procedure I showed Nancy the picture. The first words out of her mouth were, “You are not going to put that on your blog are you?”
It was a crazy question, why else would one bother to take such a picture.
Returning to the Familiar
This day may have been a first, as in first chemotherapy treatment this round.
It felt more like a returning. A returning to something familiar and normal.
A part of me is thankful for that reality. I do not envy those who embark upon this journey for the first time. It is filled with uncertainty, fear, and the unknown.
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue fighting.
I also realize that while knowing what to expect can be a blessing, it can also make the journey that much more difficult.
In many ways anticipating the onset of side effects is worse than what physically happens. So much of this journey, like much of life, is mental and spiritual.
My goal is to live and move focused on remaining mentally and spiritually strong.
Tomorrow will be a big day for our country. I stumbled across one of my posts from four years ago, A Psalm for Election Day. In reading it over I do not think there is much I would change.
I am so proud of your amazing humor. I have a friend who is going through chemotherapy. He just lost his hair. Second time around. He said he’s been through it before, and it will be ok. Then, when I saw his picture he sent me, I knew he was sad. I came here looking for the right words because I never seem to have them. I noticed you are such an eloquent writer. I never knew how much a person has to go through and still I really don’t, but I have more knowledge than before my friend got sick. I am amazed at your willingness to share your experience. Thank you! I wish you complete healing, amen!
Tammy, your friend is lucky to have you. Finding the “right words” is not easy, and can make us feel like we are responsible to fix what is often an un-fixable situation. The best thing friends and loved ones can do is walk alongside each other through difficult seasons. I write about that in my post “The Words We Speak.”
Feel free to reach out anytime. pastor@ksqfbc.com
I will be praying for you and your friend.
Dan, first let me say nice gams… Never would I have imagine you would have posted that picture. I’m sure Namcy’s cheeks must have flushed at the thought.
Second, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you continually. I understand the nerves moving back into this process and how our minds can be our own personal prisons at times. I know that you are great at using the quite as moments of reflection and conference with our creator. He speaks so strongly to you in those times. Continue focusing on His words as you walk this familiar path. I don’t understand His will in all of this but I know that you are steadfastly following Him into the continual unknown.
May God wrap his healing arms around you, Nancy, and the kids as you all go to battle again.
In Christ,
Dottie
Hi Dan..I do hope this new round results in a TKO for Mr.C….Miss seeing you at the Church..I’ve been a little lax with the Virtual meetings…and only attended a couple of “Live Performances”..😉..but all else is good..Hope 2 C U Soon!!