Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Sorry for the delay...

Everything here is fine. I know it has been a few hours since I last posted... This morning I was preparing to go to Columbus to our Temple there. Mike decided at the last minute that he might like to go. I didn't think it would be possible, but Mike was sure it would work out.

Mike had his treatment and today was the day to meet with the Radiation Oncologist. So after his treatment we were seen by the doc. He is just the best man ever. He told us that Mike is doing great as far as the radiation is concerned but we need to watch for fatigue and some hair loss. Other than that, Mike's weight is holding steady and all of his other vitals are within normal limits.

We rushed home and should have left for Columbus by 10:00. We had a 1:00 appointment there. It was 10:30 by the time we were ready. Our friend, Nan, drove us there. She had to do some pretty fast driving to get us there on time. We arrived with 3 minutes to spare :) I got kind of scared when she said "that was great!... 5 miles in 3 minutes! I am not sure speeding all of the way to the temple is a very good thing to do, but we had a glorious time there. Mike and I were both renewed and invigorated. Mike slept a lot on the way and on the way home and is now ready to take the dog on a 2 mile walk. I am really tired. Tonight he will be going solo again! He and Rudy have become really good buddies...

It was kind of heart wrenching for me to give Mike the chemo drug last night. We were both pretty nervous. I woke up several times to see if Mike was ok. There were absolutely no side effects. He didn't get nauseated and woke up this morning feeling better than ever.

As part of the cancer center's courtesies, they allow each patient/family to meet with a nutritionist. We are anxious to see her next week. We want to verify that Mike is eating the correct number of calories, enough protein, etc. I have read so many books in the last few weeks, that I think I know what we are doing, but it is always nice to talk to a professional.

Many of you tried to call today and there was no voice mail... We will call AT&T tomorrow and see what the story is. We are sorry that you couldn't get through today.

I was thinking about the fear I have felt for the past several weeks and found this today..."For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

I know that we can conquer fear with faith. I know faith gives us power and makes us more charitable and loving. I am a bit worried about my mind being sound right now :), but I think in this instance the sound mind that Timothy refers to has to do with "peace of mind."

4 comments:

  1. Just call me Hélio. :) That makes me look like a speed demon but really it wasn't the whole way - just when I knew we were close and HAD to make it on time! THANKS for a WONDERFUL time with both of you today!!! It is good to laugh from time to time! Wouldn't trade it for anything! :) -Nan

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  2. Mike and Nancy,
    Natrually we all wanted to read a post---but we also know that it takes a lot of effort especially with so many other new tasks to deal with. We are so glad you were both able to go to the temple and bless Nan for getting you there. She's a jewel. We understand that both of you are very tired but having your faith lifted is major. The visit with the nutritionist should also be helpful. We think you are both doing quite well. Hang in there and also hang on to those scriptures. To help with sleep, Proverbs 3:24 "When thou liest down, thou shall not be afraid:yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." Hopefully that is the case each night.
    Again, Love and Prayers. J & B

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  3. Yesterday was a wonderful day. Our little spontaneous trip to the temple in Columbus was great. Thanks to Nan for excellent driving. I was able to sleep both ways for at least an hour of the trip and snacked on an organic lunch the rest of the time.

    Here is a quote from a recently decease apostle of our church:

    "If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."
    Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," Ensign, Nov. 2008

    My night sleep patterns could use a little work, but yesterday the naps were adequate and I don't feel tired, even after long walks with Rudy around the hood.

    I am tolerating both radiation and chemo very well. I have no nausia, no tender skin, no other side effects right now. I understand these treatments will have a cumulative effect over time, but the start has been great. The doctors, I believe, are amazed at the recovery and it is a testament to the faith and prayers of so many of you. The healing power from spiritual sources coupled with competent temporal medical care could not have been better.

    I express heartfelt gratitude to all of you. This was part of my prayer for all of you in the temple on Wednesday. May the Lord bless each of you for your loving care.

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  4. Today, you quoted a favorite scripture of mine (2 Tim 1:7). That scripture has gotten me thru some real struggles from time to time. Your blog keeps us not only informed, but it also provides such a sense of peace and comfort to each of us who love you dearly. Keep the faith and always know God is in charge. God makes no mistakes (a favorite Amish saying).

    Love and Prayers,

    Sis (Jan)

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