Three Down, Twenty Five To Go

Took Mom and Dad down to B-town yesterday and will go back to pick them up tomorrow morning. Dad just didn't seem very strong yesterday. Could've been the anxiety of getting down there, settling into the hotel, and taking his first radiation treatment. Anxiety can be exhausting.

I won't say we got through yesterday's first treatment without a hitch, b/c we didn't. Dad did great. It had nothing to do with him. The center had 2 machines down, which cannot be helped. They were running waaaay behind. His appointment was at 3:15, and we finished up at 5:15. I just didn't need for that to be the first experience. I didn't want Mom and Dad to become discouraged from the start, thinking it was going to be that hectic for the last 27 treatments. There was also a logistical problem with getting his blood drawn in preparation for chemo today. I won't go into it. Let's just say I went a little Shirley MacLaine from Terms of Endearment on the nurses.....just a little bit.

Talked with Dad tonight. He sounded great. He said the chemo was easy, and he said he feels better today than he's felt in a long time. He told me he was going to go to the treatment tomorrow by himself, which is fantastic news! I hope he feels as great tomorrow morning when he wakes so that he really can go through the treatment alone. I think that would serve his psyche well. He's always been in control, and this sign of taking control back is GREAT! The state of your mind is as much a part of this journey as the physical breakdown and removal of the cancer. Let's pray for more days like today! Of course, my husband tells me Dad's decided to go it alone so that the Shirley MacLaine's spirit stays in Hollywood. Everyone's a comedian....

Next time I see Dad, he will have three treatments down, with only 25 more to go. We pray for a smooth process from here on out. We pray that he maintains this "up" of feeling good and taking control. We pray that this "thing" succumbs to the forces of radiation and chemo, and we pray that through all of this, Dad will actually become better and stronger, knowing that he is steps closer to erasing this disease from our lives. The support from family and friends has lifted our spirits. It's comforting to know that while we are going through the logistics of this and navigating the tough spots, there are so many that have us in their hearts and are lifting us in prayer. I am thankful for my school family and my church family and the many prayers each of them have included us in.

As always, much love to all, and good night......Jen