(From William)...
I started thinking about what to write for this
blog post,
and one thing became immediately clear to me.
I would be the worst comedian since the invention of the art form. I
know the punchline. I know where the story is going. And I can’t WAIT
to get there. I have no sense of timing, and I’m just not
very funny to begin with. It might entertain
people to watch me attempt it just for the disaster it would be. Anyone
with kids would enjoy the silence of
the room, regardless of how uncomfortable it would be.
See, that entire first paragraph is designed solely to
procrastinate. I know I have good news,
and I need to force myself to engage you somehow other than jumping to the
end. The antagonist is obvious, but the
actions behind the scenes are not. And
if I were a more gifted writer, I could develop some sort of suspense, since
that’s what I’ve been experiencing for the past two months. But I have a dearth of bad news, and I
haven’t even wasted that much energy since the last MRI worrying.
The sequence of events at the doctor’s appointment is
usually the same. First, I sign in. Then I wait.
Then the nurse comes to see me and asks a series of questions which,
from what I can tell, is designed to tell the doctor what changed since my last
appointment. After she leaves, I wait
again. Then the PA or a fellow comes in
to do some diagnostic tests. “Close your
eyes. Touch your nose with your left
hand. Push against my hand.” That kind of thing. Then I wait again until the doctor comes in
to tell me what the MRI showed and let us look at the actual images.
This time, we got two bonuses with our appointment. First of all, the PA told me the MRI was
stable, so I had ten fewer minutes of concern.
Secondly, she told me that since things were going so well, I don’t even
need to come to the office in between the MRIs.
So instead of a full-blown appointment, all I need is a blood test. If blood work comes back with a problem of how my body is handling chemo, I will need to return for a visit, if not then will start next round of chemo. I would still do whatever it takes to fight
the disease, but having the physician tell me I don’t even need as much
supervision really makes me believe things are going well.
That was the majority of the day. When the doctor came in the room a few
minutes later, he walked in and said, “Well, the MRI is stable.” Then he sat down, looked at us, and shrugged
his shoulders as if to say, “Any questions?”
I guess nothing more than that was necessary.
So that puts me back on chemotherapy this week. I’ll be done with that Sunday evening, then
we’ll wait two months for the next scan. However, chemo will continue in between with another round in June. I have my next MRI around July 8 with results the following day.
I usually come home to some sort of encouraging surprise, and this time was no exception. I was encouraged to go into diabetic shock, unfortunately. I exited the garage to a trail of Smarties and Starbursts, then came into the house to find peppermint patties, which I love, of course. I'm thinking of going by Hansel in the future. But I was very impressed by the posters on the floor of my living room. My team is going to have trouble topping this one from a creativity standpoint.
I feel so fortunate and blessed to have this much love and rallying behind me. It really does help me to keep going. Can't believe it will be one year shortly after the next MRI since I was diagnosed. Really want to say thank you to all those who have been there for our family and supported us this entire year. Thanks for all the help along the way. Chemo will continue until October and MRIs for another 18 months every 2 months so please continue to follow our journey. It means so much to us!
Specific Prayer Requests (many similar to last month as they remain pertinent):
- That we remember to continue to live in the moment and enjoy each other and be thankful for each new day.
- Continued prayers that we have the support and help of others along this journey
- Prayers that I continue to experience God's healing power and that my brain continues to show no tumor re-growth
- Prayers of thanksgiving that my last MRI showed change in a positive direction and that Eda and I are able to rest easier knowing I am experiencing healing.
- For the remainder of this round of chemo that I tolerate it and can muster through with little side effects and for the next round that will start in June.
Family in Galveston
William hanging with his girls
love this pic of daddy and Abigail swimming
Audrey 17 months
All the Team William Candy Bar posters and sign!
Team William made up of Hershey and Crunch bars!
Cancer Ribbon made out of Hershey Kisses!
Trail of mints... 
Poster 1 of 4
Poster #2 of 4
Poster #3 of 4
Poster #4 of 4
Eda and Audrey
Family picture at William's brother's wedding
Love this pic of the back of the girls - Sisters!
Sisters at William's brothers wedding - Abigail was a flower girl
Fiesta Texas - Audrey on Ferris wheel
Abigail and Eda on tea cup ride
William and Audrey at Greek Festival
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