Personal Journey Entry # 32

It feels like we have been on hold for weeks, waiting for the next phase of treatment to kick in, but time is moving very quickly now, and things are starting to happen. Monday was a CT Scan and a training session on chemotherapy. The CT scan was all good news. This is a baseline scan, and it showed the remains of the resection and no other cancer cells in the area. Shay and I sat through the chemo training, and we certainly hoped that they were preparing us for a worst-case scenario. Dr. Bolen is supplying me with a party pack of prescriptions to care for nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Danielle also walked us through the implant and use of the port, which will be placed next Tuesday. This device will eliminate the need for a prescription to relieve excess needle injections! The chemo is actually an interesting regimen of two days on and twelve days off. I will have a device attached through the port dispensing the solution for 48 hours, then have the line removed until the next two-week cycle begins. There will be about six cycles over three months.

The radiation therapy is still a bit of a mystery until we meet with Dr. Cheney, our newest team member, on Wednesday. We can get the mapping done and start asap. The radiation will be five days on and two off, but I do not know how many cycles yet. I have to admit, I have been against the chemo and radiation from the get-go, but if the next three months can clean up whatever remains in my esophagus, then hook me up and zap away. I am still incredibly lucky that I may escape this challenge with my esophagus and stomach intact, minus 50 to 60 pounds. We are already down 25, but I see a significant drop in appetite only days away.

It is hard to believe that this journey is only five months long. We have been to ten hospitals and clinics and have had nine surgeries or procedures under anesthesia. We have had highs and lows and have yet to have a symptom of this killer inside of me. I think the emotional side of cancer may be the hardest, which is why I have already signed up to be a mentor with Imerman Angels. I have big shoes to fill with my Angels, David and Kathy, but they will be behind me every step of the way. I am also waiting to start a cancer support group at East Auburn Baptist, which is our new Sunday morning home. Physically, I feel great except for incredible fatigue, but mentally, I am toast. I am trying my hardest to finish strong, and I ask God to give me the strength to pull that off. He has answered every prayer so far, so I think he will answer that one, too.

We are at Bear Pond for the summer, and the beauty and tranquility of the pond are helping enormously. It doesn’t hurt to be surrounded by our Pond Friends, and 18 of them joined us to celebrate life this past Sunday. There is no way to describe the power I derive from this incredible group, and I cannot thank them enough. I, no, we love every one of them.

So, as always, thank you for stopping by, and may God bless and keep you. Until next time, I love you, Ray.