Personal Journey Entry # 44

God never promised us a thing along this journey. When I surrendered my life to Him in January, when I heard that word Cancer, He just said he would be by our side, and that he had a plan. Well, ten procedures, 28 doses of radiation, and five rounds of chemotherapy have brought us to today.

I had my treatment wrap-up call yesterday with my Oncologist, Dr. Boland, and it was a bit anticlimactic. His message was clear. Rest, heal, and we will do a CT Scan and Endoscopy in December to confirm what he already believes: we caught the tumor early, I went through hell with the suspended surgery, the failed resection, and (in his words) he kicked my butt with the strength and quantity of the radiation and chemotherapy. He went out on a limb to promise that what we will find in December is that the tumor is gone. The tumor will be gone, and my body will be free of cancer. God is smiling down on us, and we send praise and glory to Him, but that smile suggests He is not done with us just yet. He has work for us to do. Remission does not come without strings attached.

I had a very challenging week last week. A ridiculous 24/7 cough that Shay described as violent. I would get weak and lose my balance during some of the rounds of coughing to free some mucous from my throat. Sleep was nearly impossible, but I had to get behind the wheel each morning. Quick naps, meditation, and mind games got me through. I think Jesus took the wheel sometimes. We got through it because there was no Plan B, and this week, we are getting stronger each day as the healing process runs its course. This is what we are aiming for over the next three months: to heal and make each day better than the last. We need to finish strong, and we will, with His help.

I am not very good at waiting for an outcome. I am more of an instant gratification kind of guy, but with cancer, you have no choice, and you learn to be patient. That time allows me to pray and reach out to the many Angels who could not have done more to make our lives as smooth as possible while each day was filled with anxiety and trepidation. They drove for me, cooked meals, played cribbage, or just called to check in. They are amazing and we could not be luckier to call them friends. They have been with us since Day 1, and they will have their hands on the rope to ring that bell in December. Dr. Tompkins has reached out to me, and since she saved my life and started this nearly yearlong journey in January, I have asked her to do the final Endoscopy to confirm remission. She has graciously accepted.

And to my Shay. You have held my hand, both literally and figuratively, every step of the way since we began this journey. There is no way I can repay that kind of devotion, love, and partnership than to say I end this journey a better and stronger man than I began it, and that will help me be a better man for you for all of the tomorrows we are yet to enjoy. God has blessed us with a new chapter to write. Let’s make it one helluva story. I love you, Babe.

Thank you for stopping by and checking in. May God bless you and wrap His powerful arms of protection around you. Ray