Personal Journey Entry # 36

It has been seven weeks since we decided with Dr. Boland to begin chemo and radiation treatment to kill off the remaining cancer cells in my esophagus. The malicious attack on the computer systems of Central Maine and St. Mary’s hospitals has put a tremendous burden on every medical facility in the area, particularly those providing all levels of cancer care, to pick up the slack. Our turn came yesterday, and we drove to Scarborough for radiation and then to Topsham for a long afternoon of testing and infusions of various concoctions. We sat with numerous nurses, doctor assistants, and doctors to review all of the possible side effects that we may encounter. These folks who work in oncology are angels walking on earth. Somehow, only the most caring, compassionate, and patient make this team. They are attuned to the physical, as well as the mental and emotional trauma their patients are feeling, and treat all facets of them. They all made sure Shay was comfortable and understood the path we were taking. I woke this morning after finally getting a decent few hours of sleep, and I feel great. No side effects as yet, and I hope we stay the course this way. The sunrise seemed especially beautiful this morning over our beloved Bear Pond. We are the luckiest people on earth.

It was incredibly helpful and heartwarming to receive the dozens of texts, Facebook messages, and phone calls of concern and support throughout the day. Many of you put tears of joy in this sappy Italian’s eyes. Don’t let yourselves feel too powerful, I cry while watching Tom Brady/Patriots videos on YouTube. It reminded us that we are not alone on this journey. We can never thank you all enough for the favors you have showered upon us since January. It is on your wings we will ride to remission in a few short months. The entire experience brought me to write this prayer for the day, and I would like to share it with and for you.

Dear Lord, you look down upon us,
with Your glory, power, and love.

You walk with us on our journey,
clearing the path and helping us
make the right decisions along
the way.

You gave us the patience needed as we
waited to begin this final leg
on our path to recovery.

You gave us the finest medical team,
and we have put our trust in them
because they are the shepherds
You chose to guide and cure us.

Lord, I surrendered my life to you on
that fateful January day, and You have
shown us I was right to put all my faith
and decisions into Your hands.

As I put my hand in Shay’s, please put your
arms around all of us. With your grace,
let us continue to feel the peace and love
of living with You every day.

We are ready to endure whatever is needed
on these final steps, knowing that You are
guiding us to the sound of the beautiful
bell that we will ring in Your name, when my
body is healthy and finally free of cancer.

Amen

Praise to God and thank everyone for being in our lives and following our journey to remission. Writing is my passion and release, and you have allowed me to share my thoughts with you. May God bless you and wrap his arms around us all.

Take care, Ray