I spent a day at the local medical university and found out that I am okay. My CT scan indicated "no intracranial pathology". Good words...but if only they knew! Seriously, it's good to know that I can do Cross Fit without worrying. Got checked with blood work and a general physical too.
I am concerned because my wife went in for her mammogram and has to have a biopsy on Tuesday. The docs are 98% sure that this is just a benign thing, but both of us will be much happier once it is over. Please keep her in your thoughts.
We had a glorious afternoon on the small john boat yesterday, traveling to meet up with friends in a nearby creek for lunch. The day was warm and fun which is what we needed to keep our spirits upbeat.
I have talked with my first sponsor many times since his diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer. He has taken his first chemo treatment and isn't feeling so good. I am hoping his spirits will uplift some. He admits that he is doing the self-pity behavior now. I know that whether he decides to continue with the chemo or decides to go into palliative care is his to make. I have read Kathleen's blog Sittin' on a Porch since she started it. I admire her fighting spirit that wants to live life to the fullest since her diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer.
Speaking of fighting spirit, I met a fellow the other day who has pancreatic cancer and is now in his fourth experimental treatment. He has traveled from Tucson to Georgetown University Hospital to participate. This treatment isn't working so he is next going to try another one in Detroit. He wants to live another day so he keeps trying to fight the disease that he knows is going to kill him sooner rather than later.
I don't know what I would do in either case. But I believe that I would want to fight to live. Every day matters in some way or the other. And if a person can have one more precious day that's good. I think though that quality of life is a big factor. Watching both of my wife's parents waste away in their last few months of life was terrible. I know that my sponsor will make the decision that feels right for him. We all have challenges to meet and how we work through them is deeply personal and individualistic.
I have been hoping to get around to commenting on more blogs. You all write a lot! I don't have it in me at the moment. Too much gardening to do, people to think about, waters to roam--indoors is not my favorite place to be as spring comes to the Lowcountry. Soon enough, it will be too hot to enjoy being outside during the day.
So I'll leave you with some photos from the past week.
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| Last rays of the sun as night is coming on |
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| Spectacular sunset |
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| My good girl on the boat |
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| Landscaping almost done |
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| We have spent several evenings out here relaxing |
I am glad your CT went well and now, may your wife's biopsy do the same.
ReplyDeleteSending all good hopes.
Thanks, Mary. We are hoping too. No more drama as 2014 is supposed to be better than last year.
DeleteOh Syd, your yard! Its gorgeous!! Its like a park.
ReplyDeleteI was just talking to a friend this morning and we were speculating on what our response would be if we were dxed with a terminal illness....I would fight some, but I would not want to spend my every waking moment figuring out ways to survive or finding new treatments. I am big on quality vs. quantity....says the woman who wants to live be 100! lol I am also big on leaving with grace and dignity. I have gotten to take care of many many people as they leave this earth and have seen all sorts of approaches. The hardest to navigate have been the ones where they just can't accept that they are leaving and there is usually much turmoil in those situations. I know that I don't want that! I hope your sponsor and your other friend can find some peace with whatever their futures hold.
It surely is a decision that many of us will have to make. I hope that I go as my dad and mother did--suddenly without any lingering illness.
DeleteHmmmmm - - - Syd - - - your backyard is quite inviting and a lovely show place. You may be surprised with visitors there!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Anonymous #1
Please do come out to visit. You know where we live.
DeleteYou and C will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYour garden is gorgeous and lush and wonderful. How 'bout if I come over and sit in that adirondack chair and chat with you and C. while the fire burns? Sounds good to me.
You are always welcome here. Anytime you would like to come for Bridge Run week, let me know. We have a lot of room.
Deleteevery day does matter...and i would hope that i had the persistence of that man...i hope all is well with you wife and it is benign...watching those we love waste away is brutal...went through that with my mother in law...oy...wow your back lot is awesome too...and love the look your good girl is giving you...smiles...have a great week syd...
ReplyDeletePrayers for C - hoping it will all be a distant memory soon. Beautiful landscaping!! I'd be spending part of every day in the yard if it was mine!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!!
My dad lived for eight months with stage 4 lung cancer...he fought it until the last week and had quality of life until the last two days. He decided that he would try chemo which really surprised us all but we supported him in whatever he wanted. I don't think any of us know what we would do when faced with that decision until the time comes. Looking back I realize that the doctors were selling hope but that is what my dad needed and wanted and so I am thankful for that. Wishing you all the best for C's biopsy result...
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad to hear your headaches aren't something serious. I'm still impressed that you crossfit.
ReplyDeleteI hope your wife is ok. Earlier this year I had to go back for a re-look after an inconclusive mammogram, and even though they were sure when they called me that it was ok, it was still nerve-wracking until they did the second sonogram and mammogram.
Good luck Syd, I hope all is well with your wife. I myself am going to the Doc tomorrow for my yearly normal check up but I am always nervous she will find something when checking those personal areas.
ReplyDeleteI am jealous you are getting warm weather, we still can't get past the 50s and that's on a good day. I only managed to walk to my meetings two or three times this year (I live only 6 blocks away form the local Alano club). I broke down yesterday and just walked even though it was only in the 40s and the wind was whipping off Lake Michigan (and I live right on the water).
Anyway, if you dont' have time to write on my blog I understand. I been in and out myself.
OH and those head aches yeah I deal with them all the time. They aren't as intense sense I stopped eating gluten but I still feel the pressure in my eyes and it sometimes is hard to focus them and often times I just want to keep them closed (usually at work when I am bombarded with invasive florescent lights mixed with LCD monitors and all that. I never had gotten a scan though. I probably should.
ReplyDelete