From the view of my medical team, my body is responding well and as expected to the radiation and chemotherapy treatments. From my view, I had hopped I would feel good enough to put in a few hours of work today. It was a bit silly of me to think I would somehow be less affected by chemo than others are. Humility is good, but I can't help but be optimistic about my recovery! -)
The past two days I've fought nausea, loved the fact I have a feeding tube to maintain nutrition and hydration and slept almost all the time. Not sure I've ever felt this sleepy. I'm told these symptoms will persist for several more days.
I've started a draft summary of this journey... if I were a Hollywood writer, this would be known as a prequel to this blog. What started as a sore throat in December 2005 morphed into my current diagnosis of cancer in the base of my tongue. If all goes well, I'll post this overview in a day or so. I will take time to write a "shorter letter", which will enable you to come up to speed on my two year journey in a few short minutes.
Take care, and thank you for the support all of you are providing. I find your posts uplifting and a great reminder of the many remarkable people I've been blessed to develop friendships with over my lifetime.
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15 comments:
I am still here, working on my research project and think of you and how to help you and your family. I wish i can talk to you and lift your spirit by the way next spring we go play golf together, and hopefully a trip to Italy all together.
Gianluca (in my account my name is americanized)
Dave – my confirmation verse, Isaiah 43: "I have called you by name, you are mine…,” seems to bolster me in times of struggle. The idea that God calls each one of us – knows us – by our name and all that comes with it…in a world with over 6 billion people…well, it’s somewhat overwhelming to me. But that’s just it – we know and are known by God. We matter. I hope this verse can be a reminder to you on your journey – that no matter where you go, you belong to God. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Theresa and your family.
Blessings, Jami Schaefer
Most of the chemotherapy patients I've interviewed over the last five years talked about how tired they were at first, but it got much better as their body adjusted. I bet you'll set a new record for recovery.
I'm delighted to hear the early response is in the direction expected. Dude, I bet this Thanksgiving you're going to feel an amazing rush, because from what I've seen on your blog there is going to be a lot of us praying for you and giving thanks that we are blessed to know you.
Love you man...
Kent
Dave - enjoy the rest while you can; it's exactly what you/your body needs. I sometimes miss my naps when I could just crawl up in a spot and doze. My family now just calls that lazy - go figure.Can't wait to see your journey documented...in fact, I think the story Soul Focus will some day be immortalized as a 'drama of the week'. Of course, I'd want Whitney Houston to play the part of me and perhaps...Tom Cruise to play you :-)LOL!
We love you much and you are constantly in my prayers.
Hey David, just talked to your mom & told her what an amazing guy you are....I see how you feel humbled, but I tell you, you are much stronger than I ever could be. I would be a pain in the hiney & a total wimp! Thank goodness for Theresa that you're the patient and not me! Even in this challenging time, you're still trying to be strong for everyone else! You're a real Godsend to all of us, and a sanity check for our family! You always seem to help bring sense to some of our 'insanities'! Glad my sister married you so the rest of us could benefit too! It's your turn now, so when you need help to manage keeping sane, we'll try our best to rise to the level but know that we'll never be quite as capable as you! I still remember that the best advice that I've ever been given was from you when I was 17. I wanted to join the Army so I could support myself through college. I was so unsure of myself but you told me "evaluate your choices and make the most informed decision you can. Go forward with it and never look back in regret because you did the best that you could for yourself based on what you knew at that time". You helped me make the best decision in my life that I've ever made and I see that you're following your own advice now. I will pray that God helps guide information your way to help make those tough decisions and for Him to put doctors in your path with the best knowledge possible. God bless my sweet brother in law! Like Gianluca said, let's head to Italy, you already have the free tickets & a place to stay! Love you! Julie
Dave, I remember once a coach of mine told me when things looked difficult or hard, to never give up because eventually it pays off. I still keep and apply that advice in my life. I knew he meant what he said when he stood in the rain in zero degree weather making sure his long distance team completed the workout even though he was completely soaked. I know God has a plan for all of us and sometimes we do not understand why certain things happen, but in the end they serve a purpose. We pray to God to protect and guide you and your family through this trial. The Guerras.
Hi Dave-I told Michele Bledsoe Young you were encouraged by the truly miraculous story of cancer healing in her friend. I also reminded her you'll look her face up in the HS yearbook + bro Michael and sis Maggie.
My Wed a.m. Bible study 'just so happens' is at Mt 8. Lots of physical healing + Matthew's amazing details on why + how. I see the centurion describe a servant's paralysis + pain to Jesus, which keeps me from feeling goofy when I describe your needs in prayer. Of course He knows, but the faithful Gentile described with compassion, so now I am confident and exact.
Jesus later speaks Isaiah 53:4. He fulfills the ‘took up all our infirmities and carried all our diseases’. Dave, you get to live this truth for all to see. I know your real Primary Care Doctor is Chief Physician, Jesus.'
The Fowlers are talking to Yahweh about the McCalleys... so you're a household name to Him ... but, of course He knew that, too!
Glad to hear that all signs are positive so far. You continue to be in my thoughts and I wish you and the family a peaceful Thanksgiving.
And I love your great attitude about everything - I really believe that having a positive outlook is what has helped my mom through several bouts of cancer.
-Lee
Dave: I just learned about your blog from Kendra. Thank you for having the courage to share your story. Through your words, you will touch and bless so many people. Know that you are in my prayers. You are such a strong individual and have such a wealth of friends, you will beat this. With God by your side, you will be see this through. God bless - Dana Spoor
Matthew 7:12
There is so much in the Sermon on the Mount. The Golden Rule (above); The Lord's Prayer (5:9-13); and of course the Beatitudes...among so much more. There is also Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."
I think of you when I think of this passage. In you I have always seen the inverse of this teaching...where your heart is is also where you build your treasure. Even now I can sense you storing up treasures for the family and friends close to your heart.
You, Therese, and your children are in my family's prayers.
God Bless and Keep you.
Hello Dave,
I will miss seeing you on thankgiving this year, Alessandra will like to see her uncle and play with him. Your courage is amazing, I could not do it so, maybe one of these day you will see me from the window of the basement waving at you. I think I will freak you out like the people in the Burger king commercial whent they see the King.
With immense love and Admiration your insane brother in law.
Dave and Theresa,
As we come to the end of this Thanksgiving Day,we can't help but to praise God for His faithfulness in every sitution. We are thankful that He is with you, that He is loving you, that He is hearing the crys of your hearts and that He knows your pain. You are in His hands, the very best place to be. Love, Bonnie and Gene.
Dave,
Thanks for the example of how God's grace sustains us in our most difficult times. We pray constantly for your comfort and healing, your family's strength, and the hope that through this God will be glorified. Perhaps others may come to believe on Jesus Christ as their savior based on your testimony and example. Keep fighting the good fight, and know that you are not alone.
Dan, Melinda, and the boys
Dave - I was out shopping this morning on "Black Friday" and ran into your Mom and Greg. Since Bryant and I have been relatively absent from church we had no idea that this had progressed into what it is!
Your Mom, being the strong and kind person that she is, explained everything to me that has been going on - I stood in shock listening to her as shoppers wandered about in their own world. It is amazing how we can be so out of touch with what is truly important.
Dave - our prayers are with you and your wonderful family. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know. Philippians 1:3-4
I keep thinking of a bronze sculpture in a prominent place in Wayne and Shirley Haub's house. It's of David, slingshot in hand, with his foot on the neck of the fallen giant Goliath. This verse has come to my mind at every remembrance of you (which is daily: I Sam 17:47"the battle is the Lord's".
Tamsie
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