Recovery Phase Here I Come!

Well, I’m ready now to begin a new phase – recovery! Yesterday, I had my last two radiation treatments. I’ve been warned to not expect much change for a while. However, its hard not to anticipate each additional day removed from the treatment protocol designed to destroy the cancer, and in the process my health. For each day removed from the treatment, is one more day my body will utilize its divinely inherent healing process to repair itself.

I have been told there are some functions in my oral cavity that may not return, or only partially return to normal. Possible long term side effects include functionality of salivary glands and taste buds that loose their sensitivity. The radiation doctor carefully mapped out the application and intensity of radiation to mitigate these risks, but his first priority is killing the cancer, not insuring my mouth returns to its pre-treatment state. I have sipped liquids recently and noticed that sweet liquids and water taste awful, but chicken broth was closer to normal. Time will tell how this plays out. Again, a small sacrifice to have a chance at a cancer free life.

Last week was a bit of a rollercoaster for me. On Christmas Eve, I felt good enough to travel to my mom’s home a few minutes a way. This is where we have traditionally spent Christmas Eve as a family. No one expected me to have the strength to do this, so it was a real treat for us all. On Christmas day, I went for radiation treatment in the morning. The clinic was closed but my physician and a technician came in special to make sure my last week of treatment was on protocol (Thanks again to both of you!). My wife’s family and my family came to our home on Christmas for brunch. The previous evening was pretty exhausting for me, so I ended up spending much of Christmas sleeping. Then on Wednesday evening we received a phone call from Elliott. He was very shaken as he told me he just had a bad wreck. He and his girlfriend were returning from dinner when he hit “black ice” as I-435 North crosses the Missouri river. He spun out of control and eventually came to rest with his truck facing the wrong direction pinned against the guard rail. Theresa met Elliott at the emergency room. Elliott’s girlfriend was bruised and Elliott broke his nose, but nothing too serious. His truck was totaled. We focused on the protection God provided to shift his teenage mind from the loss of his favorite material possession to the physical protection God provided. More lessons and growth ahead on this front, I’m sure. Needless to say, the emotional energy on top of the final days of treatment resulted in me sleeping a lot Thursday and Friday to fight off the fatigue.

The events of the past week reinforces my resolve to beat cancer. There is so much I still want to provide my family in the way of guidance and support. I pray for God’s healing and the privilege to serve Him for many years to come.

Thanks again for your continued cards and notes of support. They are keeping our spirits bright! Talk with you soon.