I mentioned in a previous post that Doug was given a week of vacation from his chemo drugs? Last Monday Doug's doctor wanted to wait until he evaluated the results of the thyroid numbers before resuming the chemo. Doug's vacation was extended. He also had his physical therapy assessment with therapy to begin this coming week.
Saturday night the vacation from chemo ended. During this extended vacation and while on the fewest drugs to date, we had some false expectations that Doug would really be able to feel greater energy. We were, however, grateful for the few days Doug did feel a tiny “spark”.
The numbers of his last blood panel showed that his thyroid was in the normal range so that is not the lack-of-energy issue. We did learn that his white count was high enough so that with normal percautions we could get out of the house for short periods of time. That was special for both of us.
You know how after you’ve been on a 2-week vacation you dread going back to work and your daily activities? Doug was dreading the thought of having to return to his medical routine. He told me that at the same time he was eager to take the medications so he can get all of this behind him as soon as possible. For a change he'd rather be working than on a vacation!
Sunday he watched New England beat San Diego in the NFL play off game. I went to spend some time with my Mom. I came back in time to fix our evening meal and cheer for the Packers, not because I’m one of their life-long fans but because some of my extended family members are.
Just watching those adult men skid on the icy field in temperatures with a wind-chill factor in the minus 20 + range made me know that with determination men can do anything they put their mind too!
Doug is determined.
Kilcher stadium is full of your prayers, cards, and memories revisited in telephone conversations with “old” high school and college classmates. He’s being cheered on by former neighbors, former church members and his former students and faculty at the Seminary. He appreciates the support he feels from his professional colleagues while he’s “on the bench”. He feels the love of family and friends and from individuals he didn’t realize even knew his name.
Doug will win this challenge.
~Carole
