Cancer is never a welcome, expected visitor. And when it arrives, the news leaves you sitting there feeling like a deer in the headlights. There are more questions than answers, more fears than feelings of certainty and definitely more focus on what you really value and cherish. So the quest begins, as we put this threat into our new reality and gather as much information as possible so that the next steps would become clear. Your priorities shift a bit and what seemed vitally important yesterday is not necessarily the focus right now. I am grateful for the fact that John and I process information and make decisions in basically the same manner. And also very grateful for the fact that a lot of the information we heard during doctor visits, second opinions and additional test results were good news. They caught it early and the treatment options available would give him a very good chance of a good outcome.
So on September 17 he began the journey of 9 weeks of radiation. Five days a week for 9 weeks he, and ultimately we, would allow radiologists to treat him with small doses of radiation that would very slowly deaden the cancer cells. It had taken several months for us to reconcile ourselves to the fact that we were willing to go through this process but in the end active surveillance was not an option.
The prognosis is very good!! Now after 11 treatments, he is doing well with 32 treatments left. We walk this unwelcome path together and trust that we will figure this out together no matter what the future holds.
A very sweet friend sent John the following message: "I'm sorry you'll have to organize your life around these radiation treatments for a while, but if that care keeps you well for all of us who love you, you're giving us a gift each time you make the trek." This says it all!
On November 19th he completed the 9 demanding weeks of radiation. This is the email that I sent to family and friends. "As I promised I am updating you on John's progress. He completed his 9 weeks of radiation last Thursday and is doing wonderfully. The process of treatments 5 days a week for 9 weeks seems like a daunting task and there were times that it indeed was really draining. But he actually handled it remarkably well, had limited side effects and is elated that it is complete. We have learned that the radiation stays in his system for 2 years and will continue to work the whole time. Tests to access the success of his treatments will not take place until we return from Florida in the spring.
We are so very blessed to have family and friends that will pray for us and walk with us no matter where this journey takes us!!!!
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