Typical Saturday

Normal Saturday morning: sleep late, have pancakes, cut the grass, pay the bills, cook out, watch the Bulldogs. Normal life.You know...probably what you and I love to enjoy.A day off for most.

Deb and I were talking this morning about there never being a day off from fighting cancer. One is always engaged, whether in the physical, as in the clinic; or mentally. like planning how to get through the next treatment; spiritually, as in being in a state of constant prayer and dependence on the Lord; or emotionally, as in have a tear in the corner of your eye either for you own condition or for a pitiful classmate. The battle is as pitched as any warfare with first the enemy gaining a foothold, then the battle turning for a while and victory being so close. Weariness, encouragement,fatigue,joy, bitter disappointment all have their time with you. It's anything but stable and predictable.

Several of us have been talking about how cancer in its various forms is all around us. Seems like there are friends and family everywhere that have suffered. Have you noticed how commonplace cancer has become?

In fact, while here in Arkansas this session Vern has had his own small cancer battle while helping Deb with hers. I've had a number of skin cancers treated over the years. Since I'm surrounded by a huge team of cancer fighters,I thought I"d get my own periodic checkup here in the clinic. Many helpful folks have pointed out the smudge of 'oil' on the tip of my nose. Previously I've had the tip of my nose sawed off several times.It left a dark spot on the end of my nose so I had it biopsied again. (More sawing)

The whole top of my pate is pre-cancerous so the docs gave me a strong chemical cream which is listed as a form of chemo to use while here. It turned my pate bright red and raised up ugly crusty scabs where the worst cells are. It burned day and night. Now I am in recovery from this. In order to not gross out everyone, I've worn my cap constantly while in public.

While Deb was getting dressed this morning I ran to the grocery and picked up a few items to get us thru the week. We are so hopeful that we might be released in the late week. We really want to get home for a season. When we come back, we are scheduled to repeat this treatment. Then the finale: the second stem cell transplant. Hopefully, the tests will show full remission and then we'll only return every three months for tests while doing weekly chemo at home. Deb has responded very well to her treatments but has paid a huge price physically.

One of our projects at home is to build Deb a sunroom in our backyard where our small patio had been. Her lifeline to the world has either been a small bedroom window here in Arkansas, or a cluttered kitchen window at home. She is a country gal and loves birds, flowers, clouds, butterflies,etc. She has spent countless hours too weak or unable because of vulnerability to infection to be outdoors. Therefore, knowing she will be up and down the rest of her days, I think it prudent for her to have a place of sunshine and joy. Her happy place! Hopefully she will have it this year. I have long dreamed of her having a spot to leave an art easel up permanently. Perhaps this will be the spot?

We met a new couple today from California. Bill and Bridgett. They have a small watch/jewelry repair business. Bill is the patient. He was wearing a Piper Cub T-shirt so it only took us a flash to connect aviation-wise.He has owned three planes and has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. They were full of all the same questions that everyone has and were lost in the huge facility. I told them we needed to connect for a meal later in the week so we could fill them in on all the gouge. I asked where they were staying: turns out---right next door!

When we arrived at the clinic just before 10 am there was a huge crowd of suits and dresses filling the lobby and blocking the doors. I actually had to shoo them to the side so Deb on her walker and another classmate could get in and to the elevator. Later they toured the myeloma clinic all around us. Turns out they were all MDs and spouses. Never seen so many docs in one place. Perhaps a hundred or more?

So, what do you call a crowd of doctors? Each animal family has its own group name. Herds, flocks, murders,schools,coveys....so,what should the crowd of doctors be called? Please post your answers below for our mutual entertainment!

Well, tomorrow we hope to get closer to a safe blood count. Tonight I give another infuser of antibiotics which helps her stay safe.

Blessings all! Thanks for your prayers, cards,letters,calls, and gifts. Each one is like a brick in a large building: part of the greater 'tower of healing' being build here. You are a minister of healing to us.

We are so grateful!

Vern