42 Days

Well here it is and so hard to believe that so much has changed in 42 days. Today, we had our 3rd radiation treatment and I continue with my chemotherapy every evening. I have noticed a slight increase in nausea but nothing that I haven’t been able to handle. I guess an occasional glass (or 3) of red wine may have helped prepare me for the poisons of a body full of chemotherapy and radiation (in case I pursue a political career one day this is in no way an endorsement to drink. But for those interested, the literature does suggest that drinkers handle chemotherapy side effects better than non-drinkers... so another health plus for a little vino). I have been a bit more sleepy and finding the 2:30PM nod quite refreshing! Nicola and the kids have been so amazingly strong for me and all of our courage has been put to the test over the last week of treatments. I must say, they are much stronger than I am and have lifted me up, encouraged me, and kept my faith and this fight strong.

I received a call Friday morning from David M. Bailey. I was absolutely thrilled and delighted to hear from David. He is a gifted folksinger and has had numerous albums and currently in the middle of an extremely busy tour, which is taking him overseas for several events. David had heard my news and simply wanted to call and check on me, and in his true fashion, gave me the encouragement and hope that you can hear when listening to his music. He gave me the okay to post his link to my blog: www.davidmbailey.com.

For those of you who have never heard of David, you should hit his site and read his bio; while your there, check out his music. My favorite CD (which is on iTunes) is still Hope. David also has a new CD/DVD out called Alive and Well and said he had one on the way to me, which I’m looking forward to receiving. David talked about being prepared to say those things you wanted to say. If you need to tell someone that you “love them” then tell them… don’t wait. If someone needs your hand or encouragement, be there for them… don’t wait. I learned a great lesson on September the 9th, you just never know; and I was so very lucky that day to be given another chance to say those things to those who have meant so much to me.

The weather has simply been delightful and these are the days that remind us why in the world we put up with the Texas heat. Friday, I woke up and had my coffee outside by the fireplace with a piece of toast. Listened to Nicola’s chickens roosting and wondering how many eggs they would be gracing us with today (I believe it was 2). The chickens, birds, squirrels and sounds of the country right in the backyard…it just doesn’t get anymore peaceful. I watched the sunrise through the trees and then started seeing the stirring in the house. It was time to help with the kids. My sister Dori was still in town had helped Emma study for a very important science test Thursday evening. Emma seemed to be ready for the challenge. I had a mountain of paperwork piling up and Nicola had many questions for me as well; it’s a full time job for both of us just keeping up with the paperwork nonsense. CRAZY! Dori and I left for MD Anderson for my radiation treatment and this one went much better than the first. No scares afterwards and I felt great all the way home. That night we had a great dinner from our favorite Mexican restaurant and my Mom had driven down to stay with us over the weekend.

I’ve noticed that my body sure is craving spicier foods but it seems kind of a weird thing to want when you’re battling the constant threat of nausea. Anyway, nothing like chips, hot sauce and laughing around the dinner table with your family. It was a nice night!

Keep praying, have faith, and we'll beat this thing together, David