What a day! Today we met with the radiologist to plan Mike’s upcoming treatment. I was actually glad for my mask so the doctor couldn’t see the big smile on my face. I mean — who smiles when they go to talk about radiation treatment?
The truth is, I’ve been smiling for days. I actually feel a little “lighter”. A year ago, we were in the beginning of this journey. I remember wondering if Mike would still be here for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2020. I worried about becoming a widow. How would I keep the house going? What about the kids? I worried about Mike and the discomfort chemo was causing and the emotions he was dealing with. Don’t get me wrong – I had faith. Shaky at times but still there. If we’re honest though, faith means accepting that things don’t always go “our way”. There is pain and loss in the Christian faith. We were never promised there wouldn’t be. I felt God’s presence enabling us to keep going. The support of friends and loved ones bolstered us and helped us through so many days that felt heavy.
Fast forward to today, the radiation doctor again talked about how well Mike has been doing. He shared with us the current ideas about treatment for stage 4 cancers and the success he had fighting with our insurance company to cover this treatment. We also discovered that he and Mike share a passion for grilling and smoking meats and that, yes indeed, he is an Ohio State fan. 🙂 The conversation felt comfortable and his approach is full of optimism. And, I was reminded, that even in the little things God is faithful. We need amazing doctors to take care of Mike. God has blessed us with those and has also blessed us with doctors to whom we can relate. Which, quite honestly, makes trusting them easier and keeps our spirits lifted. “Praise the Lord, for He has shown me the wonders of His unfailing love.” (Psalms 31:21)
Mike will return on November 13 for a run-through and the official treatments are slated to begin November 16. The oncologist needs to sign off on the plan in order for it all to be final. We are still praying and believing for zero cancer cells.