Update #31: Stepping Off

We detest the moments when the world we’ve settled into changes.  These events transpire unexpectedly; we hear the “click” of the door that has locked behind us, a door devoid of even a window to peer through.  The cold wind of absence welcomes us to exile.  The moments occur when the things and people and [...]

Update #30: CT Scans

It is indeed a strange circumstance when the things and people we trust become sources of error.  I walked into the kitchen this week anticipating bacon, eggs, and the Tiger Woods decorated sports section.  Instead, my wife handed me the USA Today’s Life section with a three-quarter page article on the dangers of CT scans. [...]

Update #29: All Smiles

I sat on the elevated “bed” covered with disposable white paper, the kind that’s always ready to be ripped off for the next patient.  Leroy took my vitals while Shannon watched our babies entertain Nurse Liz.  I saw his white jacket and heard his footsteps as he walked through the door.  The smile across his [...]

Update #29: Easter

If I didn’t have this to post today, I wonder if I would have remembered Easter for another 363 days. I experienced Easter service at my Friday cancer check up (and I’m cancer free, thank God).  In past blogs, I’ve pondered the physical decay that cuts so deeply to those willing to look on the [...]

Update #28: Birthday

The doctors said our chances were slim after the cancer annihilated much hope.  Now I sit here cancer free celebrating a birthday not my own.

Update #27: Treat the Cancer, Use the Heart

I’m shaking my head as I look over the last twenty-six updates.  Such a blessing to sit here again cancer free.  I marvel at the topics covered throughout the journey.  During my last hospital visit, I did not ponder shipwrecks or Michael Scott or NASCAR.  This time a picture grabbed me as I waited my [...]

Update #26: NASCAR

Last Tuesday marked my second cancer check-up for year two.  Shannon and I arrived an hour early.  The appointment duration can vary between thirty minutes and over two hours.  The wild card this time, though, included a brand new cancer clinic built over the last couple months.  The room spread out neatly with the receptionist [...]

Update #25: Fun and Games

Today’s clinic visit marks one year without remission. Hallelujah! And the icing on the cake? My visits to the hospital will now occur every two months. It was a year ago tomorrow that I underwent surgery and the cancer was diagnosed. In memory of that day, I post this picture. My dear brother-in-law saw this [...]

Update #24: Knock Knock. Who’s There?

“The doctor will be right with you,” said the nurse as she directed us towards the door. A maximum of about four can fit into the check-up room. White paint covers the walls –no art, no inspiring pictures. We take the only two seats in the room, which face a little rolling stool reserved for [...]

Update 23: A Clash of Worlds

I contemplate taking the humor route versus the serious tone in this update. I guess I’m thankful I’m even debating. My markers are reported normal for May, so we’ve made it another month without remission. Had we received bad news, I would most definitely take the serious route. Or would I? What I experienced at [...]