Friday, April 6, 2012

He didn’t promise me a Rose Garden

When asked  how much longer his treatments are The Cowboy’s quick response is ‘2 weeks and a few days’. That’s almost accurate but he’s been telling everyone that for about two weeks now. Hey, if it’s helping him get to the other side of this then ‘Go For It!’

P1180169

He’s not feeling as good as he was on Tuesday and Wednesday and of course we’ve analyzed the heck out of that as it seemed to be following the same pattern the last couple of weeks. Perhaps it’s the steroids in the anti-nausea that he receives before his chemo or could it be that the effect of the chemo doesn’t kick in until about Thursday? He tends to feel worse on the weekend and by Tuesday  he feels better – just in time for the next treatment.

P1180164 P1180165

Both the dietician and Dr. P were especially pleased with his appetite and all of the different the foods he’s eating. His mouth is not sore and his taste buds haven’t been affected. They were surprised that he’s able to crunch on fresh vegetables and is able enjoy (acidic) V8 juice.

P1180171

His throat itself is a lot sorer and he’s been sleeping quite a bit. The fatigue is, of course, a side effect that doesn’t concern us. Something I read quite a while ago “The human body has the inherent ability to heal itself” but it does need the proper nutrition.

P1180168

Fortunately (for both of us) his attitude remains positive as we are counting down those days.

We’re still feeling somewhat melancholy and missing our families. However, I doubt that we will get much of a sympathetic response from any of you after posting these pictures of our backyard.

Sometime over the weekend we are going to attempt to visit one of the several services at Lakewood Church here in Houston to hear Joel Osteen. I say ‘attempt’ – This church averages 43,500 in weekly attendance and seats 16,800 worshippers.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend.

Special note to our families – Save us some leftovers!

Special Ending Note from The Cowboy . . .

Since it’s Easter Weekend - One of the most important days of our lives it gives me a chance to reflect on the Cowboy's Ten Commandments posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Fairlie, Texas :

(1) Always remember there ain’t but one God.
(2) Honor yer Ma & yer Pa.
(3) No telling tales or gossipin'.
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meeting.
(5) Put nothin' before God.
(6) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.
(7) No killin'.
(8) Watch yer mouth.
(9) Don't take what ain't yers.
(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff.

And end each day with the Cowboy’s prayer:


Lord, I ask keep Your arm around my shoulder
and Your hand over my mouth.

11 comments:

  1. Oh how I pray for comfort, physically and emotionally (missing family) for you. It sounds to me like the chemo is doing it's weekly routine. I thank God that he has gifted the doctors and the researchers with their knowledge and judgement. Then the patient can benefit!

    ReplyDelete
  2. A good friend of mine was on chemo for breast cancer for what seemed like a very, very long time. She could tell you the day before what the next day was going to be like--she learned the pattern of the so well.

    My niece knows the same thing with my little grand niece, who is now on maintenance for her leukemia - still has predictable side affects, but more tolerable than the full blown chemo and less frequent.

    I know that Cowboy's courage and your care is getting him through because you are always looking at the silver lining of every cloud.

    I know you miss family, and I can't imagine how hard that is for you at this time, you'll get through this, together, though, and you can make up lost time with them. Heck, celebrate Easter in June if necessary.

    My thoughts are with you and Cowboy or Sherry and David in these difficult times. You have each other--lean on that and think of the pain free days that are ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  3. well pretty soon it really will be two weeks and few days :) Hope the Cowboy feels like making it to church Sunday, but if not you can have church at home" too. And as I told nan, I imagine your family is missing you as much as you miss them.
    I loved the Cowboy's Ten Comandments.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Loved the Cowboy's Ten Commandments. Hope he feels well enough to attend church on Sunday...but BJ is right, you can have "church" wherever you are - after all wherever two or three are gathered together... God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am a new follower and after reading more about you, I can see that you both are survivors. I hope you are able to attend the service and find peace and comfort. I am of the belief that our mindset and our faith carries us through the challenges so many of us are facing. God Bless you. Happy Easter

    ReplyDelete
  6. My biggest wish would be that I could be there with you in support. But such are wishes and prayers.
    I've been thinking about you both more and more and also waiting for the day where we all are sitting around the table and fighting over the last piece of cheesecake.
    I miss you more...lol.

    Keep the faith and walk the walk.

    Always on mind and in my prayers,
    KLM

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think it would take a LOT for Dad to stop drinking his V8! ;) Hope you guys are able to enjoy your Easter & that Dad is feeling better this weekend. Getting close to the finish line & there is no doubt in my mind that it's gonna lead to a triumphant turn in the Winner's Circle (sorry but, y'all know I had to commit fully to that horse racing metaphor, lol)! Love you both & hope to see you very soon! Sending lots of love & positive energy in the meantime! Don't Forget! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy Easter to you and the Cowboy. Thanks for sharing Cowboy's Ten Commandments. Hope the Cowboy feels better this week. We keep you both in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Happy Easter Ron and Sharon...if you can't be with the ones you love,"Love the One You're With"

    Simple and the way it is,
    KLM, MAE, CJM

    ReplyDelete
  11. I miss you both sooo much! I am counting down as well. These rose pics reminded me of the Rose of Sharon that Dad planted for you in Brownsville. Glad to see that you wanted to incorporate God on Easter not just food LOL - and no leftovers, but looking forward to hosting a feast when you get home. Love you.....PUNKY

    ReplyDelete