March 29, 2007
Imagine my surprise about 11 p.m. when I checked my office email via the web and found a post with the subject line about my blog and the note from my wife. I was still toying with the idea of what to do with this blog. Freda has done a pretty good job of painting me into corners for more than 26 years, so why should this be any different?
So, I guess the blog is on. Just a quick update (I am still working and need to get back to the job) but I did my second chemotherapy on Monday. I know the word "chemotherapy" just scares lots of people -- and for good reason. My first treatment included a drug that just kicked my butt. I did chemo on Mondays (took all day) and by late afternoon on Tuesday, I was nauseated, chills and fever, shaking, completely zonked. The first time, I could not get chicken noodle soup in my mouth because the spoon shook so badly.
But the chemo I did last summer hardly slowed me down (of course, it hardly slowed down the cancer, too!) I told my docs that I would consider some chemo to extend my time if it was like last summer and not like the first one -- I will choose quality over quantity of time remaining.
Plans call for another treatment on Monday if my white blood cell counts are high enough, then take a week off and let me recuperate. I had plans to be out all this weekend helping as a mentor with an adult leadership training program at our local Boy Scout camp and that is still my plan.
The whole unfolding Elizabeth Edwards and Tony Snow cancer stories are really telling part of my story. Last June, I heard "treatable but not curable." Talk about a shock. I was numbed.
I decided to keep living life like I will be around for a while.
Elizabeth Edwards really summed it up well last week in an AP story: "Either you push forward with the things that you were doing yesterday or you start dying. That seems to be your only two choices," she said. "If I had given up everything that my life was about -- first of all, I'd let cancer win before it needed to."
I, too, have chosen the push forward.
Thanks to everyone for the comments.
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4 comments:
When Mike says I can paint him into a corner, I've done that literally, as well as figuratively.
I have the almost empty cans of paint to prove it.
Hi. Just seeing if it works.
Have a great day.
Steven
Mike and Freda:
I don't want to sound maudlin, but I was stunned to get your bad news through our environmental reporter at the Contra Costa Times.
Mike and I have known each other for a very long time. We date back to Fort Lauderdale. He has been a competitor, a colleague and one of my direct reports at the Advocate. But much more than any of those things Mike has been a friend.
I have often told people who don't know him about Mike and I always use the same phrase each time. The best description I can give is to say "He is the type of guy who once he is your friend, it is forever. There is no nurturing required. It is a given."
Like you, Freda, I absolutely marvel at Mike's strength and courage as well as his devotion to his state, his community, his readers and to his family. His volunteer efforts are WAAAYYY beyond what most people know.
Mike, I sure am glad Freda painted you into the corner. I am also glad you decided to come out of the corner swinging with this blog. I know that I, for one, will be reading. I also want you to know that I will pray each night for you, Freda and the boys.
Right now, I am wearing a wrist band for a woman at my church who is traveling a similar road as you. She had them made and asked anyone us to wear one. On it is simple has her name and the words "Trust God." I never take it off because it is the best advice I ever got or can offer.
Love to you both,
Dan Hatfield
P.S. Yes, that last part will shock some people, but God works in mysterious ways. I have changed a great deal.
I don't know you but I read Freda's post and wanted to send warm wishes and good thoughts as you push forward.
I think Elizabeth Edwards said it all. Best ~v
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