Adventure Day One – Paying His Dues
September 1, 2008 – No pain, no gain is a phrase some people use in justifying their heartache in overcoming emotional hurdles and our hurdles were growing larger with each passing day. Another thing that was growing was our spiritual connection to friends and family through prayers. During “Round One” we had a false security that in some way we were in control of Rickey’s destiny, but in “Round Two” it quickly became very clear to us there was a greater force in control, and our faith would be tested.
PJ writes November 4, 2002 4:08 PM
Adventure Round Two - Day 6
Hello Dear Family and Friends,
This has been a very rough three days, since last we wrote on Rickey’s condition. Let’s just say harsh is an understatement, and Rickey refers to it as “paying his dues”. Our first few weeks in the hospital were a walk in the park compared to how difficult the journey is becoming.
Today looks much brighter, Rickey’s fever is under 100 and he ate some peaches. Rickey has not had an appetite for three days. The harsher chemotherapy ended yesterday and the second chemotherapy, the “blue stuff” started today. Tonight at 10PM we load the last blue bag and 24 hours later we are done with this chemotherapy cycle. The next step is to wait 7 days for the full effects of the induction to work and then on the 13th we go through the bone marrow test, wait 48 hours and get the results of this cycle.
The waiting will be the hardest part, and the effect of this harsher regiment is still unknown. In silence we sit, just holding each others hand, and I know our faith is helping us stay strong.
Areas of concern are a slight phenomena, heart stress and breathing issues. We continue to stay the course, the doctors say that everything is not out of the ordinary, but that still doesn’t make it any easier or any more ordinary for us. Oh, News Flash, Rickey is now a look-a-like for Bruce Willis, with a beautiful bald head.
As luck will have it, Rickey will get his result the day before his birthday. Let’s all pray for a great birthday!
Much thanks to all for your wonderful love and support. Please continue to pray and focus your energy on “EMPTY MARROW”
Love,
PJ
In his mind Rickey was coping with the pain by justifying it as “paying his dues” because his first round of treatment was not so harsh, while I was coping by praying these dues would be enough to save his life. For me prayer is a connection to my spirituality and a way to gain strength in times when my own strength is not enough. It is also a way to focus energy on others and to be selfless in nature. When is the last time you prayed for someone else? Who in your life needs your prayers? Stop and take notice of others and pay attention to those around you, for we are all connected.
Until our next blog – remember life is an adventure, embrace the journey. You can make a difference one day at a time.
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