Treatment 1

Neither of us slept very much last night in anticipation of the events of this day. I officially became a cancer patient today and began my first day of treatment. Overall, things went very well. Patti was right by my side the entire day. We arrived at 8:45 a.m. and were greeted in the waiting room by a friend of Patti’s dad who was there with his son for a CAT Scan. We never even sat down, but went straight to the lab and then on to the infusion room. After picking out a chair, we set up shop for the day. A wonderful lady who was a former member of TPC was one of my main attendants for the day. She took lots of time to explain to us every step in the process. There were a total of about 10 medicines that made up my “cocktail.” I referred to it on Twitter as “Happy Hour at the Chemo Bar,” and I had mine shaken, not stirred. First, were the anti-nausea drugs, which seem to have been very effective. Soon after, I was given “the red devil.” This one had to be pushed slowly, and we were told this was the one that would take the hair around day 17. To be honest, I really do dread this part. My mom was always proud of my blonde hair. I know it will come back, but it really is one of those things that I will struggle with. Oh, one more thing about the “red devil…” They told us to be prepared when I went to urinate because it would be red or pink. So today’s slogan is “real men pee pink.” That’s my story and I am sticking to it. Our dear friends Ken and Jan Marler brought us some lunch and provided great support for us. Unfortunately, I had just had a strong dose of Benadryl and slept through most of the visit. Ken has been my close friend for more than 20 years and has been like a brother to me. He will walk this journey with me, and I will be better for it. Pat Justice from our church was also in the infusion room for treatment, and we had a good visit together about her treatment. We really need to keep Pat in our prayers as she goes through additional treatment for ovarian cancer. Her spirits were high, and she was certainly an encouragement to me. It was interesting looking around the infusion room and looking into the faces of people all fighting the same or similar battles against cancer. Most appeared to be hopeful, but a few had the look of hopelessness. I hope I can bring some hope to them as I get to know them. Patti and I are overwhelmed with the support system provided to us through family, friends and our extended church family. We have been contacted by thousands of people from all over the world who are praying for us. Again, I am so thankful for God’s church across the world and blessed to be part of it. Well, the journey has started, and we are on our way. I can tell you from personal experience that God’s mercies are new every morning. We have a peace of His presence unlike we have ever known. We are expecting to be transformed by this whole experience. This we know, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good. Thanks for walking the journey with us. I am going to have some extra time on my hands, so I will be happy to share in your prayers needs as they arise. Blessings, Rick