So here we are at the end of another year, anticipating the beginning of a new year. I'd like to tell you that I am looking forward to 2009, but as always, I try not to look too far ahead. At this point, looking or planning beyond January is difficult.
Where some of you may be planning Spring Break or a big summer vacation, Mary and I cannot look that far ahead. I'd love to do something special with Brad this year, but we have no idea where we are headed, treatment wise, after the end of January. We have several options to consider, but we have not made any decisions. That decision will dictate a lot.
Monday is treatment #11. It has been a fairly easy journey to date. I still have my hair, and the side effects are very manageable. After my last treatment on the 15th, the fatigue was a little worse than after previous treatments. Work was busy on Tues-Fri and I even attended several after work Christmas parties. However, by Friday night and Saturday I was wiped out. I spent Saturday in the house, enjoying the Christmas decorations and reading a book. I'm not a particularly fast reader but I flew through all 359 pages of James Patterson's '3rd Degree' in just over one day. I have since completed Sue Grafton's 'P is for Peril', and am about to embark on
'Q is for Quarry'.
Christmas in the Emerson house was wonderfully relaxing. We had nineteen over to the house for Christmas and ten more last Saturday. A quick trip to St. Louis lies ahead and then life returns to normal.
The weather has warmed slightly in the last week and I have played a lot of disc golf. So much that Mary reeled me in this morning! I was pretty willing, as I needed a break. I'll try to get in a few more rounds before returning to work next week, but we will see!
So what lies ahead for 2009? I think I'll use the following mantra as the year begins; LBC - Life Beyond Chemo. A week after my last chemo treatment I will complete year four and begin year five. My how time has flown. The future is somewhat limited but we remain hopeful and confident we will find the right path and God will guide us appropriately. The number of options continue to lessen but we march onward and I therefore ask for your continued support and prayers.
5 comments:
Hi David.. Seasons Greetings and I truly wish you and yours a better and happier New Year. Things will work out. Just keep your hand on the wheel and foot on the gas. Dont look back!
You are in my heart, prayers, and on my mind.
It was pretty tough around here Thanksgiving. Joyce fell and broke her shoulder the nite before thanksgiving and had surgery thanksgiving morning. At 62, old bones dont heal fast, but yesterday she graduated to a sling. I was feeling sorry for her but then we think of others fighting tougher battles, and you, plus others, come to mind.
Hang tough Buddy!
Tom T.
Dave,
As fellow prostate cancer survivor and friend, I want to say that you have been an inspiration to many of us. I can only hope that as I continue on my path that I am able to continue to use your positive examples about life to guide me.
HAappt and HEALTHY new year to you and your family.
David,
I wish you, your lovely wife and wonderful son a very Happy New Year. Hold tight to the meaning of Faith, Love, Hope, and Win. I too am praying for God's guidance for you in your important decision making. Four years and much has been accomplished. May God richly bless you in 2009.
Good to hear from you. Hang in there. Keep fighting. None of us really know if there is a tommarrow we only really have today. Keep smiling.
David ,
Happy New Year to You and Your Family.
You can know that You are in My Prayers
Dan J
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