BUT...

Lets see.  Where did I leave off? Oh yeah we had just found out about the lung cancer.  That's right on 1/23/2015--Richard's 66th birthday we found out he has lung cancer.  Since then there was a biopsy done and information given on what extensive small cell lung cancer is.  Richard has had the 6 radiation treatments which have helped with the pain in his back and side.  He has completed the 2nd round of chemotherapy which has been very hard on him.

During this last round of chemo he has lost his voice completely.  Years ago Richard had laryngeal cancer.  Stage #1, Class #1 t hey told us.  He did 21 radiation treatments and for 25 years his voice has been raspy but not recurrence of that cancer.  Now he can't talk at all.  It is very frustrating for him.  Those that know him know he loves to talk, he is a very social person and loves his job because he is on the phone with people all day.  This set back, I think, has the biggest impact on him.  When he was able to make calls and talk to his buddies he was able to stay positive.  Now I answer his phones and talk for him.  He hates that!

Last week we had a visit with Dr. McClure.  She has referred him to an  ENT to check his vocal chords and she ordered a CT Scan to look at the progress.  She also decided to give him an additional week's rest before his next round of chemo.  She also decided to change one of the meds so that maybe his side effects will lessen.  So, today he had his CT Scan.  The nurse just called and said the cancer has responded to the chemo which is very good news. BUT... You knew that was coming right? He now has a blood clot in his long.  She says its common with chemo patients. 

Twice a day until his next appointment with Dr. McClure he will get an injection in his belly.  The med is a blood thinner.  And, guess who gets to give it? Yeah--me.  I give myself injections and it does not bother me in the least.  Richard hates needles, shots, IVs, whatever has to be stuck into him he does not like.  Now, I get to give him two injections a day. I need prayers because I know he will not hold still for this.  It has to be done.  Richard looks like this as a setback.

Its hard to be thankful when you are facing another issue.  I want to yell "THANK YOU LORD!" and the other part of me just wants to break down and cry for him.  I don't know what would be worse for him.  Me giving him shots in the belly is probably one of those things he never dreamed would happen.  But its here and we will do it.  Richard will continue this fight as much as he hates it and as much as the kids and I dread it for him.

1 Peter 1:6

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

 Thank you, God for this good news.  Keep Richard in Your arms as  he faces this next setback while he is being treated for this horrible disease.  Comfort him and allow him to see the positives in the small things as we know this is the greatest challenge we have ever known. 

Mary