At Last, A Quiet Moment

Dan is asleep for the night I hope.  It is quiet. Now, I can “visit” with you.  Dan is in the midst of what seems to be reaction to the chemo.  He had a heavy sweat when his fever broke in the middle of Friday night.  Saturday, he was free of fever until 9 – 11 p.m. He slept most of the day.   The shot to boost his immune system causes rapid growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow.  While that does protect against infection, it creates pain in all of his joints.

With every movement causing pain, in his drowsy condition it was hard to get him to take liquids.  But God helped us make it through the day. One thing that helps him is to listen to books on CDs.  It is rather amusing to put a CD in the computer and watch Dan go to sleep within 5 minutes after the story begins.

And what did I do with all that “extra time” that I had because Dan was sleeping???  I got my physical workout by washing the sheets (and 3 other loads of clothes) , airing the comforter in the sun, stuffing the comforter back into the duvet, and other fun things like…I went to the Mall…for a precious baby blue plastic pad with white flannel top to put under the sheet so that the next time Dan has a heavy sweat, the mattress will stay dry.  I bought 2 more pairs of pajamas so Dan will have dry pajamas to wear while I wash the ones he sweated down.  I also entertained myself by shopping at the drug store.  I found wonderful things like Imodium for intestines upset by chemo, Tylenol for fever, a small radio/cassette tape player with headphones so he has something to listen to when he can’t sleep in the night.

Why do I share this with you?  Not to gain your sympathy.  I am only one among millions of married people who love their mate and do what we do because we want to take care of them. That is what love is all about.  I write for two reasons…I was asked to keep a record because this blog may be the beginnings of that book I’m supposed to write : > ), and secondly, I write because we have loved ones all over the world who want to know what is happening with Dan.  I’ve discovered a third reason – it is theraputic for me to write about the struggle.

I began this for you and Dan, but I am receiving a great blessing in that it keeps you and me connected.  The comments, the e-mails, the Skype messages from you bring me joy, peace, and strength to “hang in there.”  Another Ann whose husband had cancer surgery, may have cancer again, and is having thyroid surgery this Wednesday wrote, “My scripture for today is Deut. 31:6, ” Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid for the Lord your God goes with you.  He will never leave or forsake you.”  What a tremendous reward awaits us…even if we have to toddle up there to claim it!   Keep standing, you are doing good.”  — Anne and Dan