Tuesday, March 13, 2007
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY.....
One year ago today, Rocky had his colon surgery. We arrived early and after he was taken for prepping I sat alone in the waiting room. Of course a million things flash through your mind at a time like that. I ran over lots of favorite memories of us being together…..the miracle that brought us together and my hopes for a lot of time left to be together.
We had our visit with Dr. Eck, the surgeon, a few days before. He was young, positive and cut right to the chase on what needed to be done. We liked him right away and came from his office positive the right man was doing the surgery. Do not keep secrets from me about my body or Rocky’s. He feels the same. We want to know where we’re at in any situation so we can make wise choices.
I had some very good coffee, offered by a “pink lady” and appreciated her act of kindness. The people who volunteer in hospitals are caring folk who are older and usually retired but aren’t ready to become a couch potato. I mentally thanked all who were giving their service this day.
Family members began arriving and soon we were relieved to know Rocky came through with flying colors and there were no surprises. We knew going in that the cancer had metastasized to the liver and when Rocky was over the surgery we would begin Chemotherapy. That seems a long time ago, considering what we have been through since.
Tomorrow Rocky gets his second of three treatments and this has been the most harsh yet. However, Dr. Morgan, his Oncologist, tells us that we want the side effects because then we know the chemo is restricting blood to the cancer tumors on the liver. Rocky has been more nauseated which makes eating unpleasant. He’s never vomited but has the other effects of nausea. Loss of appetite and loss of energy……he lives in a state between sleep and naps. As expected, he is breaking out with a red rash on his head, neck, chest and upper back…..results of the chemo.
From the Saturday before surgery up to today, he has participated in four PowerLifting Meets with his Coach and Team. He has won medals and trophy’s for his age, his weight and pounds lifted. Rarely do you find a 75-year old man with cancer treatments lifting more than a fork to his mouth. Rocky continues to amaze us all with his resilience, attitude and determination.
His friends and family see him at intervals and can’t fully appreciate how courageous he is. I am with him every day and am privy to 24-7 of his time. He never complains, never whines and never expects special treatment.
He is a gentle giant of a man.
Until tomorrow, I am,
Essentially Esther
We had our visit with Dr. Eck, the surgeon, a few days before. He was young, positive and cut right to the chase on what needed to be done. We liked him right away and came from his office positive the right man was doing the surgery. Do not keep secrets from me about my body or Rocky’s. He feels the same. We want to know where we’re at in any situation so we can make wise choices.
I had some very good coffee, offered by a “pink lady” and appreciated her act of kindness. The people who volunteer in hospitals are caring folk who are older and usually retired but aren’t ready to become a couch potato. I mentally thanked all who were giving their service this day.
Family members began arriving and soon we were relieved to know Rocky came through with flying colors and there were no surprises. We knew going in that the cancer had metastasized to the liver and when Rocky was over the surgery we would begin Chemotherapy. That seems a long time ago, considering what we have been through since.
Tomorrow Rocky gets his second of three treatments and this has been the most harsh yet. However, Dr. Morgan, his Oncologist, tells us that we want the side effects because then we know the chemo is restricting blood to the cancer tumors on the liver. Rocky has been more nauseated which makes eating unpleasant. He’s never vomited but has the other effects of nausea. Loss of appetite and loss of energy……he lives in a state between sleep and naps. As expected, he is breaking out with a red rash on his head, neck, chest and upper back…..results of the chemo.
From the Saturday before surgery up to today, he has participated in four PowerLifting Meets with his Coach and Team. He has won medals and trophy’s for his age, his weight and pounds lifted. Rarely do you find a 75-year old man with cancer treatments lifting more than a fork to his mouth. Rocky continues to amaze us all with his resilience, attitude and determination.
His friends and family see him at intervals and can’t fully appreciate how courageous he is. I am with him every day and am privy to 24-7 of his time. He never complains, never whines and never expects special treatment.
He is a gentle giant of a man.
Until tomorrow, I am,
Essentially Esther
