Wednesday (5/18)
It has now been one week, 7 long days, since my last treatment. The week has been a little rough and I found myself struggling. The fatigue, the emotional swings, the constant stomach issues and just being off rhythm have been a challenge. Nonetheless, I cannot help but rejoice in the positives of the last few days.
I go to bed each evening a ‘good’ tired. My favorite part of every day is when I open my eyes. I feel the cool air filter into our room. I realize I am well rested and energized. My body feels good. I get excited to start a new day. Soon thereafter, for the exact reason, unknown to me, one of two things happens: I crash OR I don’t crash. Simple!
My circle seems happily smaller these days; the pleasures more simple. The daily highlight may be Laurie and I waking up to a rainy coastal day and feeling cozy. It may be the anticipation of seeing Erick for the first time in a year and knowing that I get to climb with him, Alan and Jane – my total buds. Perhaps it is the delicious acupuncture treatment from Carter Blue or the car nap as Laurie drives home. The two-hour family visit with Rhonda, Steve, Nicole and Jarrett was absolutely wonderful on Monday evening.
The support and encouragement of my fine friends continues to just pour into our life. I cannot tell you all how rewarding this is! The joy started this week with the old school, snail mail cards from Jacob, Unita, Laurie D and Danielle -so many XOXOXOX! Enthusiastic emails arrive sharing in our excitement of lower PSA levels. Blog comments (as you can see) continue to light up our days. The smiles, hugs and love we feel upon serendipitous or planned visits with friends are huge – each better than the last! The anticipation of visitors from afar – Chris, Annamarie, Eric and Lana is so exciting. The prospect of outdoor climbing this weekend – Are you kidding me?
It truly amazes me how this sudden, tragic, life-altering event has brought so much love and goodness to our life. I feel so especially, incredibly LUCKY – a mere Thank You simply pales.
I end this post on a extremely high note. Yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) have been glorious days! I have experienced two perfect Oregon spring days – brilliant sunshine, satisfying exercise, super friend interactions, a significantly better stomach and the perfect, supportive wife at my side. I feel AWESOME – As the Rhythm Returns.
PS: TRACY: As your stated hero and inspiration, I feel somewhat responsible for your Bay to Breakers run. Hope it was fun & you are feeling GREAT!
Hey Mike and Laurie – Thanks for keeping the awesome blog rolling. Hoping it is somewhat therapeutic. Laurel I and I really appreciate it. Congrats on the low PSA results…that is amazing to go from 70 to 7. Not exactly sure what that means but certainly going in the right direction and way ahead of your timeline.
My other observation as I am sure many have shared, is that you have to be setting some sort of “Most Active Cancer Patient” record. I am picturing you at one of your Doc appt. check-ins and telling the doc your feeling a bit tired. He goes on to say that is normal, etc…and then the Doc casually asked, “what have you been doing for exercise” – thinking you will report something like I walked around the block or something. Then you casually tell Doc that you climbed 1,700 ft coastal mountain, took 6 a mile hike on beach and went rock climbing after taking two 20+ mile bike rides…Doc stands there with mouth wide open and says “Dude! you got cancer…think you might want to ease up a bit”. And you say, “I have already”.
Anyway, Laurel and I have found your blog is quite moving and has a wonderful grounding effect. Its easy to let the small stuff in life take over and forget the important things. Anyway, hang in there. Mark and Laurel
Thanks Mark & Laurel……….Two observations on your comment:
– Were you actually in the doctor’s office hearing the conversation you outlined?
– No doubt, Laurie and I now wholeheartedly embrace the adage: “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. Our hope is that my story moves others to do the same. Life becomes so much sweeter!
Thanks for sharing your updates so regularly. They help keep my wondering and worry at bay. Even though there are obviously some times of struggle, it’s also good to see that joy intersects with struggle in it’s own rhythm. I’m so glad that you fleshed out your background story. I learned a lot more about some of the amazing adventures you’ve had. Have a wonderful time climbing this weekend!
I am so glad that we got the chance to visit with you and Laurie 😀 I love how positive your attitude and outlook on everything is. I’m looking forward to reading your blog and wish you only the best from here.
You are amazing Michael!! So glad to hear that your still able to exercise at a high level and that you awake ready to take on a new day!! GFI my Friend!! 🙂
Mike and Laurie, at last I’ve overcome my resistance to blogs…just in time to hear that your PSA levels are stellar … Yippy! Well I’ve taken an extended journey today reading your blog from the beginning and I am in awe of the courage and the love and the deep sharing that surfaces throughout this challenge. I am holding you both deep in my heart and my thoughts …with a smile and a knowing that our positive energy brings forth more of the same. Love and light, Marsha
I just love that your rhythm is returning. You are a natural rhythmist, so I thought it would find you again…. yeah! As Annie and I go on our walk/hikes daily, my thoughts drift to you. And, just last night as I put a steak on the BBQ (yep, me and meat…who would have thought!) I thought of you and your new diet. I guess I’m saying that my thoughts are with you and Laurie a lot, sending rhythmic vibes and positive daily energy.
el ritmo del mundo esta contigo,
Lana
YES you pulled me through! I did finish the B to B race with a smile on my face. Thought of you most of the way between getting side tracked by all the crazy people in crazy costumes. It is a wild “race”. Somewhat like a very active Country Fair. Hope you felt the tie-dye energy head up your way.
Happy to see your smiling face on this here blog. Good to see you kicking up the dust so energetically. Also happy to hear you nap periodically. You DO know how to live!