Similarities

I was reading Bruce's Blog today, and noticed the photo of Mary Beth in New York city. It reminded me of the trip Jane and I took a couple of years ago for her 50th birthday.

Here's the comparison:

We also saw "The Lion King" and walked around in the cold. I am also reminded of another shared experience we have, that of our spouse dealing with cancer. We also remain hopeful, and continue to trust in God.

Music to My Soul

I was riding the exercise bike tonight, listening to songs on my iPod Shuffle. I came to the following song from way back by Jethro Tull entitled "With You There to Help Me":

In days of peace --
sweet smelling summer nights
of wine and song;
dusty pavements burning feet.
Why am I crying, I want to know.
How can I smile and make it right?
For sixty days and eighty nights
and not give in and lose the fight.

I'm going back to the ones that I know,
with whom I can be what I want to be.
Just one week for the feeling to go --
and with you there to help me
then it probably will.

I won't go down
acting the same old play.
Give sixty days for just one night.
Don't think I'd make it: but then I might.

I'm going back to the ones that I know,
with whom I can be what I want to be.
Just one week for the feeling to go --
and with you there to help me
then it probably will.

Jane's First Chemo Cycle

Jane went for her first chemotherapy cycle today. We arrived at the clinic around 11:15am and did some paperwork, and then we were escorted back to her room. There was a TV set, a big hospital recliner chair (for Jane) and a plastic one for me.

The nurse was wonderful; soft-spoken, gentle, and very informative. She guided us through the whole procedure, and made sure that all of Jane's needs were met. I had to duck out for about 45 minutes just before the infusion began to take care of taxes, and then returned.

It took about 3 hours to complete the infusion treatment, and then Jane was injected with a bolus of 5FU (Fluorouracil), and afterward had a continuous infusion pump attached that she wears for the next 46 hours. The nurse trained me how to flush the porta-cath line if it becomes necessary for some reason.

Jane is doing pretty well tonight, although she is starting to experience some of the side effects of 5FU, which includes extreme sensitivity to cold objects. So far so good though, please pray for Jane when you read this. More to come . . .