2025 – A Summer and Fall of Surprises – God has a Plan and Purpose for Our Lives – Part XII

We decided to go to our kids’ homes this year for Christmas, all but one local, and visit with the grandkids. It worked out fine, as opposed to all coming to our Heard Avenue home. It was the first week off chemo pills, and my appetite improved a bit, although by week’s end I lost a couple of pounds. I find myself forcing food again at the three main meals, and I remembered to eat a few extra smaller meals too. Stephanie watches what I eat, reminding me that I liked salads or desserts, although my tastes are not the same as before, as I have a hard time chewing and swallowing salad, for example. 

I walk usually twice a day, and I find myself fatigued at times, as was the case on Christmas day. Taking breaks and resting several times a day is important, allowing you to regain your energy and get some things accomplished. Fatigue makes you think about the end game, where tiredness becomes the norm and lack of appetite follows, reminding me I have advanced stage cancer. Reading posts on Facebook from support groups has a lot of negatives, and I do better to avoid these.

Next Monday I have my second infusions, and we’ll see what impact that has on my voice as the oncologist told me the immunotherapy could shrink the tumors. Next Sunday, I have an appointment to do an MRI brain scan, which the oncologist recommended to see if the cancer spread to the brain, affecting the deterioration of my voice. I don’t think so.

On a more positive note, I went bowling with Joey last Sunday afternoon at Northside Lanes in North Augusta, rolling three games and having a decent score with lots of spares and a few strikes. I didn’t let fatigue get in the way, as I was determined to complete the set. We are planning to go this Sunday as well. I need to push myself to find more things like bowling to occupy my time and excite myself to get beyond the daily grind of life. Writing is another example of my determination to chronicle this journey.

I heard from a friend of mine in Atlanta who has a lot of aches and pains from cancer in her neck. She was distraught from not being able to pray her usual prayers, but for a few Hail Mary’s. Although my pain has been minimal so far, I suggested just invoking the name of Jesus, a thanksgiving for His continual presence during her cancer journey and asking him for assistance with the pain. I find more formal prayers hard to keep up with. Also invoke the name of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she in a special way, serves as a mighty intercessor to take your petitions to her son, Jesus. 

 “My (Jesus’) grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9