Nashville or Bust

Rounding Third and Heading Home

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. That doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing — for I have. It’s just that at the 11th hour I elected not to post some of my thoughts. Remember, I said this space would be therapeutic as much as informative. I’ve needed my own writing therapy I guess.

But good things have been happening, and that is what is most important. I left off with the awesome news we got three weeks ago at Chemo Stop #4. Dave had a CT scan days prior and learned that the big nasty tumor (we’ve named ‘Roger’) had shrunk by around 66%. That’s a lot of shrink for a tumor that size. Because of this response, we’re hoping that our days at the Chemo Lounge are numbered. In a few hours we’ll be on our way for treatment #5. Let’s all project some good energy that this is Dave’s second to last round and that he can move onto radiation. Without a port, chemo hasn’t been easy and there aren’t too many veins left that “want to play.” Can you blame them?

What has been wonderful to see is the flip of good days versus bad days in our three-week block in between treatments. We can honestly say Dave is experiencing more good, up time than bad. During this last jaunt he was able to be on location for a weekend shoot and attend several meetings on campus. His term off is coming to an end and he’s looking forward to resuming his post, albeit in modified fashion. For those of you who know him as ‘Stormy’ you know it’s hard to keep him down. From what we gather, his students are also looking forward to seeing him in the halls again. Their encouragement throughout all of this has been priceless.

We also got some news regarding Brandon. The initial round of genetics testing came up negative for Marfan Syndrome. (The doctor’s were pretty sure that would be the diagnosis.) Like father like son when it comes to mystifying lab coats? Who knows. They are now testing against two other genes that, if misspelled, would indicate a different form of connective tissue disorder. All similar and course of monitoring would be the same. It’s just good to know what direction the wind blows, especially as research in these areas progresses. And while that little wait continues, the college wait is OVER. Brandon received his acceptance letter to Eastern Kentucky University (the only school he wanted to attend) and will be off to Richmond this fall. We had fun last night filling out his housing application. And that was good to do because earlier that day we attended his soccer banquet. That bittersweet estuary of door closing, window opening is upon him now. So many things to look forward to this spring!

Jameson continues to do well with studies and bowling. High marks all the way around. We also realized he is a good 2″ taller than me today so that has him feeling pretty special, too. And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that today is Tessa’s eighth birthday. Our little snow princess awoke glowing and happy. More motivation to get through today.

So yes, we are rounding third base and it feels good. 2011 continues to bless us with progression and good news. It also continues to teach us and bring into our path some pretty incredible people, many of whom are on similar journey, taking things step by step to get to home plate.

January 24, 2011 - Posted by daveandjacqui | Uncategorized