If You Are Out To Describe The Truth, Leave Elegance To The Tailor ~ Albert Einstein
The pain has been severe; the long sleepless hours have been agony, but now we know the truth behind the pain, we know the truth that is causing those sleepless days. More Cancer: More Radiation.
When the MRI results came in on Thursday, our fears became our reality; “It’s good that we know what we are dealing with” I said to TLO; “Yes, as difficult as this news is to hear, it is better to know” TLO responded. In the back of our minds, we both knew that this was not a case of sciatica.
The cancer has moved to his hip, pelvis and down his right leg. In order to relieve his pain, we will start palliative radiation treatments immediately. We are considering a PET scan to determine where else the cancer might be in his body, yet how much more do we really want to know?
There is comfort in holding each other and having a good cry.
One thing that we have decided is that we are going to enjoy every day 
together. We will not let the cancer rule us because as Saint Augustine said, “Love Is The Beauty Of The Soul.”
It is at these times when the dual role of Caregiver and Partner intertwine. The fate of reality projects our thoughts to a future which has not arrived. You want the pain to go away; nothing more, nothing less. Removing the Caregiving role provides for more free time yet losing a partner leaves an emptiness that only makes free time more difficult.
As Caregivers, we often fail to reach out and ask for help. Those reasons 
vary from wanting to do it alone, to not knowing how to ask for help. With that, family and friends have to have their own comfort zone when asking what they can do to help. I have been on both sides of this dilemma. The most important part of this process is to be aware and act within one’s comfort zone.
If you are wondering what you might be able to do, please feel free to: 
- Call us
- Write us
- Text us
- Visit us
- Pray for us
- Do what makes YOU most comfortable
TLO and I understand that we have a difficult road ahead, but that is OK because we know the truth and we can deal with it accordingly. The quick response from his primary care physician and radiation oncologist to have his treatment plan set up within 24 hours has simply amazed us. We are so fortunate to have Dr. Starcevic and Dr. Medina on our Care Team.
It goes without saying how fortunate we are to have each and everyone one of you with us on this journey because…
We Might Have Cancer, But Cancer Does Not Have Us!
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The Purple Jacket 
In following this journey from afar it always seemed to me the best possible care and guidance was/is being provided. That in itself is comforting in that so many other individuals have stories to tell where their medical teams were not as reliable and determined as appears to be the case here. I learned long ago to give my troubles and burdens to God…cause he’s gonna be up all Night anyway. And as well, we only have to concern ourselves with the immediate bridge to cross before us, not the ones we create in our minds that have not even come before us yet. Stay in the moment and get the most of each day…one day at a time! As always…”cancer does not have you!”
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Bruce,
Thank You for your kind words and thoughtfulness. As a Caregiver, we often think that we can do it alone, but when it comes right down to it, God is in charge. I know, actually we know, that this journey has an uphill battle, but when we can turn over to God what we can’t control (which is just about everything), then the Caregiving role become easier. We are enjoying each moment, and cherishing our time together!
Thanks…
…Chris
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Sending all positive thoughts your way as you both face this new challenge. So glad that you have each other to lean on in these difficult, yet precious days.
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Holly,
So good to hear from you and thanks much for sending along positive thoughts. In this difficult time, we are glad that we can share this experience together!
So good of you to check in on us!
Chris
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The power of knowing. I can relate. In knowing we know how to deal with an issue. Not knowing creates fear and anxiety.
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I agree 100%…Knowing what has caused the pain allows us to put an action plan in place. The unknown does cause fear!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
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