My blog is a way for me to share in the wonder of each day. I know there are others like me that due to medical issues have our days numbered and would like to make the most of them in a positive and gifting way for ourselves and for those around us.



Thursday, August 28, 2008

Next update on Son, etc.

Yep it happened. He hoped he wouldn't be one of the many, but of course he was. David began to lose patches of his hair last weekend so he shaved it all off. He has taken it pretty well, but he is worried that he may lose his beginning goatee. You can see it a little in the photo below. At least he can still smile.
3 weeks into chemo and he lost his hair.

Last week he had a pretty good week and felt well enough to get out and do a few things. I took him to Pueblo last week to visit some family and he had a great time and had a chance to reconnect since he's been away from my home for the last 2 1/2 years due to my own medical issues. He was tired but happy.

Another day I took him to the park after we picked up his 'cousin', actually my best friends daughter. They have known each other since they were babies and she went camping with us and even lived with me awhile when her mama had an unexpexcted situation to deal with. We took Myrtle with us as we walked around the lake and visited.

The Ivy in my front yard covers the fence and the evergreen bush


David went up to Denver on Tuesday to begin his second round of biochemotherapy. The first day always hits him the hardest and makes him sick. Then the meds they give him for his stomach also puts him to sleep so he can rest.

Morning glory flower in my front yard


I went to Denver on Tuesday a.m. to visit with David and sit with him during the day. I happened to catch the Doctor in the hallway and asked about David and he said he was doing well for what he is going through with the treatments.

I guess I am such a realist I had a need to hear it again. I asked about the 10% chance of survival statistic he gave us last time and asked if David's general health and youth would positively affect those percentages. He basically said no, but that he will know more when they do the PET scan in a few weeks.

Flowers hold such promise and beauty

I thought I always tried to teach my children to have faith in God in all things and to seek his guidance, but I now think my daughter has more faith than I do. She is stubornly faithful to think positive and look for that miracle. You would think that my faith would be doubled after all the miracles I've had to still be alive. Truthfully I question it all at times (don't worry, my faith is still there) but my son needs for us to have faith so that he can have it and be positive and hopeful for his own wellbeing.

The last little strand of my faith always produces a beautiful flower


Well, anyway, he was much more alert yesterday and talked some. His foster sister, that I practically raised and had guardianship of, came up with me so they got to see each other which was good for both of them. My sister Brenda is coming to town late next week, so hopefully we will be able to get a family gathering together. David is interested in coming too and I'm sure eveyone will be very happy to see him.

Then shortly after that David's birth brother and his adoptive mother are coming out to visit with David. I think that will be a good thing for him also. He has asked about his birth mother and father but they are out of reach at this time.

In case you are wondering about all the pictures of flowers, etc. my front yard still has some life to it since all of the rains lately. I have alot of beautiful ivy that has just about taken over my side fence and is almost smothering the front evergreen bush. I love it though and the ivy turns a beautiful burnt red in the fall and contrasts just right on the dark green bushes. I'll try to put a picture of it on my blog this fall.

The Morning Glory flower is my dad's favorite flower and it's one of mine too. The glory of a sunrise always unwraps the tightly twisted bloom and it reaches upward all day long. It is a vining climber and reaches upward like we need to every day!
All the other colorful flowers I see are showing off and hoping we'll stop our busy day to notice, just for a moment, and to reflect on our hearts and God's wonder.

The vining flower represents just how I have felt in all the times of my life when I felt the lowest. The thick braid of my faith in youth, being tested sorely, has many times been worn down to just one tiny thread. But, somehow, that thread has been tougher and more resilient than any man made cable and it has always brought me through. Pretty soon the seeds of faith begin anew and blooms again. I think that is pretty much the story of my life and I'm sticking to it.

Enjoy your gifted day and remember who gave it to you!

9 comments:

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I know it's been said many times, but it's still true - all you can do is take it one day at a time. Many of us are praying for David and all your family. My church and Sunday School class are praying as well.

David looks good with his head shaved. A lot of guys are shaving their heads these days, my son-in-law included.

Lovely pictures, especially the flowers. Cosmos is one of my favorites, and they take the heat and dry conditions we have so often here in the Summer.

Have a great Labor Day weekend, Reva, and take care of yourself.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Brenda said...

Hi sis, You took some awesome pics. I love that single white flower.
See you in a couple of days!
Love ya,
your big, little sis, Brenda

Gigi said...

Reva - we will be praying for your precious David. Last month, my Sweet Hubby was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer that has metastisized to his liver. He is undergoing chemo and targeted therapy. All I can offer you, my sister, is a strong shoulder to lean on and our prayers...Our youngest son is also named David. I'm sure you know it means "Beloved." And they are, aren't they...

Betty said...

David seems to have a good attitude about the whole thing, and I've always heard that is half the battle. I will continue to pray for him as well as the rest of the family.

Sam said...

I am also continuing to pray for David. And I agree with Diane, he does look good with his head shaved!

I think our faith is the strongest when we are in the midst of doubt. God can handle our doubt. It's such an integral part of faith and in many ways, only means you are getting closer to God.

Take care of your self, Reva. So many of us are thinking about you and praying for your strong son.

Sammy

Putz said...

to david,,,keep on truckin there babe...hope all the bad can be ferreted out....all the good be promoted to it's height

Beverly said...

I came here by way of Putz's blog. I will remember your son in prayer (you too.)

Your flower pictures are lovely.

Sam said...

Hi Reva,

Just checking in to say hi and see you you are doing. I hope you're doing okay these days.

We're thinking of you and keeping you and your family in our prayers!

Sammy

j said...

Reva, you inspire me. David looks like such a happy healthy young man in his picture. It is so hard to put cancer with that smile.

He is in my prayers. I join your daughter in believing for a miracle.

Be blessed Reva.

Jen