Round Five
The Home Stretch
Tuesday: Round #5 and a Day of Gratitude
When I woke up this morning, it was before my alarm went off. I set up in bed and did as I always do; a quick check-in with where my body is at, and how I am feeling mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It was pretty easy to recognize my morning was starting with anxiety.
In addition to another round of immunotherapy, I’m also getting a blood draw and additional testing which will help us to learn whether the cancer is isolated or has moved into a new metabolic phase and has begun to circulate throughout my body. Big day.
So, building upon The words and advice of many teachers and influencers and coaches in my life, I decided to practice that which I have been preaching over the course of the last year: My circumstances do not define my attitude.
I went to the gym for my daily workout. Today was the first day I started to have energy after the previous treatment… A bit of a surprise there, since in the past I have had a few days of rebound, but not this week. joining me today at the gym where the guys on my high school wrestling team. I could hear them coaching and cheering me on to complete the workout.
Candace and I were able to travel today on the same ferry, and I was able to take her out for a morning coffee date. Macchiatos.
Yummmmm….
After I dropped her off at her office, I contemplated how lucky I am to have her. Then, my mind walked forward to thinking about my son and how thankful I am for him and his wife and his children. He is a man of many gifts. Then I thanked God for my daughter. I gave thanks for her and for her husband who loves her deeply. There is no one I know like her; so much strength and beauty enveloped in tenderness and compassion. I gave thanks for her little sister and for the joy that she is to everyone who encounters her. Her brilliance is her essence. I gave thanks for my younger son, and for his strength and wisdom. He teaches me about the importance of character every time we speak.
I give thanks for my doctors and for being able to walk through this treatment with qualified and compassionate caregivers.
No matter your circumstances, you can always find someone or something to be grateful for. I am thankful for my life – the good, the bad, and everything in between – I am blessed beyond measure and because of this, Philippians 4:13 resonates within me today. All of the above and I myself am nothing if not for Christ.
In addition to another round of immunotherapy, I’m also getting a blood draw and additional testing which will help us to learn whether the cancer is isolated or has moved into a new metabolic phase and has begun to circulate throughout my body. Big day.
So, building upon The words and advice of many teachers and influencers and coaches in my life, I decided to practice that which I have been preaching over the course of the last year: My circumstances do not define my attitude.
I went to the gym for my daily workout. Today was the first day I started to have energy after the previous treatment… A bit of a surprise there, since in the past I have had a few days of rebound, but not this week. joining me today at the gym where the guys on my high school wrestling team. I could hear them coaching and cheering me on to complete the workout.
Candace and I were able to travel today on the same ferry, and I was able to take her out for a morning coffee date. Macchiatos.
Yummmmm….
After I dropped her off at her office, I contemplated how lucky I am to have her. Then, my mind walked forward to thinking about my son and how thankful I am for him and his wife and his children. He is a man of many gifts. Then I thanked God for my daughter. I gave thanks for her and for her husband who loves her deeply. There is no one I know like her; so much strength and beauty enveloped in tenderness and compassion. I gave thanks for her little sister and for the joy that she is to everyone who encounters her. Her brilliance is her essence. I gave thanks for my younger son, and for his strength and wisdom. He teaches me about the importance of character every time we speak.
I give thanks for my doctors and for being able to walk through this treatment with qualified and compassionate caregivers.
No matter your circumstances, you can always find someone or something to be grateful for. I am thankful for my life – the good, the bad, and everything in between – I am blessed beyond measure and because of this, Philippians 4:13 resonates within me today. All of the above and I myself am nothing if not for Christ.
Wednesday: Welcome to Gemini
When I was a kid my brother took me to Cedar Point; the place to go if you are into amusement park rides. They had a rollercoaster called Gemini. At that time, it was the largest of its kind in the US (and maybe the world!). It was also my first time riding a rollercoaster. We had seats in the last—or next to last—car on the coaster… What. A. Ride.
When I stepped out of the car at the end of the ride my legs were a bit wobbly and my balance was a bit off-kilter. This is how I am feeling today; not tired, not disoriented or foggy… just a bit spun out.
I plan to lay low and try to get caught up on some reading and new certifications for my life coaching practice. If I find some energy, I will use it in small amounts to clean the garage or powerwash the deck.
When I stepped out of the car at the end of the ride my legs were a bit wobbly and my balance was a bit off-kilter. This is how I am feeling today; not tired, not disoriented or foggy… just a bit spun out.
I plan to lay low and try to get caught up on some reading and new certifications for my life coaching practice. If I find some energy, I will use it in small amounts to clean the garage or powerwash the deck.
