Soaking up some rays, enjoying these sunny days!
Thought it was time again for another update. Not too much different to tell. Wayne had his third round of chemo on Monday. He enjoyed a day and a half of riding the steroid high [he gets steroids the day before and day after chemo to help with side effects - it works well, and he loves the extra energy it gives him!], now the crash begins. Assuming things go as previously, he feels really rough for the next number of days and slowly starts to pick up again next week. It's a frustrating week for him, he really hates feeling so crappy, but it helps to know it gets better.
He is halfway through the chemo treatments now, and if they stay on schedule he will have his last treatment the end of May. Initially the doctor was thinking to do some scans after this treatment, but she has decided since he's tolerating the chemo ok that she'll wait till the full course is done and then check things over. [it would have been nice to know how things are going . . .just another example of God keeping things in His hands, forcing us [me!] to trust more and live with patience and faith]. Wayne does have more bloodwork next week and an appointment with the urologist the beginning of April, it will be interesting to hear what he has to say. The last time we saw him was a couple of months ago and things weren't looking too good then. Praying for a little more positive report this time!
On Wayne's good days we have been able to enjoy our time together - he has been able to make it to a few of Brian's hockey games, church, evenings out with friends, and lots of just simple times together with the kids. You really learn to appreciate the everyday little moments - sitting together for dinner, sharing stories, laughing, talking/helping each other.
One of Wayne's struggles is trying to figure out his "purpose" now. A big thing for men, who are very much defined by what they do - their work, their tasks. He may not see it, but I see what he is doing now, and I tell him often - he is helping us and so many others. He is still the head of our home, and helps us daily with his lead - by showing his faith, giving us leadership in decisions, and just being there for and with us. He has had many friends and family visit and call, and I know he has helped them as well - by being what he has always been - a good listener, an empathetic friend, an example. He is missing having the energy to do things, to work, but praying he will see that he is 'working' - in a way he wouldn't have been able to before.
We never know how and who we impact in our daily walk, but it is our prayer that if anything positive can come of all of this it would be that others will take the time to treasure the blessings in their lives. Their spouse, their children, their family and friends - cherishing every moment and day as the gift that it is, making memories together, seeing what's really important in this life and praying a little more.
With the change in season coming, things are changing here too. Brian's hockey is almost done, making things a little less busy here, but planning to start soccer in another month! It seems to be good for him to keep some extra activities - to have some routine. Vanessa is enjoying her high school co-op placement in the hospital, and her easier semester! She is having to make some big decisions soon regarding her post secondary education. As some of you may know, Vanessa is planning on doing her BScn to get her RN. As offers are coming in now, she's having to make that choice of where to go in the fall. Normally wouldn't be too hard, but with everything going on here she is having to make some tough decisions of where would be best for her. Praying for guidance with that for her. Jessica is going into her last month of her co-op placement. She has been enjoying her work, and its been so nice to have her home. She will be going back to school at the beginning of May til the end of August. [but hoping for a good schedule so she can be home more on weekends!] Lots of things happening, but so thankful to be able to share these moments with them.
So that's where we're at now. Every day brings its own blessings and challenges, but still thankful for every day together. Thank you again to everyone, for everything!!
