Gregg and I are hanging in there. After getting over the initial shock of the diagnosis, somehow we managed to have a quiet, sweet Christmas together. We put aside the fear for a couple of days and stayed at home with each other. We took walks at night with Ginger to look at the stars (so bright in the cold winter sky!) and the neighborhood decorations. We ate lots of junk food, and spent afternoons watching old John Wayne movies in our pjs. On Christmas Eve I lit beeswax candles on the mantle (I love their warm light and faint smell of honey) and we sat together and enjoyed the quiet and the peace of the holiday.
Now the tough part begins.
This week Gregg will begin a series of doctor's appointments and tests to find out more about his cancer diagnosis, and what the next few months will hold in terms of treatment. We are frightened about getting the full diagnosis, but not knowing and imagining the worst isn't a good position to be in.
Today is his first consultation. We are extremely fortunate to have the head of the pulmonary department at a local hospital as a personal friend. We have been close to him and his wife for years and he is the first person Gregg is meeting with to see what needs to happen first. He is not only a very good doctor (and a lung specialist) but he is young, serious, and has advanced very rapidly in his field. I know that he will help us assemble a great team to fight this. And most importantly, Gregg feels comfortable with him. I know he will do everything in his power to help us.
Please everyone hold us in your thoughts this week. Any and all prayers, thoughts, messages, and love sent our way are greatly appreciated.
I wanted to include one of my favorite pictures of my husband here, taken last summer during our trip to Virginia. He was studying a small creek and the native aquatic plants growing in it. It was a beautiful path we were standing on, as you can see. We were celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary:
I intend to get this wonderful man well and strong again. That is all that matters to me for the coming year, and all I can hope for in 2012.
A positive attitude can go a long way in recovering health. I'm so glad you were able to enjoy your holiday and are feeling ready to take on the next challenges. I keep you and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that these days a diagnosis of cancer does not mean he has to die. There are so many medical options to choose from, and even though it is a scary diagnosis and a tough fight (I've seen it, I am a medical translator), you can both come out of this on top. I think a good attitude (don't smack me, I know it sounds ridiculous right now) and healthy circumstances are the most important things for both of you right now, to have the energy for the coming months.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best for the coming year!
I am sure the cancer will be beat! You have a fantastic attitude about getting past it, and it sounds like the medical care will be fantastic! I'll be sending positive thoughts your way.
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