Ding! Ding! Round Two....

Like a fighter resting in his corner, I'm waiting to hear the bell to signal another round. It's Tuesday - chemo day - and I am desperately trying to get mentally prepared for the day ahead.

Last week I reported my relief at finally getting to the great unknown - what will chemo be like? How will I feel? How will it impact me? And now, the trick is I KNOW. I know that the nurse will be completely gowned and gloved to bring the bag with the chemo solution to protect herself from the poison should the bag break, but she capably hangs it on my IV stand and connects it to my infusion catheter and begins sending it into my body. I know that within about 15 minutes, I will taste the metal in my throat, feel it burning down my esophagus and it impacting my stomach by sending it into flips. I know that the infusion will take two hours from start to finish. And I know that the next few days I will be managing nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite and digestive issues.

But on the other hand, here's what else I know. I saw my surgeon yesterday for my 6-week post op visit. I got more emotional that I expected. The emotion was extreme gratitude for his skill, his compassion, his talent which may well have saved my life. (I hugged him - TWICE!) I know that this 6 weeks of chemo/radiation is a huge insurance policy against having to endure all of this again someday. I know that I am surrounded by family and friends who are so encouraging, so inspirational, so kind and compassionate that I am humbled beyond words. I know that it has been a tremendous gift to have my son Taylor here for the last 3 weeks, bringing me laughs, joy, and some wonderful distraction from how I'm feeling physically. And I know that this experience is challenging me to be a better person, to become laser focused about my purpose, to not put off what I want out of this life.

So, ring the bell. Let's get on with Round 2!