So just when you think that you have a fairly good grasp on life…..POW! You are hit with something that shakes the earth from under you. As many of you know if you have followed my blog for a few years, my husband has been battling his own medical problems. Basically, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer over three years ago and has been treated with immunotherapy (BCG specifically). Unfortunately, the cancer has metastasized and is going to areas beyond the bladder. We always knew this was a possibility, and he was ready to have radical surgery to stop the spread, if necessary. This week we met with a group of cancer consultants who indicated that the metastases are beyond the scope of regional surgery and recommended that a relatively new type of chemotherapy/immunotherapy be the treatment of choice. Along with this info came the realization that the prognosis is not great…..
I am not sure how to fight this battle with Parkinson’s and to be a caregiver to my guy. So once again, I know that my strength will come from my faith. I cannot do this alone. I need to take it day by day and depend on God to guide me down the river and to stay afloat.
In some ways there are positive aspects of this situation. You have no choice than to slow life down and think of how you/we want to spend our limited time together. My husband loves the simple things in life and wants to enjoy time with each other and our family while doing the simple things that he loves: fishing, boating, walking our pup on the beach and watching a good movie while holding hands. It is great that these bring him joy because they are doable especially when receiving a regimen of chemotherapy infusions.
I had hoped to do a little more traveling (even with my Parkinson’s related disabilities), but that is not the most important thing now. It is spending quality time with each other and trying to enjoy the turn in the river on life’s journey together wherever it leads and for whatever time we have together.
Image: Debra Sundberg Photography 7/24 Norway
