Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Fifth Treatment

Once again we made it through another treatment. Troy received his fifth treatment on Monday 12/1 and things went really well. We were overjoyed after Dr. Hansen examined Troy and said that he could no longer feel any lymph nodes, ANY!!! This is incredible news! We are so very thankful that the chemotherapy is working! It continues to be rough on Troy as he has many side effects from both the chemo and the Neulasta shot but he is amazing in spite of all he must endure! No matter how run down he is or how crappy he is feeling, we can always get a smile from him! Here he is in the infusion room on Monday!

Isn't he handsome?
Although this is a very challenging experience for all of us, we are still blessed in so many ways! We met a gentleman on Monday who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and was receiving his first treatment that day and had just had his port placed that morning as well. While we talked with this roughlooking man, the beauty of his spirit opened and we couldn't help but notice how much he reminded both of us of Troy's sweet father Les (God rest his soul). This man was 50 years of age, a workaholic employed out at Kennecott, and a bulldozer operator. Although the many years of labor were etched within the lines on his face, he had such a kind and loving personality. We talked for many hours with this man. He shared with us that he wasn't sure what to expect that day so he came completely unprepared (when receiving chemo, one has nothing to do but stare out into the room unless you come prepared with movies, card games, books, etc). When he left for the day, he and his sweet wife thanked us so much for our conversation. He told us that he doesn't know what he would've done had we not been there to talk with him. What a blessing it is to meet such wonderful people who have also had their lives touched by this horrible disease. Our prayers go out to he and his family!

4 comments:

Tiffany Berg Coughran said...

I just learned of your family minutes ago and came to your blog. Please know you are not alone. My husband has been going through stage 4 oral cancer - the treatments have been so hard. Along the way we have seen so many miracles. We are fighting too and are here if you need anything. Sometimes just knowing you walking the path with others going through troubles makes all the difference - www.TiffanyBerg.com.

Tiffany Berg Coughran said...

Forgot to add my husband's very humorous blog - even through his treatments - www.PaulBerg.blogspot.com - Again, please let us know if we can support you in any way -

pauL said...

Troy, keep up the faith. Cancer sucks, but now that you're in the club you have permission to see the humor in it that nobody else can. God uses everything for good. See past the trial and love God and love people.
pauL

S said...

I am sending positive healing energy your way. I know what it is like to see your family member struggle with cancer. It is really helpful to join a support group as well, if you are interested.