Strength In Christ and In Numbers

We were waiting to be called for Edison's radiology oncologist appointment last Thursday and it was taking longer than expected. Having mastered the art of "making margaritas when life's given us limes," I thought about interviewing Edison while waiting at the reception area. I told him that I want the blog to have more of his voice.  

Audrey: Name the top three emotions that you're feeling right now.

Edison: Anxious... concerned... hopeful!

A: I'm glad you're hopeful! I know this hasn't been the best of times, but what is the best thing that's happened since you were diagnosed with cancer?

E: The positive thoughts from the support group [#TeamThrive].

A: Yes, we've been blessed with amazing support. Any words of advice for us who will continue supporting you in this journey?

E: If I am quiet, it doesn't mean that I don't appreciate the support. You don't have to worry that I'm holding my feelings in. Sometimes, the support just gets so overwhelming; I just need a break. Sometimes, I just want to process things myself.

A: Let's dream! After all this is over, what are the top three things you want to cross off your bucket list?

E: Travel more - Paris! Try more restaurants - House of Prime Rib and more sushi places! And probably be more open to talk about my emotions and be ok to ask for help. You know me, I like to do it all. Now I know it's ok to ask for help.

A: I notice that you always play [Starship's] "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" every time we drive to your medical appointments in Modesto. Kuma-KathNiel tayo? (laughs) [Channeling Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, Philippine cinema's current #1 love team]

E: I didn't even notice that I was doing that.

A: Yes, you do. So I was wondering what that's about...

E: I've always liked that song in general. But now it's like our song during this time of our life... because you know, "nothing's gonna stop us." (smiles) But another song that I like listening to now is [Sara Bareilles'] "Brave."

A: Any message to those who are praying for you?

E: I'm truly blessed. Like what you said [on the last blog], I knew people loved me but I didn't know it was this much. I don't think they realize that their messages are what keep me going.

A: What are the best lessons from this experience so far?

E: Not to take anything for granted. Every memory has flashed in my head. Life is short. We don't know what tomorrow brings. Whenever I see cancer foundation commercials on TV, I now see it from their [cancer patients'] perspective. I probably don't have it as bad as some of them, but I now know how they feel. Before, I always just hear the words, "Live life to the fullest" or "Live each day as though it were the last." Now I know they actually mean something.

 

Audrey: Speaking of life and time, I made a mistake on the last blog. We've been together 19 years altogether - not 18! Time flies when you're having fun, huh?

And in true Edison fashion, he just smiled thoughtfully... It's funny how it's been 19 years and I can still feel butterflies in my stomach when he does that! (Cue: Intro to "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now") 😍😄

We felt hopeful after the meeting. We headed to the chemotherapy class next, which gave us more gear (information) for the upcoming battle. We realize that we all have a cross to bear. Edison and I are just so blessed that we never had to carry ours alone. There truly is "strength in numbers" with you, our prayer brigade, who's been there with us right from the beginning! Above all, we have Christ who strengthens us all. Thank You, Lord, for the gifts of faith, family, and friends! #TeamThrive

Love on HD

Last Friday, we went to Edison's first meeting with the oncologist, who essentially will be the team captain during the treatment phase of our journey. She assured us that Edison's cancer is treatable and curable with 70% success rate of it never coming back. His treatment plan is as follows:

* Six weeks of chemotherapy (on Mondays) and radiation (M-F)

* Four weeks of rest from treatment

* Three rounds of: M-Th chemotherapy and 3 weeks of rest

While Edison's treatment does not commence until next month, there are quite a few items that we need to check off to prepare him for treatment:

* Meeting with the radiation oncologist

* Chemotherapy class

* Radiation planning/measurement appointment

* Port placement (outpatient procedure)

* Meeting with the nutritionist

We asked tough questions about leave of absence from work, short and long-term side effects, support services, our cancer care team, etc. Overall, we were pleased by the oncologist's calm, patient, and straightforward responses. Edison felt better knowing that a game plan has been set, and I felt proud at how courageous my husband has been facing all this!

He's healed well from the outpatient surgery that he's had the prior week. Besides a couple bouts of nosebleeds in the morning, there has been no problem in caring for him after the surgery. Just as a nurse would, I asked him to rate his nose and throat pain from a scale of 0 to 10 - 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst pain he's ever felt in his life. It has always been manageable at 3 or below.

It's funny how scales are so relative. Today, Edison and I celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary; we've been together for 18 years altogether! Just before he was diagnosed with cancer, I never thought I could ever love him more than I already did: in a scale of 1 to 10, my love for him then was definitely a 10... with neon lights! After the cancer diagnosis, however, I felt a renewed sense of devotion to him: there is no limit to what I'll endure for this man. And if I've known 18 years ago what I know now, I would have still gladly accepted him in my life. All our challenges through the years have just made our celebrations all the more sweet and special!

All of this renewed euphoria doesn't end between us though. Even among family and friends, we've always known we were loved... but after sharing with you this journey of ours, we now feel how much more love you are actually willing to give us through your loving thoughts, fervent prayers, touching gifts, mighty hugs, enthusiastic happy hour invitations (yeah!), and incredible service offers, most of all! It's seriously been like a festival of love languages, and it's as if we're witnessing all of it in HD! What a glorious display of God's love in our life!

Thank You, God... and thank you all... we are truly humbled by all the love and support!

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)

#TeamThrive