The Cancer Journey

I'm just past half way between chemo/radiation and my coming surgery. The main medical goals for this 4 week period are to regain energy/strength and perhaps recover a few lost pounds. So I'm trying to eat healthy and get out for some significant exercise. Last week, I was able to get out for short bike rides every couple of days and I rode somewhere between 5 and 8 miles each time. Yesterday, riding felt so good I extended my ride to 11.5 miles, thoroughly enjoying the beauty along the Straight River (love that trail!) through town.  It was great! Recovery from chemo and radiation is happening slowly, and I feel I'm getting a bit stronger day by day.  Exercising well and eating right are more important now than usual.   Eating remains a challenge. Almost every swallow is uncomfortable and even  painful. Anything acidic or scratchy is an extra struggle. I've always been a "foodie." I've always loved the adventure of new flavors and new foods, but presently

Yesterday I got to ring the bell celebrating my final radiation treatment. I was surprised at my deep emotional response. Undressing for treatment, my mind was saying, “it’s just another one.” It was number 25 and the final, but no-big-deal, right? All I do is lay there and let the protons do their work, right? It’s easy (at least for me) to ignore the impact of all that’s happened – until a rush of emotions interrupted my demeanor causing me to wonder and contemplate this journey. It’s been 3 months since this journey began. Life can sure shift quickly. Looking for an ulcer they found a tumor. Medical recommendation involved stepping away from work I loved but wouldn’t finish. Moving back from Baxter to our Owatonna home, put me 38 minutes from state of the art proton therapy. And I’ve lost track how many exam and treatment rooms I’ve seen. I had no idea how much this would control my time and my world. I’ve not wanted it to dominate my emotions or my spiritual journey, but the impa

Monday started the last week of my treatment, with one added on next Monday cause of the holiday. I love this sculpture in waiting area I've hit the point in my treatment (they  warned me) where it's grown uncomfortable/painful and hard. This is my last week of treatment. This and the  week following promised to be the worst of treatment. True - so far. The bigger personal concern right now is that I  know that the esophagectomy is ahead and recovery from that is going to be harder. Any fear, is really  about that long recovery. Friends tell me about relatives who have done very well following that surgery,  but the anticipation is difficult knowing that recovery will be long.     Plummer House Rochester has always been the place we've enjoyed eating out. Hollandberry-Pannekoeken is there, now close  to the clinic, and there is a Mediterranean fast food place my daughter Kim really enjoys.  Last week we checked out a Pakistani restaurant. But  presently, eating is painful a