Life Goes On

In all the craziness that is part of our daily lives, it’s been over two weeks since the last blog. I have been remiss not because I have been feeling particularly under the weather, but rather life goes on despite chemo. And at our house, we have quite a few irons in the fire!

I did finally have to face the reality that I am a chemo patient last week. I thought I would continue to skate through these treatments with little to no side effects, but after a trip to St. Louis with Kendal for a bridal shower after my last treatment, I was faced with significant myalgias, weakness, and fatigue.  I know that this is a small price to pay as we continue to pound the tumors that threaten me.

In the midst of feeling sub-par, I made a trip to the oncologist to make sure that my labs looked okay. Turns out that (just as I expected) my hemoglobin has dropped a few points since I started chemo. This is likely the source of my increased weakness and fatigued legs on the treadmill every morning. In addition to this, I may also be feeling the accumulative effects of the chemotherapy as I start my fourth round.  This past week with no chemo has seen much improvement, but I still need my afternoon nap! When I don’t get that hour of sleep, I certainly pay the consequence. Much to my surprise, utilizing the  meal train during the week ensures that I get my rest time as I don’t have to worry about putting food on the table for dinner. Thank you all for your continued generosity!

This morning all the girls and Scott leave for Europe to see Lauren who has been abroad since January. Regretfully, Greg and I will not be able to accompany them as I have continued treatments these next two weeks. It is imperative that I continue to stay on course, and while I know all the girls wish we could share in this family experience , we felt it most important that I continue chemo on schedule. The plan is for a trip to Europe for Greg and I later in the year! We will get to practice being “ empty nesters “ for the next ten days. How is this possible? I ask myself.

In other news, Kendal placed for a surgical residency at her first choice, George Washington University in Washington DC. This ensures that Kendal will be able to enjoy newly married life by living in the same city as her soon to be husband! (Scott will be his residency in OBGYN at Walter Reed Military Hospital in DC as well.) What a relief! At the match day party, we got a preview of the band that will be playing at Kendal’s wedding. Bring your dancing shoes and hold onto your wig (if you wear one) – they were fabulous!

I have continued to reconnect with friends. Despite the challenges of cancer, one of the many blessings has been all the phone calls, meals, and conversations with so many people who have touched my life over the years. I am so grateful for all the love and support that continues to come our way.

I leave you with this:

God’s Promise to Me

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

Pam, you rock!

Wanted to share with everyone that Pam and I had a very special evening this past Thursday night. It was too much fun! We, along with 2500+ people (mostly in the 50 -60 age bracket), went back 35 years in time and listened to Peter Frampton at the Murat Theatre here in Indianapolis. In Pam’s own words, “WOW!"

Pam didn’t recognize Peter when he first took the stage. He’s traded in those long curly, golden locks for a white ring around his bald head. But, man, oh man, he sure hasn’t traded in that voice. He sounded just as good as when he first recorded “Frampton Comes Alive.” In case you are wondering, Pam looked it up and confirmed that he’ll be 62 next month. At the concert, he and his group played the entire “Frampton Comes Alive” album and then shared some new stuff.  (His rendition of Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun was awesome!) Loved how he kept referring to “Me Comes Alive” throughout the night. He played for almost 3 hours and was sure having fun up there!

Speaking of fun, I have to tell on Pam. There were two 60-something guys in front of us who were hysterical. Looked like they came right off their Harleys. Pam couldn’t keep her eyes off of them. Actually, they provided us with some additional entertainment all night long.

A couple of times, Pam was threatening to throw her “cranial prosthesis” on the stage. For those of you who didn’t catch it from the first blog on Jan. 31, that’s what she calls her “wig.” She restrained herself. As you can tell from the attached photo from before the concert, she looks great in her new hair. By the way, we have no idea who the guy behind Pam was. He saw the camera and decided to jump in. Does anyone recognize him?

You know I was thinking about Pam and Peter Frampton. They have a lot more in common than just a lack of hair right now. Both have wonderful smiles and an incredible love and gift of music. Pam was amazed at what he was able to do and kept pointing out the difficulty for any musician at any age to play the rock and acoustic guitars the way he did. I had my very own music expert right beside me.

Pam, you do amaze me. You have been so strong and have had such a positive attitude. You are doing so well with the treatment. You continue to smile.  You do rock, girlfriend, and thanks for sharing a special night with me. Next week, make sure you play some Frampton for Dr. Bhatia!  (He had no idea who Peter Frampton was!) J

Kim Graham Lee