1st Week of Treatment

1 week down, 4 and 1/2 weeks of radiation and chemo to go.  Are we done yet?  I wish, but the reality is this was the 1st week of a long journey.  I have literally watched my wife go through hell this week.  Everyone knows what chemo and radiation is, but until you live with it and see their awful effects, you don't truly comprehend what it does to you or how it effects your family.  With all the medical advances we have in today's world, it amazes me that in order to cure cancer, you have to inject toxin into your body.  A toxin that when received at our age, can produce the very same disease in the future we are trying to beat now.  Jenny's doctor told us that last week.  No one mentioned that little nugget before.  Quite frankly, that sucks.  It just does.

While we wish we weren't going through this, I can't help but see how Jenny's illness has been producing some positive side effects...Mainly all of you and the selfless service you have provide to my family non stop.  I've watched my mom put her life on complete hold and either stay here for 3 weeks straight or drive in and out every day to take care of my kids and while she takes care of my 3 kids, she does the laundry, cooks, cleans, and reads a book.  I remember growing up joking that she was "Robomom" because she has an amazing ability to accomplish so much in an effortless fashion.  The kids LOVE having her here and I am so thankful for her.  Family from both sides have volunteered to take care of the kids, cook meals, visit, you name it.  Our Ward has been amazing. Every day we get at least one phone call but usually 3 or 4 asking what they can do for us and to check on Jenny.  Bobby has play dates every other day with swim lessons in between set up because people volunteer.   I am in awe of how other people from all angles have re-entered our lives with desires to help.  And I'm talking people I have not really associated with for 10 years.  We get flowers, cards, candy, cookies and all sorts of other things that just show up on our doorstep.  The young women called from girls camp this week to sing Jenny a song.  The primary wrote "get well" cards a couple weeks back.

My kids are getting to be part of something so special whether they realize it or not.  They are the receivers of your love, your charity and your support.  They are learning that selfless service towards others is so important.  They get to literally see it happen to them.  There is a peace in our house amidst the chaos of day to day life because of your thoughts, well wishes, and prayers.    

Next week I'm sure will bring either more of the same or new challenges.  We'll work through them as we always do.