The Changes of Survival

It’s been a while since I wrote, but that may be a good thing. We have settled in our routine of this and tomorrow is round 9. 75% done with the chemo, but nowhere near done with the diagnosis. 

I’m sitting out in our backyard at the time of writing this, having a nice clear sky evening with Leah and our little fire pit. The fire reminds me of the camp fires from my time in Boy Scouts. For those of you who don’t already know, I’m an Eagle Scout and really learned how to appreciate and responsibly enjoy the great outdoors.  It’s where I learned a lot about myself and a lot more about survival. What to do if your canoe gets swamped. How to light a fire (like this one in front of me) in bad weather. How to use a map and compass to find your way. But nothing about this.

Survival lessons that I learned were always wilderness survival. Now, I’ve been presented with something completely different. A scenario where I can’t just use some rope to lash together a few logs and make a life raft. I simply have to rely on science and medicine along those who administer it to me. They are my life raft, and I have to trust it. “Survival” has meant something completely different for me since April 17th.

As of my last PET scan, there is no active cancer in my body! The chemo is working well, and we’re going to finish what we’ve started with the current treatment plan. Now that the cancer is eliminated, the time is coming to move to maintenance and keep it away. Something to look forward to. That’s what survival means now.