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April 7, 2006 - Day Three – Final day
of Round 1 of an 8 Round Fight
7 hours on Wednesday, 2 hours
yesterday, and 1 hour today - 10 hours every 28
days of a regimen designed to shrink and eventually
eliminate the tumors. I can handle that. Others
are not as fortunate as I. The gentlemen seated
next to me this morning is receiving treatment for
pancreatic cancer. He is hooked up three times every
week for at least six months. He would love to have
the full six months because he has pancreatic cancer
and a 4% chance of remission. I am scheduled for 8
months of therapy and have a 60% chance of
remission. I have much to be thankful for.
Benjamin Franklin may be
remembered for flying a kite in the rain, but his
saying KEEP IN THE SUNLIGHT today graces our
refrigerator door in the form of a magnet sent from
our daughter Laura.
In just a nano-second of time
relative to my full life, the sunlight of family,
friends, acquaintances and even strangers has
brightened my days. Sunlight from the heavens is a
precious commodity that sustains all life, and
perhaps a metaphor for each of us. If we are
fortunate enough to bask in the sunlight of others
we can over come or endure great challenges.
Ask a friend who has beaten
cancer and the color yellow comes to mind. Even
Lance Armstrong’s Foundation bracelet is yellow;
perhaps by chance, but nevertheless reflective of
both his yellow jersey he wears for winning the Tour
de France, but also for his attitude and keeping in
the sunlight.
A phone call, an email, a
letter, an orchid, a card, a hug, a smile, a pot of
soup, dinner at a friend’s and even a simple ‘my
thoughts are with you’ are all forms of transmitting
sunshine.
Yellow is the resurrection
color. It is the color of new beginnings. I love
yellow!
Round One is completed, save
for a shot tomorrow that is designed to help my
white cell blood count. Apparently the effects of
the chemical wears off within 24-48 hours, but like
the energizer bunny they keep working in my system
attacking the cancer. It would be nice to waken
each morning to the sunshine knowing that few more
of the little devils have been rendered useless.
All for today. Tomorrow I will
share a fascinating conversation I had with my
oncologist Dr. Larry Piro. Fascinating insight into
modern medicine through the eyes of a top
specialist.
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