Will saw our primary care doctor this morning, and he is VERY optimistic about Will’s prognosis for a longer life than we anticipated when we thought the cancer was an ‘adenocarcinoma’. That’s the most common type, and it is a fast killer…..if Will had this kind, we’d more than likely be playing a dirge right about now.
But he doesn’t. Thank You, God. So many people have been praying for him—indeed, for both of us—that I can’t help thinking this is anything but miraculous. Yes, he still has an incurable illness that will kill him eventually, but with this treatment, ‘eventually’ could be quite a ways off. This may give us precious time to love and grow even closer…..time to enjoy our children and grandchildren…..time to prepare for the better life on the other side of this one.
I tell you, this man is such an inspiration to me. His attitude is that of a champion at this game of life; it says “I’m not going to fold up and die because of this, I’m going to go right on living and being and doing.” I think his outlook also has a lot to do with why I’ve finally achieved normality after battling my own illness for so long (and yes, getting the meds right didn’t hurt).
I’m serious. It’s like I’ve totally snapped out of it…..I have NO symptoms. None whatsoever. And it feels like it’s going to hold this time—now that I know the difference between typical mood fluctuations and actual mood episodes, I can tell when I’m having a normal response to external stimuli as opposed to brewing something that’s pathological. That is a HUGE breakthrough right there.
Don’t get me wrong, I know better than to think I’m “cured”, any more than Will’s cancer can be “cured”. We both have chronic illnesses that will require constant vigilance and frequent contact with doctors for the rest of our lives. There will be lots of meds, treatments, therapies, and BIG bucks involved. And either (or both) of us could wind up needing intensive diabetes management, as he will more than likely develop the disease and I already have it. But we can handle all of that as long as we have each other.
It’s not how either of us envisioned spending our so-called “golden” years…..but as we often remind each other, it’s infinitely better than not being here at all.
bpnurse 