Animal Crackers and Cancer
Today is my first day of chemo. As I sit here, they are dumping all sorts of chemo drugs into my body while I eat Zoo Animal Crackers . In the quietness of this moment, I am remembering the numerous things for which I am grateful. They are:
Katie — She has been superhuman through all of this. Her smile, laughter, joy, and care remind me daily why I am grateful for the last 30 years and the next 30 years to come. She is my favorite person in the whole world, and I love her more than life.
Family
Cody and Kendal came to town. I am so thankful to have them here. We do not get to see them enough but are enormously proud of them and miss them dearly.
Zach continues to call almost every day and check in. While I see him weekly, it is always great to hear his voice. We love having him here with us in OKC.
Paul and SP continue to provide extended care and support through naturopathic medicine. I am beyond grateful for their willingness to help me heal and fight this silly disease. Their office personnel are first rate and make me feel welcomed every time I walk through the doors.
Mom and Dad check on me daily and pray for me constantly. I am thankful for their love and faith in me over the years. I’m thankful for their love for Katie and me.
Timmy and Janna continue to walk with us through the cancer journey. I am beyond grateful for their support, laughter, and prayers.
David and Megan have been consistent voices of wisdom, support, and love as we navigate the medical side of this journey. They continually assure Katie and me that all will be well.
Tina and David have faithfully prayed for us and continue to encourage us along the path. They’ve walked the cancer path before, and they know it well.
Friends
We have had countless friends bring balloons, flowers, food, write, text, and reach out in so many ways. We are beyond grateful for their love and prayers. They continue to remind us that we are dearly and deeply loved. Thank you for expressing that love at the deepest and most meaningful levels.
OneWorld Health (OWH)
My friends and colleagues at OWH have been incredible. They have worked with me during this diagnosis and continue to support me every step of the way. It is a great organization filled with amazing people doing life changing work in East Africa and Central America. I am blessed to serve with them. You can find out more about what we do at www.oneworldhealth.com
Monday, November 15th Schedule
I am grateful for the kindness of doctors, nurses, hospital personnel, and the Zoo Animal Crackers they had waiting for me at the hospital. Zoo Animal Crackers always make for a great day even in the worst circumstances.
So, here are a few things we’ve discovered already after these first few days:
I spent 7.5 hours at the Cancer Center while they drew blood, confirmed that my numbers were good, and then dumped numerous drugs into my system. Finally, they hooked me up to a small pump that will continue to inject drugs for the next 46 hours.
Once we finished, we discovered that I was slurring my speech when I speak. After a little conversation with doctors and nurses we determined that it was a small reaction to some of the drugs.
Here are a few of the possible side effects of the drugs.
Fatigue. This one is legit. It is the thing that I am already experiencing the most. The problem is that sleeping, and rest do not eliminate the fatigue. It simply continues.
Neuropathy. I cannot touch cold things and need to wear gloves and heavy socks if the temperature gets below 50 degrees.
Possible loss of hair. We won’t know if this will happen for several weeks.
Loss of appetite. Nothing sounds good, and some food has already begun to taste bad.
Katie and I cannot share the same bathroom while I’m on these drugs. Clearly this stuff is toxic.
If my temperature reaches 100 degrees, then I must go to the emergency room immediately. Evidently, my immune system is very low during this process.
And, finally…
I continue to choose joy, to celebrate the wins, and heed the advice that chemo is NOT the enemy, cancer is the enemy. I know that I am not alone. I know that I am loved. I know that I will beat cancer. I will win in the end. Please know, I am not depressed, in denial, or upset with God. This is life and all of us have moments when it is difficult. This is my moment, but I am not alone. As always, thanks for praying for us, checking on us, and loving us. Katie and I are grateful for all you do to demonstrate your love to us.
—Scott