Greetings friends and family,
Still working through that old phrase, but it kind of make sense.
On Monday I started my 5th week of treatments, a bit reluctantly I must say. Maria took me to my radiation appointment early so I could meet with my radiation oncologist. I was convinced that something was wrong and I had some type of infection. They ended up giving me a 2 hour IV of fluids that morning which helped tremendously as I was very dehydrated. It gave me a little wind into my luffing sails and I was able to get my radiation treatment.
About 6 days prior I took a big turn for the worse, zero strength, zero appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, hard to walk because my feet were so sore or touch anything with my fingers. Then came severe stomach cramps. Besides all that, I was pretty good. I was glued to my couch or bed. Telekinesis wasn’t working on things like the remote control, but I sure tried. I spent time just stareing out the front door. I could so see how one could enter into a place of hopelessness and depression. Besides just a few moments of anger and the treat of anxiety, (which I felt was spiritual), I have been at a place of thankfulness to God. Can’t say I have been feeling too spiritual lately, or even any emotions. But totally seeing the hand of God through people around me. Perhaps it is not until you are completely vulnerable do you allow others to demonstrate or see their efforts and heart towards you. I am in awe to what I am the recipient of from the occasional text to the bags of groceries, etc. And despite working 12 hr days, Maria has been treating me like a king. I couldn’t fathom a better companion.
Tuesday morning I had my 5th to last radiation treatment and then a 5½ hour chemo treatment which is my last one. My main oncologist, (which got many e-mails from me last weekend), was very compassionate and encouraging. One of the things he stated was. “ even though you are going through a really tough time right now, you will get through it and YOU ARE CURABLE”. It wasn’t until afterwards when my nurse pointed out that he doesn’t say that to all his patience that it really hit me. I think so many things in life comes down to our perspective, how we look at a situation. Is the glass half full or half empty ? Many of my fellow patients getting treatments are just buying time, and get these treatments for years. I am so fortunate that even though I had a few horrific weeks and some significant disruptions in my life, only 5 ½ weeks of treatment, in comparison to some I would call that practically a drive-thru plan. I am seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
The Mission continues to be immensely supportive and gracious towards me. Take a minute to meet one of our precious senior guest, Betty. A pretty remarkable story;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1EtWsuChLY&eurl=http://www.urm.org/site/c.hqLQI1OCKnF/b.4200587/
To read past updates, various interviews, pictures and more, visit;
Richardfelipe.com
Have a safe and fun 4th of July, and may God bless America.
Remember – God is Good.
Richard Felipe