I came to the Clinic the same way that I have each day. The same security officer greeted me with the same question that he has asked every day: “Do you have any guns, knives, or weapons?” I just couldn’t help it. I responded, “Nothing except these hands of steel.” His laugh made me think he didn’t believe me.
As I sat in the lobby for blood work it struck me this morning how many patients are far worse off than I am. I sat across from a man who has a leg prosthesis. One lady didn’t have enough strength to move her wheelchair. Lots of folks simply looked terrible. Just one stick for one vial of blood. The young medical student was alive and refreshing. She is in school here and wants to become a Physician’s Assistant. I headed to the Transplant Center where I spent the rest of the day, learning my fate. The nurse who handled most of the visit was magnificent. Lots of the staff in the Transplant Center have a desire to be there and they love the patients. After about 45 minutes Dr. Goertz came in. He was his typical self. Bright. Focused. And to the point. He could not have been more pleased with how I tolerated the chemotherapy. It did its job, preparing me for the transplant. My heart is in good shape, as are my lungs despite the cold. The hours of swimming in a pool that I didn’t want in the first place were worth it. Four years ago we bought the house at Beaver. I complained when I cleaned the pool that summer. I would never have purchased a house with a pool unless it was this particular house on Beaver Lake. No other house in our neighborhood has a pool. Teresa must have heard a word that I didn’t. It was her idea to view the house in the first place. I didn’t know then that the pool was a gift from God, four years before I needed it. It takes a couple of days for the results of the bone marrow biopsy to be available, but according to my bloodwork, it appears that the myeloma was whacked by the chemotherapy. That is very good news. It gives the doctors and me hope that the transplant will be worth it. Dr. Goertz went on to his next patient and Nurse Nikki resumed her interview and training. After dealing with the health stuff that had been on her checklist, she flipped the page and asked me the next question on her required list. “How is your mental health?” I could tell by the smile under her mask that she really didn’t need to ask the question. She had me sign the consent forms. Chemo Day is scheduled for September 12th and Transplant Day for September 14th. News of the morning couldn’t have been more positive. After spending an hour or so in the apartment, I headed back to the Clinic to see the surgeon who will insert the port on Friday. I had to walk through the same metal detector and by the security staff. The guy who is usually there was replaced by a young guy, maybe in his mid to late 20s. I couldn’t help it a second time in the same day. He asked me if I had any guns, knives, or weapons. I responded as I had earlier in the morning. “Just these hands of steel.” He laughed from his belly, which he had ample quantity for the laugh. I thought he might lose it. I didn’t think it was that funny. He did. Surgery for the port will likely be before noon on Friday. We will know the specific time when we call after 8:15 this evening. I still have the cold but the Mayo folks think I will kick it on my own before the two weeks go by. Unlike yesterday I left the Clinic still punching. I chose to use the stairs instead of the elevator—at least for two flights or less. I walked the long corridor that leads to the parking garage by punching the air. I did look around to make sure no one else was in the corridor. They wouldn’t have understood the fight. Then again, maybe most of the would have. Swimming was over when I had the bone marrow biopsy. It’s more than over until the port is removed. It is a beautiful day here so I walked down the street for a bit. It is one of the ways I can fight. Along the way I walked by the Kwik Mart. I felt compelled to stop in and get some ice cream. Ice cream is required eating for the next six weeks. Actually lots of dairy products are because of the protein. Let’s see. Yogurt or ice cream? You know my choice. Teresa, Caryn, and Oreo should be here sometime this evening. It will be a blessing to have their company. Thanks for reading. You help me by reading, even if I have no idea of some the people who are reading the blogs. You are having a hand in my overall treatment.
7 Comments
Peggy F Ray
8/31/2023 08:51:50 pm
Cheering you on!!! You are my inspiration!
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8/31/2023 08:53:23 pm
Such great news. I am so proud of you and your hands of steel. Love you Ace.
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Pam sloas
8/31/2023 09:05:10 pm
Praying daily for you and your family, your medical team, and your church family! Stay strong! Keep on believing!
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Jamie Wallin
8/31/2023 09:14:29 pm
Praising God for your good news. 🙌🎉🙏 Continued prayers for your strength, peace, and healing. You were prayed for last night at bible study by members of your Mt. Zion fam. 💪
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Margie Gray
8/31/2023 10:06:11 pm
As always, continued prayers!
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Sharon Earl
8/31/2023 10:44:01 pm
Praying for you everyday for GOD to give you strength and heal you
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Roberta Bunch
8/31/2023 11:57:57 pm
You not only have hands of steel but also a heart of gold. You are a great witness as to the ways God provides and care for us. Prayers will continue for your strength, your peace, and God’s blessings. Ice Cream is good medicine.
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Chuck Cooper
Pastor at Daybreak Community Church Archives
February 2025
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