Anniversary and Treatments

This week we celebrated 14 years of marriage. Because of Harry's treatments and other obligations, we have not had an opportunity to celebrate. But we took time to express thankfulness to God and to each other for the years God has kept us. Compared to the marriages of some couples, 14 years is not a long time. Even so there are many that don't make it 5 years together. There seems to be a spirit of disunity, discontent, and deceit that is pulling families apart. We have felt it too, but early in our marriage, we made a pact between each other to never use the "D" (divorce) word in our home.

I love my husband, and he loves me. This week he expressed sorrow because he has been ill and fighting cancer for more than half of our marriage. I reminded him that the vow we made was "through sickness" and every other trauma that crosses our lives. What happens to him, also happens to me and vice versa. We are fighting his illness together.

Today (June 8) marked 21 radiation treatments. So Harry has 23 treatments to go. We are almost halfway there, and we are both looking forward to Harry ringing that bell. For the most part, the radiation side effects have been bearable. He is experiencing a lack of energy, loss of appetite, some nausea, and some bathroom issues. There have been about three times when he absolutely did not feel well. He has discovered that rest has become his friend and drinking smoothies or protein drinks are beneficial. His doctor told him yesterday that side effects may get worse before they get better. But we are continuing to trust that God will carry Harry through and reduce the effects of the treatments.

His biggest struggle is hot flashes. Harry is experiencing male menopause, which has been brought on by hormone treatments he is receiving. This treatment keeps Harry's male hormones from interfering with the efficiency of the radiation. When he has a hot flash, it overwhelms him and reduces him to hot, sweaty mess. But worst is the reduction of strength and energy he experiences every time he flashes. The doctor informed us that the hormone treatment will continue for about a year and a half, which means Harry will have hot flashes for awhile.

As always thank you for your prayers. We feel them. We also feel God's presence as He walks with us through this storm. God gives us peace, and you and your prayers makes us feel loved and ensures us we are not alone. Love you all.