Sunday, February 17, 2008

Persistence ...

Daffodils, © Joan Z. Rough, 2008

My brother's cancer has not spread. On Tuesday, he will begin a 5 week course of radiation treatments 5 days a week and chemo once a week. After a rest of 3 or 4 weeks he will then undergo surgery to remove the mass and the part of the esophagus that is involved. The risk of the cancer returning after all of this is high and if it does, the treatment is palliative, to keep him as comfortable as possible.

I have my up days and my down days. I cannot imagine what this time must be like for him. But no matter what, we seem to persist. The sun rises and sets, the moon and stars appear to guide us through the dark. We all do the best we can through this crazy adventure called
life.

I have not had time to get back to the riverside jungle that also persists, but I'm itching to have at it some more. No matter what I do, most likely I will not stop the kudzu from trying to take over the river bank, as long as time and planetary conditions allow. However, in my own laughable, controlling way, I will persist, as will we all.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

keeping your brother and family close in thought as he presses on

Anonymous said...

Wishing continued strength and hope in the struggles ahead. The garden work is therapeutic so go for it!

I'm looking forward to getting into my garden too, after a particularly dreary winter. The snowdrops are fully out, a month late, and the early crocuses are almost ready to bloom when the sun shines. The cycle continues...

Becca said...

I'm glad you're seeing signs of spring - I'm sure you need all the hopeful signs you can get right now.

Keeping your brother in my thoughts, and hoping he does well with his therapy.

jzr said...

Thank you Star, Marja-leena and Becca for your kind thoughts and wishes. They are greatly appreciated and so wonderful coming from my blogging friends that I've never met in person. You keep me going, for sure!!

Lucy said...

One day at a time. Wishing you, your brother and all your families hope strength and a calm mind.
x

Deirdre said...

I'm glad to hear the cancer hasn't spread. It sounds like a rigorous treatment, but one that offers great hope. I'm thinking of you.

PJS said...

oh yes, i remember that kudzu! remember we tried making baaskets with it?