Cancer as a Roller Coaster
Since I signed off this blog in June of 2019 the universe has tilted for all of us.
For myself and my husband, the time since last June has been spent on a medical roller coaster. No other way to describe it.
In brief, cancer often plays dirty. In my husband’s case, it snuck up behind him and placed a tumour on his spinal column. As the tumour grew, it put pressure on his spinal cord. His right foot stopped cooperating, stopped moving the way it should. A slight limp turned into a consistent drag and stumble.
In the stubborn way of many of us, his approach was to wait and see… Until one morning at 2:00 a.m. we dialed 911 because he couldn’t feel his legs.
After spending three months in the hospital cancer ward, and one month in a rehab hospital, he could walk with the aid of a walker and the cancer was once more under control.
Returning home with the walker in tow, our roller coaster began to chug its way up another incline. We were fairly optimistic. This man is a jogger after all. He loves nothing more than putting one foot in front of the other. If anyone were to regain full mobility — well, it would be him.
But then the roller coaster tipped downward once more. His energy decreased, a couple of ‘mystery’ lumps appeared here and there and things were not looking good.
One of those lumps was large enough to see from across the room… I joked it looked like it was going to pop an alien and if that were the case, please, give me three steps…
He does have a sense of humour after all, and roller coasters do cause laughter between the screams.
This time the downhill descent seemed like it was going to be the last one and our cancer journey would be drawing to the inevitable close but we’ve been given another go-round. A clinical trial to be exact. And, so far, it is proving effective. All previous tumours are gone, including the one that possibly harboured an alien.
Such is cancer, such is life.
I will return weekly, every Sunday, for as long as the roller coaster continues an upward escalation. Or reaches a plateau. A plateau would be nice.
I hope everyone is staying isolated and safe.
It’s great to be back.
It is great to have you back. You have been missed. Wishes for a plateau
Thank you Rochelle. Lots of changes in your life too, I see. Great to be back.
Coincidentally, I was looking through your blog just the other day. I look forward to your comments on life. It is a brave thing to bear one’s soul so to speak weekly – I greatly admire this and and have looked forward to them. Welcome back.
Thank you, these comments are really appreciated.
The roller coaster is such a great analogy. I love reading your explanation, it really brings everything to life. I too hope for a very long plateau.
Thank you Barb, certainly since the beginning of this cancer ride we have had some pretty dramatic ups and downs. It has been a roller coaster for sure.
You are on an awful journey. I wish you strength and look forward to your thoughts as you proceed. As with other comments — I hope it’s a plateau.
Thank you Jeanette. It’s a journey you never expect, but have no choice but to deal with it once it presents itself. I have to say he has had an admirable attitude throughout. Perhaps that will provide another blog topic.
You write so beautifully Anne. Thank you for sharing. As always, prayers for a long plateau.
Thank you. The sharing part is admittedly therapeutic. Helps to keep things in perspective. I’m glad you enjoy my writing and thoughts.
Thanks Anne for including me. and for sharing. I know its hard for you also. I know you both can do this trial.
It’s a pleasure. Thank you for commenting. As for the trial, sometimes the treatment is really just put your head down and do as you’re told. So far, so good and that’s about all anybody can ask for.
Hello I have no words really. Thus is truly an amazing roller coaster as you say and God bless you both for such strength, grit, determination, laughter, support and love. I pray the trials continue to give these positive results. Big hugs to you both. Love Julie
Hello Julie, thank you for sending so much positivity our way. Hugs accepted, Anne
Anne, its so good to see you back writing. AND it is even better to hears about James recovery. You are both in my thoughts and prayers!!
Thank you. All these positive thoughts coming our way are very much appreciated!