And Thanks Went Heaven Bound
Yesterday I received a phone call from my brother Michael. He was calling me from the swing on his porch having coffee. Is that really a cause for prayers? It really is. For the first time since the middle of April he was able to swallow a liquid. Michael was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January of 2014. The radiation and chemo treatment began and so did the waiting game for my brother and his family. It was the surgery that needed to take place after the chemo and radiation that became a “wait and see” for possible recovery.
There is no need to do medical terms to high heaven. The radiation burned his throat but still allowed for drinking and nourishment even though he could not taste anything. From April until this last week Michael could not swallow anything, even his own saliva. This next week he will able to have the feeding tube removed and soft foods will be totally enjoyed.
I realize that members of my family have had TIAs (light strokes with little to no after effects), full blown strokes with definite life long effects, breast cancer and uterine cancer. I am not making light of those family members and what they endured. Thankfully those family members received timely help and have gone on with regular visits to make sure there is no recurrence. No, there are no guarantees for any of those family members. Prayers of blessings that those with cancer are, for now, free of cancer. In the case of strokes, each day is watchful with the lifestyle they live.
The survival rate for esophageal cancer is slim as the cancer moves quickly to the brain or elsewhere. It does take both of my hands to count acquaintances that Dennis and I have lost to esophageal cancer. I know Michael will regain the excessive weight loss in time to come. His energy will revive itself slowly as he putters around the farmyard. A huge part of the recovery he has had to this point is a wife with a surgical career. JoAnn was on alert 24/7 and picked up on the slightest of abnormalities. I am sure their vehicle could find itself to Rochester much like a radio-controlled car.
Today is just a day of good feelings knowing that Raymond and Lena’s family still has a head count of four children to be there for their children and their grandchildren. Speaking as one of those four, I love my life knowing that my three siblings are just a phone call or an email away.
In life, please give and have no memory of it, or take and remember it always.