Monday, November 21, 2011

Normal it is not, but we survive

Today my little Princess Prez turned four. When I was diagnosed, she wasn't yet two years old. Unfortunately, I was not able to be with her today to celebrate her birthday.  Trading birthdays for hospital visits is common place in the world of dominating Multiple Myeloma.

Although I rarely realize it at this point in the journey, life for us has been set to constant survival mode, probably something most cancer patients experience. So missing a birthday; albeit a big disappointment, you learn to scoot around the issue by selecting a different day; although not exactly the same.

Today I am getting a check up which has included a bone marrow biopsy (#8 for the books) and two MRIs (too many to remember). The constant scanning of the body for cancer seems as normal as brushing your teeth every night before bedtime. It's just what you do.

I forget sometimes that this life is far from normal. Dominating MM is what we have known to do over the last two years. We would love for the game to be over and move on to dominating simple old regular life, but we aren't there yet.  We have adjusted to a life where we can plan things 4 days in advance, but it is still much a struggle to plan much beyond that.

We are looking forward to our first normal holiday... and all I want for Christmas is to be there this year; not in the hospital.


We have so much to be thankful for and we know that it is the prayers of many that continue to sustain us in this wild adventure. It helps us forget how wild this adventure really is. Many thanks for that.


7 comments:

Luvs2Teach64 said...

Hubby was diagnosed with MM 22 months ago, but it is believed that he had it 2 years prior.We have found that we now have a "new normal". Praying for you and yours as well as others searching to find their "new normal"

Kindred Spirit said...

You have posted a beautiful reminder to all of us, Phil, that what matters is that we always remember to put people before things. It is clear to see that you love, and that you are loved, and that you understand that Love Himself is behind it all: and that is everything. You and your loved ones are always in my prayers. May God bless you all, and may you have the happiest Thanksgiving Day ever!

Sandy said...

I am intending and praying for you to have a Thankful Day as well as a full and delightful Christmas with the family for the highest and best good of all concerned, so be it and SO IT IS! Amen!!

Linda said...

8th bone marrow biopsy? Yikes!! Praying and expecting great results from your check-up, followed by a wonderful birthday celebration for Iris, and then an awesome Thanksgiving and Christmas, spent at home!!(Great to have you back posting). Keep dominating MM and life!

Molly Parker said...

Your story has truly touched us here at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. It must have been a great feeling to see your daughter turn another year older. It is our hope to see a world with more birthdays and less cancer! Keep inspiring those around you. Your friend from Cancer Treatment Centers of America- Molly

Julie said...

Wishing you and your beautiful family all the best Phil! Happy all kinds of birthdays to you and your family! Truly you are Dominating MM and I think you might hold the record for bone marrow biopsies! You've got me beat by 4. Post your news when you have a sec, between celebrating life and the holidays with your darling kids and beautiful wife Cassie. I've got many in CA wearing your DOMINATE T's and arm bands. You've helped and supported so many Phil! Fight on and all the best for 2012!!!

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