I mentioned that I had recently acquired a new friend...he goes with me everywhere...my wife says he is coming between us...literally! His name is IVAD and he is the little pump that delivers the Kryptonite that courses through my veins to help the radiation stop the cancer process ( I'll delve into this further). If the name IVAD tickles your memory sensors its probably because your a fan of Greys Anatomy or your wife is and there will be nothing else on at that hour on a Thursday night! The tickle comes when you remember IVAD's distant cousin the infamous LVAD which played a large role in one episode and also was vitally connected to another human being....and if you're not a fan of the show you are ready for me to move on. My new friend goes to bed with me...showers with me (almost comical...as he must not get wet!) and is the only one allowed in the room when I am being zapped by radiation....did I tell you about this place...the doors going into the room are 9 (nine) inches thick...the technicians set me in position on the table and then tell me to hold still for just a moment while they pack their backpacks to move to a distant location to run the damn thing...(there is a slight delay in our conversations, just like the corespondents reporting from Baghdad) and the only one there with me is IVAD!...and all of this is curing me!!! (they say!)...my new friend whirs ever minute or so delivering the Kryptonite via a little pump inside that is run by two Double A batteries...when I mentioned to Elaine that we could use the spares they gave us for our camera the nurse that was introducing me to IVAD slugged me!...no sense of humor these Kryptonurses...so now that I have my little whirring buddy at my side at all times you needn't worry that I might be getting lonely or have moments with no one to talk to...did I mention I've taught him some new words!
Lovers....can only be described as those who will stand by you at a time like this...when life goes beyond a challenge...when all dreams are set on a shelf for another day and your main focus is your ass!! Now that's dedication! My wife Elaine has covered all these bases and more and for that I will now publicly thank her...THANK YOU ELAINE...cancer is hard on the person who has it but it has to be at least twice as hard on those that have to remain this close and not be able to do anything but be supportive!...last week as we were killing time between appointments Elaine was browsing through a local newspaper and although she doesn't normally read the horoscopes, she happened across the one I will here plegurize...and I swear this is word for word!
Aquarius (my sign) Stamina is crucial to getting your job done. This one is not for the weak willed. Dig in and find your true grit. Work past the point in which you feel bored, strained or desperate. You'll make it if you try.
Is that almost spooky or what...I swear to God...we did not meet at a bar with me asking "whats your sign?"...she stole that news paper, cut out that section...I now use it as my book mark and my mantra!
Speaking of books...I picked up a new one yesterday and I can't put it down...if you know someone who has cancer...share this...if you know someone who is in remission...share this...if you know someone who never wants to get cancer in the first place....share this! Its called Anti Cancer...A New Way of Life...by David Servan-Schreiber , MD, PhD...he describes the cancer process and how we can fight it...great read...share this!
Bob,
ReplyDeleteWhat in the world are you doing up a 0400??. Oh, having your friend attached 24/7 probably makes sleeping an interesting proposition. Looks like a work party is being organized for next Wednesday up at the homestead. An email went out yesterday to all the stations. I hope to see a long line of cars heading up there. Maybe we could paint the place? How about.... bright pink? ;-) One less day to go.. hang in there bro keep up the good fight.
Mark K.
Hi Bob, It's been a week since I talked w/ you last. One week down. Hope you @ Elaine are doing well. I hope you are feeling well, it sounds like you are not doing to bad. You have a great positive spirit. That's important. So, where and how many tattoo's did you get? It's a right of passage for radiation Tx.. Don't be shy if you all need something, your family here can take care of it. We will keep on reading. Be good-Travis
ReplyDeleteLambrou! Just wanted to say hi and let you know that all the 68 medics are reading your blog. I know everyone at Hope will be bummed when you get your fifth wheel. You radiate your joy of life to those around you! Jeb
ReplyDeleteBob, You big ol stud monkey! keep your head up Brother and you'll whip this! If you have any trouble staying on track, I'll send Molly up there to follow you around asking questions and monitoring you! (inside joke) We will be praying for you and Elaine..... Brad and Joi
ReplyDeleteThese two pictures of you and Elaine are gorgeous. Love ya!
ReplyDeleteHello my family I am glad to hear that things are going well but sad that you are in pain it is almost over and I hope it continues to go well I love your page and yes thank you Aunt Elaine for being so strong through all this you are a god send for my uncle and our family...thank you for being you and standing by his side I wish you both the best and I know you can beat this we are from the lambrou blood you know LOL good luck and my prayers are with you both
ReplyDeleteLove crystal