Had the chest X- ray this week which confirmed the second operation worked !! It feels as though finally something has gone right for the first time since the original diagnosis.
In January he is booked in for a pleurectomy/decortication, which is such a big operation I’d rather not think about the details. The plan is this will be followed by chemo starting in February.
2011 is going to be a challenging year, as it is for everyone with a cancer diagnosis. The aim is to have a normal December, a good New Year, concentrating on building up fitness and weight . His appetite is still good, the challenge contrary to most diets is putting on weight -for every pound he gains , I appear to gain three.
I used to think courage was linked to acts of heroism , whether on the battlefield or in more ordinary walks of life. I now recognise a quieter form , this resolutely fights pain to make the best of each moment. It is a subdued resistance, a refusal to let the adversary within your body triumph over your spirit finding joy in each day. I have seen many forms of this stoic heroism , this ability to continue battles even if the war is know to be lost.
There are no medals or town memorials , it has unlikely heros , is humbling in its appearance , yet I can think of nothing more precious to receive as a gift this Christmas.
