December 6, 2000|

Home for Christmas…literally!

The word was given today. I could go home to Ohio for Christmas. What a surprise that was! It actually happened yesterday when my whole plan for radiation was bumped back about three days. That then bumped back my admittance to the hospital which meant that I wouldn’t have had to spend the holiday in New York City.

I was totally sold on being here in NYC for Christmas. More importantly, the lesson I needed learn was burned in my head- the real meaning and purpose of Christmas. At first, I was really really bummed about not being able to go home to a familiar Christmas- with family, friends, good food, and presents. But someone posed to me the challenge of what Christmas was all about- and I realized that Christmas is not about any of that stuff. It’s about God coming to earth- it’s about giving, just as was given to us. So, I was fully prepared to go into the hospital, armed with a mission of somehow giving to others on that day, despite being strapped to an IV filled with cancer-killing chemicals. I would dictate the situation, not the situation dictating me.

I think, though, that I am needed at home instead, perhaps even more. Who knows who I will see that needs to learn that lesson, that person I can touch? Who knows what old friend I will run into at the mall that weekend who I can inspire? Or maybe that is my last gasp of personal encouragement before I go into the last battle of this war?

The Situation

The results of the CT Scans came back today. The CT Scan is the best test to measure the effect of the chemo, showing a 3 dimensional picture of the infected lymph nodes. The infected nodes in my right lung (the one I was most scared about), it’s gone. It’s back to normal size. Here, here. The nodes in my back are still the same size, but it is not known where they are still infected with cancer cells or scar tissue. The radiation will toast it though, and then the 5 days straight of chemo during the stem cell transplant will further eradicate it.

…And one tree-lighting ceremony

Oh yeah, I decided to trek the five blocks to see the tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center. If you ever want an experience to see how diverse America is, go to any one of these type functions in New York City. It was crazy, people everywhere. Cops, everywhere. Barricades, everywhere. The experience was quite amazing.

I ended up leaving before the actual lighting, and got home to catch it on TV. I didn’t feel it was the best thing for me to be standing for three hours, to be three blocks away and hardly see the tree. No, I didn’t see or meet any boy bands this time. Dang! J

Personal Thanks

Anyway, your prayers, calls, and e-mails, they are all working. For the node that I thought would be the most troublesome, to be toast- well I am flabbergasted. And to go home for Christmas, well that is equally flabbergasting too. And my immune system, let me tell you. Did you know I was a superhuman last week? Let me tell you.

Today, I found out a normal count for the immune system is 4- 11K/ul. Mine, it was 30,000 K/ul last week! There was no way I was catching a cold during Thanksgiving or last week! Those shots of white blood cells I was giving myself, they really work! Forget the vitamin C! Anyway, this time when I go home, I will be allowed to go out and do stuff, so I plan to see as many of you as possible.

So anyway, keep up the good work. It’s the best Christmas present I could ever (and probably will ever) receive. Look for another update next Tuesday or Wednesday.