Radiation treatment began today and I am very grateful that Marilyn’s close cousin and faithful friend was available to be by her side as she prepared herself once again to traverse the long maze of hallways from her room to the nuclear treatment department. According to Ardith, Marilyn was in good spirits, joking with the various workers along the way. Once again, the comparatively short treatment time is stretched into a full day experience when you add together preparation, travel and wait times together. My mind was not very focused on the rather trivial agenda attached to our early morning school staff meeting as I tried to appear interested in the droning of administrative policies while wondering and waiting for news from the hospital.
The official time of treatment was to be 9:15 but it wasn’t until some time after 12 that I finally heard anything from Ardith. Her report was positive, putting my mind at ease and allowing me to once again focus on my own personal mission of preparing for all the little darlings I would soon be facing in the weeks to come. I was deep in thought, preparing for school opening when, late in the day, my cell phone chimed with the familiar ring I had programmed to notify that Marilyn was calling. Her voice was weak and raspy and I knew right away that things were far from rosy in Marilyn’s world. Once again she was confused and in great pain. Thankfully her nurse of the moment was a kind and caring individual who was able to reassure me over the telephone that everything possible was being done to keep her comfortable. I really needed to complete the school task I had begun before heading off to visit Marilyn. Once again trying to focus on my own responsibilities almost overwhelmed me but I managed to finish up and set off for the hospital.
Marilyn lay motionless with her dinner tray untouched on the bedside table, when I entered the room. She could barely acknowledge my entrance due to the extreme pain. The roller coaster journey had begun another downward plunge. To my surprise however, Marilyn agreed to attempt to eat some dinner. Slowly, bite-by-bite she began to regain some strength as I spooned what resembled an institutional attempt of Salisbury steak, gravy and rice into her mouth.
My visit was short but productive. We longed for some quality time but our energies were spent from the day’s events so I tried to pick a few quality devotional readings that would bring us the comfort and strength we both craved.
Marilyn will be facing her next treatment alone, as I am to give a presentation to my school staff at approximately the same time. She is scheduled for 11:15 Friday morning Aug 29. Please pray for her to be physically strong enough and mentally stable through the ordeal. I know Marilyn isn’t looking forward to facing this on her own.
Shalom and thanks again for supporting us in prayer
Bryon
Friday, August 29, 2008
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1 comment:
Hi Bryon and Marilyn,
I'm glad the first treatment went well and that you were able to gain a bit of strength from some food later in the day, Marilyn. I will be praying today, as you have another treatment that it will go smoothly and your pain will be less. I'll be praying for you, Bryon, as you give your presentation, that you will be able to stay focused and leave Marilyn in God's mighty Hands.
I am having a bone density scan today, as follow up for my Ca. I don't expect any neg. results, but I'll be praying for you, as I lie in the scanning machine.
That song, "Why worry, when you can pray has been going over and over in my head this morning, as I woke up early." It's comforting to know that we can take God at his promise, that he will never leave us! He'll be there!
Love ya lots,
Shirley
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