Chapter 9: 2 weeks later

So, it's been 2 weeks since my last post. Sorry about the time lag, but I have been busy with life and chemo. In the two weeks I have come to some realizations that have helped me to better deal with what is going on.

#1: Prayer is good. I have come to realize that the prayers of others is good. I don't know if it is good for me, but it is good for the people who are praying. I have my own means of coping with what is going on, but other people don't. Thus, faith helps them to deal with what is happening. I have come to realize that it is wrong to question others faith, something I have never done in the past. So please, if praying helps, I can use any you have.

#2: Chemo is good. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Although the chemo sucks, it is not as bad as breaking a leg or even having a really bad case of the flu. Yeah, I was being a whiny cry baby, but I realized that it was time to man up and get through this. As a teacher I am a role model to my students, not to mention my own children. They don't need to see me being all mopey and down just cause I don't feel well, instead I can show them how to cope with things that may suck but don't have to ruin your life. Yeah, I'm tired and don't feel well most of the time, but I can put on a happy face and show people that I have the strength to get through this.

#3: Friends are better. It is amazing what good friends will do. My birthday was about 10 days ago, and 5 of my friends came over and allowed me to shave their heads. A couple of them even came and sat with me during my last chemo session. I think it took them a while to adjust to what was happening, but they have all come through. I hope that the fact that I can show them I am doing well and still living the good life allows them to be more comfortable with my disease. Overall, although I was disappointed at first, I am truly proud of how my friends have come through.

#4: Family is best. My sister-in-law came and stayed for a week to help my wife out. To hear my wife laugh again was the best medicine I have had in a long time. I have talked with my brother and sister more in the last 2 months than in the last 2 years, and I am a better person because of it. Without family, there is really not much in life. I am so lucky to have so much family that cares and wants to make sure that I get better. Even my mother, who insists on calling every day, helps me get through the tough times.

So, 2 weeks later and I am doing better both physically and mentally. More chemo on Tuesday, but I intend to make the most of this weekend, living life to its fullest and spending time with those whom I love - my friends and family.