Treatment, Day 1

Today was the long-awaited day that I started my radiation treatments for my prostate cancer. OK, it just seemed long-awaited. Actually, it was only three weeks from my initial consultation with the oncologist, but it felt much longer. Even when your team of doctors tells you “there is no hurry, take your time and don’t be anxious”, I still have this intellectual knowledge that a cancer grows within. It may be slow-growing and not very aggressive, but it’s in ME! And I want it OUT! GONE!

The people at the Cancer Clinic are not only very professional and knowledgeable, but they are also among the most compassionate and understanding people I’ve met. We have been impressed with every aspect of my treatment from the very start, and even more amazed that they are perfectly willing and able to take time during their extremely busy days to answer our questions that must seem to be quite elementary or mundane to them, yet so urgent to us!

When we arrived at the Cancer Clinic, the first two people we encountered were two deacons from our church who were waiting on our arrival. Our church is truly a family of Christian people who pray for and encourage one another! It meant so much to us to have Michael L. and Greg O. wait in the waiting room with us, and stay with Teresa during my treatment. Before my turn was called, we gathered in a circle and asked anyone else there to join us in prayer. Michael and Greg voiced beautiful and encouraging prayers for the both of us.

After my name was called, I followed a routine that many others have already followed, but the staff took the time to make me feel that the entire clinic was there just for me. So, I lay on the table and the devices began to move and whir, zapping my body with pinpoint precision with just the right amount of radiation at just the right places. The table itself rose and shifted to make sure I was getting the radiation just where it’s supposed to go. The staff kept me completely informed what was going on and how the radiation was being administered. After a few minutes, it was over. And I’ll be back tomorrow for treatment #2.

I am grateful for the treatment that is attacking my cancer, the knowledge and skill of the doctors and medical team, and the wonderful facility we have in our little town. But I am most thankful for a loving God Who, the Master Physician, holds me in His hand as though I were His only child. I am most thankful for my loving and supportive wife who has been by my side for this ordeal, and for so many years! I am most thankful for my children who called to check on me; for my parents who taught me to love God and follow Him above all else in life; for hundreds of friends who have sent me messages of prayer and encouragement.