Grace and Blessings

Kevin’s radiation takes place daily, for 15 minutes.  I normally drop him off (or if he is able to drive, he drives himself.)  On Tuesday, after he completes treatment, one of the nurses (Rita or Caroline) meets with him to check him over, discuss any questions or concerns; followed by June, the nutritionist, to make sure he is on track for keeping his weight stable, what eating issues he is having and ideas to combat the problems, and finally, Dr. Hornback, the radiologist.  This is also his chemo day. So Tuesdays, I drive him to radiation, and meet with everyone right along with him, and then drive him to chemo.

I LOVE Dr. Hornback; he is a dedicated professional, and makes himself very accessible to all questions and comments, irrespective of how small, how large.  Today, he is traveling, so we saw his partner, Dr. Mcgrath; just as dedicated, just as accessible.  When we mentioned  the radiation side effects Kevin is experiencing after 3 weeks of very few; the sore mouth, sore throat, thrush,  “crashing”  (Kevin is strong and funny and cute one moment and the next, it’s as though someone turned out all of his light, and sucked out all of his energy.  It is gaining in frequency.  It’s terrifying; so sudden, and so complete)  Dr. McGrath assured us that all of this is COMPLETELY normal, and that in fact, Kevin is ‘WAY ahead of the “curve” in this; is doing extremely well, is extremely strong (all things considered) and he wishes he had 20 patients just like Kevin!  What a gift to hear this! 

He also said, “I knew about Kevin before you knew about us!”  It seems, Dr. Carol Bradford, our surgeon from University of Michigan is a colleague of his, and contacted him about this interesting case in his area, before we were even seen by her, or had a clue we would be dealing with radiation therapy!  (It’s a small world after all… I see a Disney Film coming out of this!!!)

In spite of all of the unknowns, in spite of having to watch Kevin struggle with his side effects, I can’t help but feel like we have a circle of Grace around us… from the beginning, everything was being put in perfect place! 

I want to give “honorable mention” for the Team that is Memorial Radiation Oncology on Day Road.  Caroline and Rita are both Rad/Onc nurses; as different in demeanor and personality as can be but each one is exceptional, and soothing and so full of helpful information; they feel like friends, and not like detached professionals.  June is our Nutritionist who is always always helpful, even by e-mail.  She stocks us up with tasty treats (for Kevin) and great ideas for recipes to try… she  is a wealth of information; supportive and kind with great advice.  And of course, the Radiologist himself, Dr. Hornback.  The front desk staff, Amber and Meredith are both part of the team as well.  Always with big smiles, always ready to help. 

It really DOES take a village.  I am SO grateful for all of the different communities that surround us in prayer, in friendship, in medical expertise and care, and in fun.  There are times of struggle, there are times of fear, but never EVER have I felt that we were alone in this… to all of you who are willing to share our journey, THANK YOU!