After weeks of waiting to see if my husband’s surgery got all the cancer out of his body, blood results have indicated it did not.
His markers continue to rise which means we only have one option – chemotherapy.
It’s a weird that probably makes you feel squirmy while you read it. I don’t blame you. It makes me feel terrible each time I see it, or say it. And worse, I have to say it about my husband.
Here’s the first thing to say though: No matter what path he takes, no matter what lies ahead, he will be cured. Testicular cancer has an incredible rate of cure. He may need just chemo. Maybe chemo and surgery. But it doesn’t change the fact that HE WILL BE OK.
I say that over and over and over lately. Happily.
So what’s next?
Here’s what I know: When he starts, it will be a 9 week treatment. 3 cycles, 3 weeks per cycle. Here’s how the cycles will go:
Week 1: Treatment 6 hours a day, Monday-Friday (5 days a week)
Week 2: Treatment on the Monday, rest
Week 3: Treatment on the Monday, rest
Repeat 2 more cycles.
We are waiting to find out when he starts. We know he will have to have some scans and a few more tests so they know where to work from. And we know it will be soon.
Now we are trying to make a plan. A plan to tell our son the truth, that daddy is getting help from a doctor but that he will be tired and likely start to look a bit different. We want to engage him and empower him to avoid fear etc.
We have lined up family to come, especially when he is at the hospital – he’ll need rides to and from,sometimes some company.
We are planning at least one overnight stay somewhere just the four of us.
We stay as positive as we can – it’s hard, admittedly, to change plans, to not know how things will be, to be entering the holidays in full chemo mode. It’s scary not knowing how his body will handle it. But we try to stay positive.
And finally, our plan includes feeling blessed. Realizing that 2011 will be a new year. And telling each other how much we love the other as often as we can.
A good friend of my husband’s – someone he went to high school with – had testicular cancer five or six years ago. He had surgery and he too ended up having chemotherapy as well. Two weeks ago, my husband went away on a boys’ trip to Miami – his friend who had the cancer was one of them. Happy, cancer-free and the healthiest he’s ever been in his life.
We’re with you Rebecca!
No words to describe how I might feel if it was my husband and family going through this trial…
I pray…I hope and a hug…for you…
Cheers
Dee
I’m so sorry for what you’re going through, and I really admire your attitude and positive thinking. A lot of people in your situation would have a hard time “feeling blessed”, and i think you have an amazing point of view. I’m sure it’s not easy, you’re obviously a very strong woman.
Best thoughts to you and your family.
Big hugs. Thank you for sharing something so personal with us. You know we’re here for you.
You are one of my heroes, do you know that? You guys are a huge force, cancer doesn’t stand a chance around all the love and optimism that surround you.
I remember reading one time about family and friends of someone who had cancer who all gathered around to link arms and surround the person’s home in a symbolic hug and circle of support. Well, my sweet, you have that in all of us online. You can’t see it, but I hope like hell you can feel it. We love you, and we’re here anytime. You guys will get through this…and your whole life is waiting on the other side. xoxoxo
Well, you know my story and you know it has a happy ending. As I’ve said, chemo sucks lemons, but it is manageable. My life carried on very much the same as before, with a few limitations and shifts, but I have lots of fun & amazing non-cancer mems from my chemo summer : ) Being positive is great, but don’t forget it’s ok to feel down, frustrated, and angry. Being positive all the time is an impossible goal when going through this, but studies have proved that outcomes are NOT based on whether you were +ve or -ve when you did treatment. My solution was to get through the present with as much positivity as I could, and focus on the amazing future I had ahead of me – cancer-free. All the best.
I’m sorry to hear the surgery didn’t get it all. It sounds like you have come up with a good plan.
Am keeping all of you in my thoughts.
Oh, Rebecca, I can’t imagine the sour taste of those words, having to use “cancer” and “husband” in the same sentence must be awful. I think of your family often, and will be here cheering you guys on while he kicks cancer to the curb.
I can only imagine how this would feel – if cancer and chemotherapy were part of our story. But I know that whatever life has sent our way, and their have been other challenges, facing them with determination, love, faith, and hope has always prevailed. Together as a family you have great strength. You have decided to take such a decisive outlook and I admire you very much. There are many of us praying and hoping alongside you. Remember that and lean a little if you need to 🙂
You and your family have what it takes to beat this and I have no doubt that you will. Your team and your battle plan will get you through and your family, friends and all of us from your Twitter and Blogging world are here, praying, encouraging and ready to help in any way that we can. There’s no backing down from this fight and when you and your husband need to call in the *troops*, we are at the ready.
My thoughts are with you and your husband Rebecca…good luck with the treatment and I know you’re both going to make it through okay.
I would like to echo Maranda and say that I really admire you and your family for the way you are approaching and handling this. I know that you will all be successful in getting through this and back to full health. Hugs to you all.
I agree with what many of your friends have already said – your positive attitude is so inspiring, but not at all surprising. You are amazing. And to piggyback on what Karma said, it’s ok to feel a little pissed off at the injustice of it all sometimes. Be mad, shake your fists, let it out and then allow your friends and family to lift you up so you can carry on ahead with that positive attitude that is so wonderfully Bitsy. XOXOxoxo Big hug to your hubby too, though he’ll probably be wondering why that crazy Party Mummy chick is pawing him. 😉
I think you have such an amazing attitude for what you are going through — something to be admired for sure! I, like others, appreciate the sharing and open nature of your writing. It’s something that I am sure is difficult to write but it opens you up to be supported by so many people and that is an amazing thing. I will be thinking of you, your husband and your entire family… Erin xo
Your optimism and spirit are wonderful to read, Rebecca. At the same time I have to say that THIS SUCKS. Forgive the negativity. I’m newly pregnant and terribly hormonal. Cancer makes me mad.
But, yes, your husband will be cured. He will beat this. You will all be stronger and healthier and closer for the experience and the changes you’re making. (See? I can be positive, too.)
Thinking of you, your husband and those precious wee kiddos of yours. Keep thinking happy thoughts and before you know it, the worst will be over and your family can start another chapter. The next few months will be a tough battle but by the sounds of things, you guys are ready for war.
Praying for you.
Your comments, which my husband reads as well, are so up lifting and helpful.
Thank you all so much.
We found out today that everything starts on Monday, Oct. 25th.
Thanks again 🙂
I will keep your husband and your whole family in my prayers. I will also punch the air or do little karate kicks whenever I think of your mantra “kick cancer in the balls” – seriously! Your certainty, strength, courage and love for each other radiate from your posts and writing on twitter. Big hug – Laura
I just wanted to pop by to let you know that you’re in my thoughts. I so respect your loving optimism in what has to be a scary time. I have every confidence that your husband will be okay.
*Hugs*
He will beat this, he will. With you by his side he will have no problem. Hugs Rebecca. I am sure every day is such an emotional rollercoaster for you. You guys are both so strong. Hang in there. My mom went to see a Naturopath while she was getting treatment for her cancer. She followed a special diet (religiously) and prayed/meditated a lot. She has been cancer free for 8 years (she had breast cancer that had spread to her limph nodes). This thing can be beat!