Rough Roads

On many roads, you will often find the sign, "rough road ahead."  In our lives I wish there were those signs too, but there simply isn't.   I think we all would worry way to much if we knew what lay ahead of us.  This weekend many of us had to endure many rough roads- snow covered and dangerous. Kent had a rough road too but not snow covered and dangerous! Kent had Chemo on Thursday and what laid a head was a rough road....

 Kent made it through chemo, a four hour process and then we made our way home.  He was doing ok but was weak.  This was due to putting him on many different drugs.   He went directly to the couch and  he slept off and on for quite a few hrs.  He is given steroids which keep him from sleeping all of the time, they also help him counteract the vomiting.(or are suppose to anyway)  He was feeling fine until roughly 8;30pm Thursday.  Kent's parents had just came to visit with us briefly and I saw Kent fading quickly.  I soon saw the "look."  He became sick.  I so wish it wasn't happening but it was and it didn't let up.  Now it happened only one other time as often as it did that night.  It proceeded into the night. That morning I called the Doctors office and they said to come in for hydration fluids and some IV Ativan.  A dear friend of ours  so graciously took us.  It was so appreciated.   It took roughly 2 and a half hours to give him the Hydration and Ativan.  When he came home he slept more.  He slept from 4:45 pm to 9:15 pm.  I woke him up to try eating a little.  Another dear friend brought us some left overs and he had a small amount of that, and that stayed down, I was very happy!  On Saturday, my brother (bless his heart) braved those rough roads and took us to get the pump off,  it roughly takes five minutes.  We did not have to wait so that was good.  The whole trip took an hour and a half.  We were very thankful for a good driver and big vehicle and a good shepherd who watched over us. Over the course of Thursday, Friday  beside the meal I just listed Kent had two crackers and 6 cheese its.  Saturday we tried introducing a little bit more food and he did well with that.

Today, I woke up at around 8 am and was wondering if it was smart for Kent to go to Church.  I knew I had some minor responsibilities and needed to go.  I quickly texted my mom to see if my brother, sister-in-law and mom could pick Lydia and myself up. ( For those who know me know I hate to drive in good weather and really hate snow driving ! )  Kent stayed in bed and caught up on some much needed sleep. All weekend he has chemo, Kent's energy is drained. Later this morning he joined us for a meal, he ate a fair amount and again I was thankful.

It is now Sunday evening, and the day has had some ups and downs... At Lunch my mom read a small part of a book, Be Still and know.  The author of this book was in a similar life situation as my mom when she wrote the book.  My mom and the Author were both married to pastors, married 41 yeas and both had husbands that passed away from cancer.  My mom could relate to so much of what she shared.  One thing was the book mentioned that our partners are our safety net and now that safety net is gone for both the author and my mom, and how they need to find a "new" safety net.  My mom and dad were a team and were there for each other to lean on.  My mom asked us, for those of us that were around the table to care, help and love our spouses because we don't know when the day will be that we will be apart.  Kent took this hard.  He wants to be that team forever with me and wants to make sure I am cared for and the thought of not being there scares him so much.  Today, when we came home the two of us shared a conversation and an embrace.  The road may have a rough road sign ahead but one thing I do know is together we will be.  I will stand by him no matter what.  We have had many things that have made each of us stronger.  Cancer was and is a huge part of that. Kent is walking the physical road of cancer but I will do what I can to walk and help him.

So when the sign rough road ahead comes in view take this, grab a hold of your Heavenly Father, love and care for those around you (your safety net) and do life together.  You never know what lies ahead. 

Blessings to all!

Kent and Leah and Lydia too!