I’ll be honest, it’s been a rough few days. I spiked a fever about four days ago and since then have had awful, persistent headaches. At times, it hurt me to even talk. It’s still lingering, but thankfully is getting better. The small sores that I mentioned in “The First Test” are now large clusters of sores that have drawn the attention of the infectious disease department. Oh yes, I’ve been quite the novelty, having been visited by a small army in lab coats trying to get a peek at my left calf. One guy even eagerly snapped pictures with his new iPhone. It kind of feels like I’m living in an episode of “Big Bang Theory.”
My hair has been thinning more and more. I could easily pull out small tufts, so I decided to shave my head. My hair hasn’t been this short since Basic Training in 1995. I don’t have one of those nice, square-shaped heads that looks good bald. My head is shaped like an egg. Or maybe an oval. Either way, I can’t rock the Vin Diesel look and get away with it.Tuesday is a big day and I could use some prayer. First, my brother is coming up to be tested as a donor for my bone marrow transplant. Second, I am having a procedure called a “lumbar puncture.” This is exactly what it sounds like. The doctor will stick a needle between two vertebrae and withdraw a sample of spinal fluid. He’ll then inject some chemotherapy back into my spinal fluid. This procedure is done to see if there are any leukemia cells in my brain or spine. The chemotherapy that I’ve already had cannot penetrate the brain, so this is being done mainly as a precaution and is standard procedure. I have been assured that the needle is small and the most painful part is the initial numbing with Lidocaine. I was also given the backhanded compliment that being skinny helps since they can find the vertebrae easier. Well, here’s to skinny eggheads!
This whole thing is getting harder. I expected that it would. It’s frustrating that this fever persists. I haven’t seen Emmy and Abrie for a week, with several more days to go. It’s not a good idea to be around kids with my immune system so compromised. But, I remind myself that, Lord willing, we’re halfway through this first hospital stay, my biopsy results were awesome, and my girls love me.
Pastor Rick Warren tweeted yesterday: “Those saved by Jesus have the same problems, pains, and pressures everyone else does, but we have God’s comfort and strength.” I have needed that comfort and strength more each day and cannot imagine going through this without it. There is comfort in knowing that the Creator of the Universe knows my name and every hair that used to be on my head. There is strength in the power of His Word and peace in our Savior. Jesus told his disciples, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV).
Love the blog Sir, it reads like a novel; one of your vast amount of talents I suppose? You’re strong! That is evident. Keep fighting the good fight and know that there are many doing our part to help, at least in the Spirit. God is Good!
Thanks, Rob. Appreciate the prayers and encouragment.
You have some rough roads ahead Sir, but…… You’re a Kentuckian and a true Soldier, so I think this battle is already won. Stay strong and get well soon. SSG SIMPSON
Thanks, SSG Simpson. I’ll see you out in the field soon enough.
What a gift from our grandparents somewhere down the line. You, me, your Dad, Travis and Arville all have the EggHead…..it may be shaped like one….but it’s hard-headed and doesn’t scramble easily….Here’s to the EggHeads…perhaps that’s why I like The Big Bang Theory.
Rick
Good luck sir. We will all be praying for you.