Friday, August 1, 2014

READY TO RUMBLE!

There is a process when one gets really bad news, unfortunately I am becoming familiar with it.  Perhaps it is different for everyone.  For me it goes like this

  • Shock
  • Sadness
  • Sadness mingled with hope
  • Hope overcoming sadness
  • An overwhelming desire to get in the ring and fight like crazy.
So, I am at that last step now.  Cancer cannot rule my life.  I am not powerless.  I have a lot of fight left in me, just watch.

This morning we went to visit the new charity clinic that Henry Schein has very generously built to allow me to expand my charity work.  It was so beautiful!  I am just filled with desire to get in there and do some good.  For those who don't know, Schein is one of the largest dental suppliers in the world.  Out of the goodness of their hearts they offered their resources to build this clinic and cover all of it's operating expenses so that we can help more people in need.  Their generosity is like a gift from Heaven.  I am so grateful to them.

Then we went to the doctors.  The infectious disease doctor thinks my swelling and fevers are all due to tumor not infection.  Unfortunately, our oncology doctor is out of town until Tuesday.  The ones on call were reluctant to let me get started.  Basically they didn't want to take the responsibility if something went wrong.  They were very determined to have us wait until Tuesday.  JoLynne was equally determined that we get started today.  (By the way, you probably don't know this about JoLynne but she can be VERY strong willed at times, especially if someone she loves is threatened)  We seemed to be an an impasse.  We really feel that this cancer is growing very fast and that five days would make a difference.  Finally the doctors here agreed to call our doctor at Mayo.  He agreed with us that treatment should commence now.  The doctors here finally gave in. 

So, here I sit, hooked up to chemo.  Ring the bell, I am ready for a heck of a fight.

15 comments:

  1. I love Dr. Wallentine. He has been in my life since February, when Dr. Berry found I had 17 platelets. Those nurses, receptionists, and lab people are great, but wallentine is awesome!
    We love the puzzles! Good luck. I'm glad they let you start.

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    1. Dr. Wallentine is amazing. One of the kindest, most knowledgable doctors I have ever known We love that man

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  2. What an uplifting post! Cheering you on!!!

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    1. Thank you Elise. I am feeling a lot better this morning,, emotionally and physically. I think the steroids are helping things to shrink a bit. My pain level this morning was great. Thanks for your constant support

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    2. I am so glad!! I am sure seeing your sweet Granddaughter helps too :)

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  3. That's the JoLynne I remember from the bus ride in Lithuania. You do not want to cross paths with that JoLynne! The doctors did not have a choice but to concede to her demands. You are a lucky man to have her on your side of this fight. We are all in the ring with you, Eric. Keep fighting and we'll keep praying.

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    1. Hey Daniel, Yup, that is the JoLynne I am talking about. She is all that and more. I am so, so lucky to be married to her. Thank you for your prayers. I don't know if it is prayers or steroids but I feel pretty darn good this morning and I look less swollen. Thank you

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  4. So, are you back in Utah? I still have a present for you :) I love you and I am praying every day for you and JoLynne and posterity.

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    1. Thank you Lois. You are still my hero. By next July I am going to be so healthy it will scare you at the family reunion

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  5. Eric, you are the quintessential scientist/disciple. You have multiplied your talents 100 fold. Julie and I have been striving with you and your family, and the last three nights have been particularly poignant as we approach the Throne of Grace pleading for blessings to be poured out upon you and yours. Walking through Sacred Gifts with your family expanded my understanding of the Infinite Atonement. That hour was memorable and meaningful. I always feel the Spirit in your presence, discernibly distinct from the full measure of the Pure Love of Christ which also accompanies you. Clearly, you have kept your covenant to ALWAYS remember Him. Thank you for your example of hope overcoming fear. Thank you for embodying courage and fortitude. You have been and will continue to be a great friend to my family. Love from Mark and Julie

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    1. Dear Mark and Julie, My dear life long friends. Words fall short!

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  6. Sending prayers and love to you and your family Dr. Vogel. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you for so long. You always have been and will continue to be one of the most Christlike men I have had the privilege to know. You are a True inspiration.
    Love,
    Nancy

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  7. Hang in there and fight like crazy. Glad you and JoLynne overcame the hesitant doctors. You two make a great team!

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    1. Thank you Steve, One way or another we are going to find the path through this mess. I appreciate you.

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