B-ball career started……maybe

Hey all.  Sunday afternoon, just finished watching the Colts go to 0-2 in the new Lucas stadium.  Apparently we have yet to develop much of a home field advantage.  Maybe we can get that turned around soon, although we don’t look like the same old Colts offensively, nor defensively. 

Rachel started organized basketball today.  We had a double header at the Boys and Girls Club this morning.  She won the first 8-4 and lost the second 12-10.  She plays in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade league.  For the most part, it appears the majority of girls are beginners.  Some have played before, but mostly we’re still learning the rules.  It is pretty awesome to see the reaction when a basket is made however.  Rachel confessed to me on the way home that she was glad that she didn’t get the ball but once.  She claimed she was nervous of making a mistake in front of all those people.  I tried to convince her that I didn’t really think she was playing with a lot of people that knew anymore than she did about the game.  I’m not so sure she believed me though.  I can understand the intimidation of playing a new game in public for the first time.  We’ll work on her game and confidence and be much better for the experiences in the future.

Just a clarification from a previous post.  I’ve had many ask me about the recent visit to the hospital for pain.  Yes, I have pain at times.  It is not an always pain nor is it in the same place.  My doctors had told me in August that with what they had done to my body this summer they would not be surprised that I was feeling pain for another 6 months.  The statistics show that even though I am in remission, there is a strong probability that this cancer will return at sometime and someplace in the future.  Nobody knows when/where.  My doctors were very adamant that I keep them informed with any new developments as regards to the pain that I experienced.  After about a week of a new discomfort, we contacted them and they quickly wanted me down there to check my internals.  I never was concerned that it was the cancer returning, it didn’t feel like that kind of pain to me.  After confirming no major problems exist, the doctors basically told me to toughen up as all is well and we’re still on schedule.  I’m quite frankly O.K. with that response.  I never was worried.  I know it probably appeared as though much more was going on but in reality it was more being cautious than anything.  Psychologically, I think that because the disease “might” return that I’m much more in tune with any ache that comes my way.  Because my doctors are brutally honest at times with our circumstances, it requires me to be cautious.  However, I have no worries in this regard,  I feel good and am confident in our ability and likelihood that I’ll get to surgery later this year.

We spent a nice Saturday at the Cooprider’s in Bloomington.  The kids enjoyed as usual playing with their cousins.  It was nice to see Morris and Donna Watson as well as the rest of the family.  I hadn’t seen Shelly since we were roomates at Purdue.  She hasn’t changed a bit and we were able to catch up rather quickly as she is no stranger to conversation.  I was presented with a homemade prayer quilt that Amy had been working on and many have signed this summer.  Rachel was explaining to me this morning, how many of the signatures were recorded at McCormick’s Creek.  She explained where and when, and how they knew I wouldn’t be around the areas they were signing.  She and others kept the secret, as I was surprised.  She was so proud telling me the secret planning and strategies involved to keep this information from me until now.  Pretty funny.  Reading the signatures on the blanket is quite touching.  It is so nice seeing and feeling the strong emotions and support demonstrated by so many.  I’ve told many that one of the differences I see in myself this summer is that I cry more than I ever have in my life.  Not necessarily for my own plight either, in fact, very rarely if ever for myself that I can recall.  I’m just more in tune with those friends and family around me than ever before, especially my kids.  The physical pain that I have experienced at times through this ordeal is nonexistent in comparison to the emotional distress that can torture me at times when contemplating about my children.  The frustrating part is that this distress is all encompassing and can’t be made to go away with anything I can get at CVS. 

I take comfort in knowing that nothing will be placed upon my shoulders that will be impossible to handle.  Difficult times happen for everyone eventually.  It’s a part of the world that we live in.  I’m certainly not the only one facing a tough medical uncertainty.  I know that this situation will remedy itself eventually.  I obviously hope it will allow me to continue to be an active participant and influence in my children’s future.  I also take comfort in knowing that the worst this disease can do is take my body from me and my family.  While that seems a large price, It is not everything I have.  It’s not even close to the most that makes me whom I am.  Cancer can not take my mind, my heart nor my soul.  Those are mine and not available to be destroyed by something as powerless as cancer.  Besides, I truly believe we’re gonna beat this anyways.  My doctors are too smart and more importantly so many are praying for the recovery.  I’ll probably end up being some test case study for some future class of gonna be brilliant cancer doctors.  I will talk to you all soon.  I will say further that the quilt got used last night and I can report it is very warm. 

 Joel