Wednesday, January 18, 2006

What?

Today was a landmark day. Anne today took my blood sample for the last ever Pre – Chemo testing. It was a mad rush this morning, I’d forgotten where I left the tubes to send the blood in and Amma was waiting to go to work and take them in! Got our act together just in time and as I write this post I am aware that my counts are normal and hence God willing Chemo should go on tomorrow as planned. Vincristine, Bleomycin and Rituximab ( the grand finalae)
What are my feelings as I draw to the end of what is such a significant part of a chapter in my life? Nearly finishing Chemo and about to start on radiation. There is a sense of awe. I have had an intensive chemo regimen with an experimental drug thrown in and walked through like Daniel's friends did in the fire. Felt the heat but not burnt in any way. There is still a long way to go, all is not over but the fact remains that chronologically my journey is off to such a roaring start that the momentum is able to draw others in on the excitement.
I’m happy with what has been accomplished till date. I have grown in faith through this experience. In writing about it through this blog, I’ve been able to show others a little of what I feel & my faith and encourage / inspire them. And in facing these trials relationships between Anne, family, friends and work mates have taken on so much more meaning. Lance Armstrong in his second book ‘every second counts’ says in effect that it’s impossible to go through a cancer experience and think you can remain feeling an Island / you could have done it alone. I’m enjoying this book at the moment, a classmate Nirmal sent it down for me from North India.
In contrast to my post yesterday about refusing to look back and say why- I’m looking back today and saying what!
Anne made lovely Chettinaddu chicken gravy for lunch and Ruby ammama has been joining us for our walks. Here is a picture on our walk yesterday!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chettinadu chicken gravy....Im starving!!! Does Anne do a delivery service to the UK??
Good luck with the last chemo.Keep the faith!

Philip Del Ricci said...

I dropped by to thank you for leaving a comment at my BLOG and was completely drawn into yours. I think it is very powerful when people are willing to share themselves so intimately with the world. I will keep you and your struggle in my thoughts and wish you every happiness.

Peace,
P. Del Ricci - Dark Glass

Anonymous said...

Hi Tharun, as you go in for your last chemo session, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember by his stripes we are healed.
Regards
Anita
(Rubyammama's niece)

Anonymous said...

Dear Tarun and Anne:
As you are finishing the chemo sessions, we thank God for keeping you strong through the trials. May His grace be with you during the radiation sessions too.
Love & prayers

Leyammamma & Kunjumonachayan

hope and love said...

all the best for ur last chemo.. u r great..!
hugs..