Days 4 & 5: Side Effects May Include Excessive Determination

Saturday October 10, 2026

It was the perfect kind of morning we're used to on the weekends. David was able to sleep in and get some quality snuggle time with our two dogs, a German Shepherd and a black Lab.

I, on the other hand, was on a mission.

Since I spent most of the summer recovering from a concussion, and David spent a good chunk of late summer feeling under the weather from what we later learned was cancer, our above-ground pool still hadn't been taken down for the year. I'm a little embarrassed to admit we let that slide, but I don't think anyone can blame us after everything we've been dealing with.

While David slept, I started working on the pool and tackling some household chores. Once he woke up, he felt well enough to help out and vacuum around the house.

What a gem! Haha.

He did have to take a break a couple of times, but I was so proud of him for feeling up to the challenge. It's easy to take those little things for granted until they're not so little anymore.

Friday October 9, 2026

David noticed a mouth sore on the roof of his mouth today. The oncology team advised us to keep an eye on it and let them know if it spreads or starts to bleed.

Otherwise, it's a was a pretty uneventful day. David was hoping to return to work today. Unfortunately, out of nowhere last night, he became incredibly nauseated. We have to remember that we aren't superheroes and that recovery takes time.

Luckily, we were warned that his taste preferences might change, so the house is stocked with plenty of snacks to keep him going throughout the day.

Funny story... I always thought animal crackers were just animal crackers. Apparently, I was wrong.

My husband, is an animal cracker snob. Yep, I said it.

Apparently, there are the smooth, round animal crackers you can buy in five-pound bulk containers from Sam's Club, and then there are the detailed, textured animal crackers from Barnum's Animals. David prefers the detailed, textured crackers, while I prefer the smooth, round ones.

Who knew something so simple could be so complex? But if animal crackers are what keep this house running, we'll happily be a house divided!

Thankfully, David was able to get his appetite back just in time for the Iowa football game. We ordered a Canadian bacon and black olive pizza from Domino's, along with some garlic bites. He probably ate over half the pizza.

And honestly? Good for him!

I'm not complaining, but it was an absolutely beautiful day outside. Mid-October and temperatures in the mid-80s? Yes, please!

David's brother has a vintage Jeep, so we took advantage of the weather and went for a ride around town with the windows off. I think we can both agree it's one of our favorite things to do. There's something about the open road and the wind around you that feels incredibly freeing.

There must be something about chemo that makes David crave ice cream even more than usual. Maybe it's the cold treat. Maybe it's the simplicity of it. Who knows?

Either way, we couldn't complete our Jeep ride without a stop at Cardinal Corner in Newton.

To keep the good day rolling, my family came to town this afternoon. We had dinner together, and David was able to show off his improving appetite. Seeing him enjoy his food again felt like such a victory.

Hopefully, the rest of the weekend continues to trend upward. We're learning that each day brings a new challenge and a new opportunity. The best thing we can do is take it moment by moment.

As long as we have each other, our sense of humor, and our incredible tribe of family and friends, I know David has what it takes to fight this battle.

No doubt about it.

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