Finding Blessings Between the Hard Days

After an emotional day yesterday, today has been moving a little slower.

Before he made the final decision to shave it off, David figured he should give it one last hurrah. He gathered up a handful of the beard hair that had fallen out and tried to tickle me with it.

That's certainly one way to say goodbye to your beard!

Needless to say, I was not impressed.David finally reached his limit with the amount of beard hair falling out and decided to shave it all off.

Ick.

He did the same thing a few years ago during the pandemic so his mask would fit better. I told him then exactly what I'm telling him now:

NO THANK YOU!

No matter what, though, I have his back. He could draw purple stars all over his face, and I'd still love him.

Thursday, October 22nd-Day 17

I'm content saying no news is good news.

David is doing well and was able to go to work the last two days. Even better, he has had a wonderful appetite. If only the next four-plus months continue on this track.

Monday, October 19th-Day 14 & Tuesday, October 20th-Day 15

We were recently connected with a nonprofit organization in the Des Moines metro called Can Do Cancer. They have gone above and beyond in caring for us, especially David. They matched him with a cancer partner who has been through a similar journey and can provide support whenever needed. They have also arranged monthly house cleaning through the end of chemotherapy, sent David a thoughtful care package filled with items to help with dry mouth, dry skin, scalp sensitivity, and staying warm, and have provided assistance with meals in both Newton and Des Moines.

Throughout the day, David continued pulling handfuls of hair from his beard. I could tell it was bothering him. His beard has always been his trademark. While he will always be the love of my life, beard or no beard, I know how much it means to him.

We have to believe that God has a plan for each of us, but I won't lie, the last few months have made it challenging to trust that plan. As my dad reminded us, maybe God is giving us this journey so we can be an example for others.

Let's hope he's right. could draw purple stars all over his face, and I'd still love him.

Wednesday, October 21st- Day 16

Welp... that lasted about 48 hours.

It's been an emotional day. As cheesy as it may sound, as long as David and I have each other, it's going to be okay.

We started the morning by heading to the metro for an appointment for me. While our main focus is on David and his cancer journey, I am still recovering from my concussion.

For those who may not know, on May 29th I was rear-ended on the interstate by a driver who admitted she wasn't paying attention. Four and a half months later, I am still dealing with the effects of that concussion. I have not been medically cleared to drive on the interstate, I now wear glasses to help with discomfort and irritation in my left eye, and I continue to experience headaches, nausea, memory issues, and other lingering symptoms.

This morning, David woke up not feeling well, but he was still determined to fulfill his husbandly duties and drive me to my appointment.

I met with my traumatic brain injury specialist, who referred me to both a speech therapist and a neuro-optometrist. While I have made a tremendous amount of progress, it still doesn't feel like enough. That can be frustrating because I simply want to feel "normal" again.

When we returned home, the most amazing surprise was waiting for us: frozen meals.

A look at the beard

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