October 13-18: The Adventure Continues

This afternoon, the photographer asked the same question. She told us we have a beautiful relationship and seem meant for each other.

We've been married for five years.

In that time, David has coded on an operating table for 60 seconds and battled cancer.

Meanwhile, I've had two minor surgeries, been in a car accident, and worked for nine different employers.

Yikes.

When we stood before our family and friends and promised "for better or worse, in sickness and in health," we meant it.

And we still do.

Tuesday, October 13, Day 8

It's been one week since David started chemo.

A lot has happened in eight days. Kind of like Iowa weather, where you can experience four seasons in a single day. Except for David, it's been most of the side effects in a single week.

We've worked our way through exhaustion, nausea, body aches, weight loss, and hair loss. Today, he took the day off work because of an upset stomach.

As his wife and caregiver, it's hard to watch him go through all of this and not be able to take some of the burden myself. I suppose that's part of the adventure.

Sunday, October 18, Day 13

As we say in our house, no news is good news.

David was able to finish out the work week with little to no issues. His appetite continues to improve, which is reassuring because every day his face seems a little thinner than the day before.

Sometimes the quiet days are the victories worth celebrating.

Wednesday, October 14, Day 9

through

Friday, October 16,Day 11

It's the weekend! No responsibilities. No schedules. Only one obligation.

Everything happens for a reason, whether we know it at the time or not.

Back in late July, David's work schedule changed from Saturday through Wednesday to Monday through Friday. Like most grown-ups, that means we're finally able to enjoy weekends with fewer obligations and a little more relaxation. Looking back, it's been a blessing. It allows me to get things done around the house while David gets the extra rest he needs.

Shortly before his diagnosis, David came up with what might be the greatest meal combination ever created: salad and pizza rolls.

I swear restaurants could make a killing off this idea.

An individual salad from the grocery store paired with a plate of pizza rolls. Trust me... it's amazing. Perfect for either a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

I've always enjoyed volunteering. While David is definitely an introvert, he's also an incredible husband who willingly joins me on my adventures.

I've always enjoyed volunteering. While David is definitely an introvert, he's also an incredible husband who willingly joins me on my adventures.

Every fall, Blank Park Zoo hosts Night Eyes, and we try to volunteer each year. This year was no exception.

Honestly, I wasn't sure he would be up for it. He had been tired all day, but he was determined to go. We dressed up as Goose and Maverick from Top Gun and had a blast. Seeing all the creative costumes and smiling faces made for a fun evening.

I think my favorite moment was when a little boy walked up and told me he "liked my tostume."

How cute is that?

Unfortunately, as the sun went down and the fall temperatures rolled in, the cold started catching up with us. Between the weight loss and fatigue, David had a pretty rough last couple of hours. Even so, he was a trooper all night long.

I think part of what weighed on him was what happened earlier that afternoon.

For the first time, a clump of hair came out in his hand.

The medical team told us he would likely start losing his hair around 14 days after chemotherapy. We're only a few days away from that mark, and it's already beginning.

Over the last few days, he'd mentioned that his scalp felt tingly and just "off," but we didn't think much of it until today.

It's a bittersweet reminder that while treatment is working, the fight is still in front of us.

But it's going to be okay.

Saturday, October 17, Day 12

Shortly after David was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to schedule some photos. I knew there was a good chance he would lose weight and eventually lose his hair, and I wanted to capture this chapter of our lives before those changes happened.

Like many things lately, that idea got pushed to the back burner as we adjusted to new routines, appointments, medications, and symptoms.

Fortunately, earlier in the week, I mentioned the idea to a coworker. She reminded me that another coworker does photography on the side and happened to be running a mini-session special. She was more than happy to help.

We met up near a local lake and spent the afternoon taking what I know will be absolutely stunning photos. We captured some sweet moments, some silly moments, and some photos that perfectly reflect who we are as a couple.

I can't wait to see the finished results. In the meantime, I had a mini shoot with David over lunch.

One thing I've really noticed since David was diagnosed with cancer is how many people comment on our relationship.

We stand by each other the same way we always have, yet people seem genuinely amazed by it.

The day David received chemo, the nurse asked how we met because she said we were so alike in our mannerisms and behavior.

Connect

© 2025. All rights reserved.