I was only 2 weeks at Stonehenge.  I was told that I was progressing rapidly on my road to recovery and that if I would like to, I could go home.  I would have to continue with home therapy for a few weeks and it would take a while before I was ready to take the final step in my fight against cancer.  That step, of course, was the surgery to get rid of the tumor that had been invading my body.  It had shrunk considerably but was still there.  It was still causing a lot of grief and pain.  It honestly felt like a living creature that had been wounded and was trying to fight back.  I really didn't have a clue what lay ahead on the way to surgery and recovery afterward.  But the first step was to get home from Stonehedge.  That step was just around the corner.  I could feel myself getting stronger and more alert and becoming more able to take care of myself.  I was still having trouble with balance, but remember going to one of my last therapy sessions while there at Stonehenge.  I was able to navigate some stairs and play catch with the therapist while standing on one foot.  I was ready to go home.  They told me that I should be ready to leave in a day or two.  Eric said he would take us in his truck and help us get settled into our home again.  The day finally came and Brenda and I were so excited.  What a great day this would be!  They stuck me in a wheelchair, which I didn't think I needed, but rules are rules, right?  I was wheeled down the hall to the exit where Eric had parked his truck.  A smile came over my face when I saw the decorations the truck had received from Eric's 4 children and his wife, Stephanie.  They had done so much for Brenda and me over the past months and had made sure that while we were heading south to Marysvale, everyone on the highways with us would know that there was a cancer survivor and fighter in this Ram pick-up.  I wasn't cancer free yet, but I was well on my way.  I had gotten through Chemo and radiation and week-long stays in 2 hospitals.  I had survived a 2-week stay in rehab. and was now on my way home to get ready for surgery. But, I had to get into Eric's truck before I could begin this chapter of my story. I got out of the wheelchair and approached the open door to the truck. I held onto the door handle and lifted my foot up to the running board.  Now I had to pull myself up to the awaiting seat.  My leg and arm would not lift me into the truck.  I started falling backward and told Eric, who was right behind me, that I was not going to be able to lift myself into the seat.  He stopped me from falling backward and put one arm under my legs and the other around my back and lifted me into the seat.  I don't know how he did it, but I was so glad he was there.  I was quite embarrassed that I had such a difficult time getting in the darn truck.  It must have been one of those that you need a step ladder to get in.  Stephanie and the kids were there and I hope that they didn't think that dear old Grandpa wasn't too wimpy.  Anyway, we finally got on the road and turned south down I15.

I hope you have enjoyed this episode of Healing. Please feel free to join me each week for the next 2 or 3 months, and hopefully, I can help you or someone you know become a stronger cancer warrior. Share this musical podcast with your friends and family. Cancer needs to be put in its place!