Modern Day Disciples…

Or, everyday Angels?

Diane and I just returned from Houston following my first treatment with the new trial.  As I previously mentioned it was a long week.  The trip took 5 nights, but most days were pretty light on appointments.

Monday was a little busy.  I did an early morning fasting blood draw, then an Electrocardiograph (EKG), followed by visit to the Vascular Access department to flush my port.  The port is imbedded above my right breast that allows vein access for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and normal blood draws.  It was placed there for the chemotherapy I took last summer.  However, it has had very little use since then because the previous immunotherapy trial I was on required arm access for the transfusions.  This new trial will use it for multiple blood draws.  I’m happy to give my veins a little break!

On Tuesday we only had one appointment but it was an important meeting.  We met with a trial doctor for final approval and clearance, which was dependent on Monday’s tests.  She came in bubbly as could be and said, “everything looks good, do you have any questions?”  So, it was all systems…go!

Wednesday was actually a day off from medical appointments due to a scheduling conflict.  So, we went to play pickleball!  We found a new adult playground called Bumpy Pickleball which is a pickleball sports bar with 9 outdoor courts, 6 sand volleyball courts, ping pong, cornhole and full bar with a restaurant in progress.  The place was packed!  We enjoyed playing but games were spaced out because it was so crowded, plus it was a $20 Lyft ride each way so it was an expensive date night!

My beautiful pickleball partner!

Thursday figured to be the longest day of the week.  That was Day 1 of Cycle 1 of the new medicine.  We arrived at MDAnderson about a half hour early.  We were anxious and confident for the treatment but a little nervous, nonetheless.  Since I was fasting we went to get Diane a cup of coffee to kill some time.  

As she was at the kiosk for cream and napkins we made eye contact with the maintenance person who was emptying the trash.  We exchanged pleasantries and as he was walking away Diane said, “God bless you”.  He returned the sentiment and walked off. 

A few minutes later he returned and engaged us with spiritual encouragement.  He asked us questions and put us at ease with scripture and sincerity.  He put a hand on each of our shoulders and said a prayer for my first treatment.  

            Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

                                                                        Proverbs 12:25

His name is Melvin and God sent him that day to encourage us. Everyone you meet is going through some kind of struggle. Be a Melvin, encourage someone today. 

Melvin, a modern day disciple or an angel on earth?

The treatment that day went without a hitch.  It was is by far an easier treatment than Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy.  I fast only 2 hours prior to taking the pill and then 1 hour after the pill.  The remainder of the day consisted of an EKG and blood draw every hour or so to see how the drug was affecting my body.  I had a total of 7 EKGs and 7 blood draws on Day 1.  All without a single side affect.  

Friday was only one quick morning blood draw and then we would be finished for the week.  I decided to take the shuttle from the hotel to the hospital on my own while Diane packed up our room for checkout.  As I got on the shuttle I noticed it was going to be very full so I went to the back of the bus and dropped down the extra bench seats that were folded up.  

Rowdy, the shuttle driver came to the back and noticed I had already pulled them down.  Then, as he began his walk back up the center isle to the driver’s seat he loudly began to announce, “This is the good news bus.  We gonna get some good news today.  When the spirit is good, the news is good.  Say it with me everybody…when the spirit is good, the news is good!”

When the spirit is good, the news is good!  Is Rowdy another angel on earth?

Melvin and Rowdy stand out as a prime example of the character found in the Houston Medical District, and more pointedly, MD Anderson Cancer Center.  Thousands of employees serving thousands of patients with a tender heart.  Where sharing your faith and hope is routine, with sincerity and without shame. These two guys work in environment where they really know their audience.  And, I never saw a boss hanging around checking on their “productivity”.  They are most productive using compassion and love on the people they serve.

In honor of Martin Luther King today, here’s an appropriate quote of his that fits today’s blog:

                                 “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.  You don’t have

                                   to have a college degree to serve.  You don’t have to make your subject

                                   and verb agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul

                                   generated by love.”