Peregrination -- Word for the Day -- Monday, September 14, 2009

Peregrination • \pair-uh-gruh-NAY-shun\

Definition: an excursion especially on foot or to a foreign country: journey

We are continuing on our journey, but not on foot. It is not to a foreign country, but it has been foreign to say the least. As we continue on the peregrination, I find and see things I don't remember or that are not familiar. In speaking with ChemoSabe, he seems to have the same thought.

Please keep in mind -- the following is for medical purposes and to share what effects medications during Myeloma can cause. Anything I say or do in the following cannot be used against me! ha Seriously, as a caregiver, this prepares you for the patient's hardship, as well as, the caregiver.

We have been practicing what we heard from our pastor, Allan, about 12 years ago in a sermon. The 12 words you should say after a disagreement.. "I'm sorry; I was wrong; please forgive me; I love you." It is a MAJOR hurdle for me to get past the second word (sorry). That one is not in MY dictionary. And I am never wrong. ha
I carry a small pillow on my console in the Tahoe -- "I'm not bossy, I just have better ideas." That sums me up in a "nut shell". Some of you may think "nut case".

The last two weekends, even though we did peregrination to Eureka and Branson, have been a test for each of us. Mentally and emotionally for me and mentally, emotionally and physically for him. He claims it is the meds, but after speaking with him I believe it is the meds and the way he is pushing himself at work. After all, getting up at 1:30 a.m. and not getting home until 9:00 p.m. a few days last week, along with the steroids and chemo shots can take a toll. Would you not agree?

It has resulted in things said, actions and carrying feelings on one's sleeve. He actually antagonized me this weekend and then told me to "Shut up"... One thing we have never said out of our respect for each other. I have to tell you the hair raised on my neck. I could feel the razor edge going down my spine, so I repeated the same. Luckily we were in the truck because our friends were just a few feet away.. No, they did not hear. But, by the time we got to the restaurant, we were talking. By the time our food arrived, we were laughing and sharing with our friends about his moods. I DO believe in male menopause.

This week, I fear will be about the same even though there are no steroids or Velcade shots. He is travelling heavily again and is already tired. We did relax this afternoon and played four sets of tennis on the WII. He thinks he beat me. Heck, I had to do something to get me on his good side.

We went to our home church yesterday and it was like seeing family we hadn't seen in years. It was such a refueling. Something we have been needing. We knew what it was, but we have been so selfish in our time together. So fearful we would lose a precious moment for just the two of us. They hugged on us and loved on us, but especially, they listened and didn't condemn us for not being there.

We both have a busy week ahead of us. I have some major decisions to make in the next month or so. I just pray they are the right choices.

We are attending a Myeloma evening out this week. The very first one we attended was before ChemoSabe began his treatments last year. We met so many Myeloma friends there. I hope we see them again and meet new ones. (Well, not necessarily meet new Myeloma patients. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. But, meet new friends that are going thru the same trials we have and will.)

It is late. ChemoSabe has been asleep since 9:00 p.m. to rest up for peregrination tomorrow. You know him...he won't spend the night out of town.

I hope you are have a good week.

Good night and Love -- Pepper