The Drive
Physically:
The second cycle of an additional chemo infusion therapy may need to be delayed if his platelet count doesn’t increase. It is down. Weekly blood tests allow docs to monitor and adjust meds to snap things back quickly if they see a trend they don’t like. They have made those adjustments and we are hopeful that all stays as planned on Tuesday.
Rocco had a wonderful healing session this week from a very talented therapist MARY, and he LOVED it so it will be a weekly event.
Rocco’s energy level is lower now on the 4th week of radiation (which is to be expected) but his appetite is still pretty good. Sleeping in on weekends is heaven.
Grateful:
Thank you to my gal pals for the check ins.
Rocco’s cooks (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) continue to go through a lot to prep, cook and transport the meals to our home. We deeply appreciate it and gobble it all up! AMAZING!
Spirits are up, but…he misses his life and his work.
The sadness of not having the old routines and connection is setting in. Rocco really misses the shiny faces of the students at CCM, the faculty and the “can do” spirit he wants to inject everywhere. He misses the many corporate friends and clients that he works with on their day-to-day challenges and opportunities.
We talked about how life is different now and what it will be like after treatments - we just don't know.
Just then this van pulled up next to us… We laughed. It was too funny.
Celebration after radiation!!
We are trying to figure out what to do with ourselves after radiation is over in order to mark the completion of the 30th radiation treatment. One idea would be to go some place fun for a couple of weeks. Maybe New York to see some shows and add maybe London to catch some new offerings on the West End. We're just putting this out there to our friends in those towns now before we start planning -just in case someone has a thought or idea. Our target is the second and third week of October.
Rocco thanks me all day, every day for the smallest of things. For helping calculate the blood sugar readings, the carbs, keeping track of the medications, recalling details for the docs and all of the noise that comes from the grind of keeping focus on what the docs need in order to work their magic. Even when he is frustrated and fatigued he is allowing me to grab the steering wheel and just drive, so that is what I am doing. Just driving.
Only one direction and it is... onward!
Love,
Denise
Comments (17)
The power of the love that you radiate is palpable. It's healing undeniable. We add to it's strength with awe and amazement.
Thank you so much for this update!!!! I think about Rocco every day!! I know this experience must be so hard in many ways, but I can't help but picture Rocco contributing something beautiful to the world in the future because of these difficult times. I recently read "change your brain, change your life" by dr. Daniel Amen and I learned the brain is such an incredibly powerful organ that can literally do anything!! And a powerful brain like Rocco's is going to bounce back even stronger than before!!! I just know it!! Lots of love to the Dal Vera Family!!!!!
Thank You so much for everything you do! You are awesome!
Onward, ever onward! Rocco and Denise, if you decide on NYC, you'll get a warm welcome from me and Ricky the Dialect Dog! Tell those platelets to behave themselves. xxxox
You are doing an heroic job, Denise, in keeping everything together...and Rocco, you are the beacon of strength in this fight. Your wonderful spirit infuses everyone's thoughts of you...and we are keeping you in our hearts and minds and fighting with you as much as we can. Hoping for some more sunshine in your days. Everyone at CCM misses you and wishes you everything positive and strong. Sending lots of love to you all.
Thank you for this update. You're a GREAT driver. London is a wonderful city. I say GO!!!
Great timing for that van to show up. You got the shot! You guys deserve a fun trip. Go for it! We really loved seeing everyone a couple of weeks ago. Talk to you all soon. We love you!!!
With LOVE, strength and perseverance this too shall pass . I think the 'vacation" sounds like wonderful fun. After all the downtime, some spirit-lifting can only be a joy. and the love that you two share shines through as a beacon of hope...Thoughts and prayers are with you every day......
A suggestion for your trip-- Stratford, Ontario and the Stratford Festival. Not as crazy as NYC, but LOTS of good theater and restaurants.
Onward! You are an excellent driver! Love to serendipity of the van! I agree, celebrate with a vacation!
Thank you for taking the time to share news with those of us who know and love Rocco. Sending the best thoughts and wishes your way. We missed you in Louisville, Rocco, but we felt your presence in the room all weekend.
Love this picture! Thinking of you. A celebration vacation sounds like a wonderful idea!
Rocco: Am keeping tabs with all the updates and touch base with D'Arcy. My prayers and good thoughts to you, always, and to your family. Julia Lenardon
Thank you for the update, Rocco continuing to lift you up in prayer! You are Blessed!
I stayed up late tonight to finish a project (editing) for a nephew; but am so thankful that I read your latest post/update before I turn out the lights. You are special people, as everyone is telling you, but it is true. I cannot fathom why you must endure this challenge, but you are taking it day by day. Rocco being thankful, even when tired from the treatments and his spirit banishing the illness, is such a wondrous thing --- and you deserve it, Denise. But Gratitude, in times of testing, is a mystical bridge to Prior Walter's "More Life." If you can appreciate every moment, see the value of our days with loved ones... That's a blessed Life. As the Librarian in UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL proclaims repeatedly, "We Shall Proceed!" Much love.
All of NYC will show the F*#&K up for your visit. de Blasio himself wouldn't miss it except that he's in the midst of campaigning so he's trying not to be seen as TOO Italian so he's avoiding people named Rocco. Sorry. But the rest of us will be there. (Please let us know and we'll put together a little CCM reunion).
The picture is hilarious. Don't you love how God interjects these little things to offer a paradigm shift just when you need it. Keep up your strength Rocco it's a marathon. Sending prayers and love. Denise and Larry