Here we are nearly two weeks in to the first round of chemotherapy. Next Tuesday the 'rest week' begins and is marked by an absence of medication - thus offering the body a chance to 'recover' prior to commencement of the second round.

It has been a good week for Sue. The first 4 or 5 days after her infusion were pretty rough, but this last week has been good with generally reduced levels of pain and no debilitating side effects.Tiredness and lethargy are still issues, and there is some low level pain, but other than that -"it's all good"! What a pleasant surprise it has been. Sue even felt well enough to cook a (delicious) meal the other night - the first for many weeks. Praise God!

Here is the twist. In some ways Geoff has found this week the most difficult! While all the intense medical stuff was happening; while family and friends were being told the news; while emotions were new and raw and close to the surface; while Sue was in pain and distress and clearly needed close care, support and company; and while the reality of a reduced life-expectancy was 'in our face' every moment, Geoff knew EXACTLY what he needed and wanted to do, and EXACTLY where his priority lay. The 'choice' was easy and clear.

Right now though, Sue can largely manage herself at home and Geoff therefore has the option to be 'at the office' much more. In doing this, life has slipped back a little toward 'pre-cancer normal'. Of course, 'pre-cancer normal' was not laced with the present realities. However, the present realities are (intentionally or unintentionally) easier to down-play or ignore while Sue is feeling reletively well. The priorities between 'home' and 'work' seem less clear-cut. The 'choices' that were previously easy and clear have become much more complex!

So in the bizarre twist, it was easier when Sue was in need of more constant attention. Paradoxically, while we wrestle with the complexity of the present reality, the spectre of a return to the time when Sue is again in need of close care, support and company looms - and then, once again, the 'choices' will be easy and clear. Ain't life strange!!