Wednesday, February 9, 2011

The Fighting Spirit

My family's moved from total grief mode to total fight mode. And it looks a little like this.


That's how the French Revolution really looked. Eventually, they were all, "Instead of singing so much, we should've learned how to fire these rifle thingees."
Because as we all know, it was their obsession with theatrics that quashed the rebellion.
 
Any time we're sitting around for a length of time, we can't help climbing on top of whatever object is near us- a chair, a table, the chandelier- and we wave our latest CAT scan and say something like:


"Never give up! Never surrender!"


"They may take our lungs, but they will never take... our other organs!"


We were all at the hospital yesterday because my dad was getting a port surgically implanted. (It's like a picc line, but under the skin, near the clavicle). It will be easy access for the chemo infusions.


While he was in surgery, my mom and I were in the waiting room. She was reading a book about survivors, and I was working on my revisions. (They're due tomorrow.)


About every other minute, one of us would interrupt the other (okay, it was mostly her interrupting me) to share an inspiring story of victory in the face of incredible odds. 


And then the fighting spirit really took over and every word out of our mouths sounded like a battle cry, so much so that when the nurse came to speak to us, we answered by bellowing... "NO! Our bellies cannot stand idly by drying out... we WILL have another CRANBERRY JUICE! Tell me, do you hear the people sing? They are asking for that special crunchy ice only hospitals have! Now... MAKE... IT... SO!"


No, they were not relieved when we left. Why do you ask?


My dad is home again now, recovering and hopped up on pain meds. In fact, that's the best part. To see this quiet, serious physician all loopy on Loritab. 


For example, on my latest revisions, the main goal is to delete pages. This morning, my dad asked me how many pages I'd "delinquished." 


me: "Huh?"


Him: "How many pages have you delinquished... I mean, diminished..."


Me: smiling as he tries to search for the word "deleted". It was awesome. 


I admit, I'm loopy too. I kept telling the doctors: "When are we going to surgically implant a woman in his port?"


and then when they'd look at me questioningly, I'd say, "Isn't it customary to have a woman in every port?" And then I'd laugh maniacally and slap the doctor's shoulder. I looked like this:




Nobody ever laughed with me. But I say it's better to face these things with a loopy brain.


Anyway, tomorrow we are at the infusion center to start the chemotherapy. I can't wait for the nurse to insert the IV so that I can bellow: "On my command... UNLEASH HELL!"

34 comments:

  1. ... just so long as they don't try to jam your revision letter in there. I think the man has had enough pain....

    Go! Fight! Win!

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  2. Go Brodi! Go Brodi's Dad!!

    There's inspiration to be found everywhere. My uncle John was diagnosed with esophageal cancer at age 48 that spread to the lymph nodes and stomach. After radiation/chemo, surgery that removed 60 lymph nodes, a portion of his stomach, and partially paralyzed a vocal chord, he is now on the verge of turning 50 and cancer-free.

    Miracles happen!

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  3. Robin- Guess what? On this round, there was no actual revision letter! How cool is that? We're getting closer.

    Gina- I love stories like this! Thanks so much for sharing.

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  4. Until you can tell me that Winter 2012 is getting closer (faster than the calendar allows, that is), I'll still be waiting. Anxiously. :)

    Still, very exciting. Do you know how many more rounds or do you just keep going until your editor says "the work is done?"

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  5. Robin- I think it's basically heading to copyedits after this round. And then it will be first pass pages. Then second pass pages. Okay, maybe we're not so close.

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  6. My inspiring story for what it's worth. We have a friend that has had cancer come back twice. The first time it came back, he was given very little hope and he overcame it. The second time it came back the news was even worse but he overcame it again. Miracles happen everyday. Praying for one for you Dad!

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  7. Paula- Miracles do happen. Thanks for the story!

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  8. Brodi,
    OK, so I just commented on your other post, but this post had me laughing out loud. "A woman in every port" Hahahaha! That's a good one. :) Hang in there lady.

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  9. How could they not laugh at a woman in every port? I bet they were just mad they didn't think of it first. HYSTERICAL! Keep up the good fight!

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  10. I totally believe in miracles and I absolutely love the quote: Never give up! Never surrender!

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  11. Kristi- Where were you when I needed someone to laugh at my stupid jokes?

    Carrie- Doctors! They're so serious. Thanks!

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  12. I love that you quoted Galaxy Quest. It's one of my favorite movies! And, as long as you can look at life like the Thermians, then that cancer doesn't have a chance! Just think it of as Sarris and you'll eventually unleash the Omega 13 which will go all destroyer on your dad's cancer! :D

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  13. PS--That sounded better in my head.

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  14. Jenni- I'd love to know how it sounded in your head, because it already sounded awesome in the comments!

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  15. If you need a people to stand around with matching shirts and possibly signs to cheer your dad on just let me know. I'm sure I can whip something up and get a good crowd together to pump our fists in the air and repeat your chants.

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  16. Cry "Havoc!" and let slip the Dogs of War!!!

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  17. Debbie- There is no one better at organizing a rally than you! You are definitely in charge.

    Matt- We will indeed wreak some havoc on those cells! And then we will screw our courage to the sticking place. And if that fails, we'll bite our thumbs at it.

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  18. I know we have only "met" here on your blog, but I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, your dad, and the rest of your family.

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  19. Good luck Brod! Your family are fighters! And I love that port joke.

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  20. Kristin- Thank you! It's good to know we have Colorado covered.

    Lulabell- I knew you'd like the joke. We both have the same quirky sense of humor. :)

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  21. Brodi, you absolutely rock. Your family's attitude is absolutely the best!

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  22. Your family makes me smile. You'll get through this! :)

    Still eager for your book. Can't wait to get my grubby paws on it. ;)

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  23. Stephanie- I can't wait until I HAVE a book to put in your grubby paws! Thanks for the comment.

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  24. unleash hell it is...we will always be here for you. xox

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  25. Hi Brodi! Thanks for the update on your dad. Please please givehim and your mom my love and tell them I'm having my own kick some tumor a@$ party! I adoreyour parents and can't tell you how lucky I feel to know your family!!! Again, give them my love!

    Amber

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  26. Cristie- We love you guys. Thank you!

    Amber- Party on! I will pass along your message. Thanks!

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  27. I am definitely in your army and with you all the way. There should be much trembling on the part of those cancer cells when they realize what they are up against! I know where your sense of humor came from... a woman in every port...

    Love, Paula Winter

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  28. Great to hear the fight cry! Maybe we need to come up with a fight song for your dad? Something that we can sing when Debbie sets up that rally where we all wear matching shirts?

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  29. Paula- Those cells are cowering! Thanks for your support.

    Windy- You are officially song master of the rally. Get to work!

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  30. Brod - your humor is a therapy of its own. And your family is amazing. I'm going to yell UNLEASH HELL for you, just because you missed the big moment. And your "woman in every port" is pretty darn funny, if you ask me.

    Love your blogging. What would we write about it, if it weren't for all the crap we have to go through?

    I Love you.

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