A hill nearby covered in Crimson Clover…
I will start with an apology for not checking in sooner and for leaving this blog sitting too quietly for the last while. It has been an up and down month, a very emotional month, since my last post. The update on my husband, Byron, is that he has continued with his chemotherapy treatments with infusions every three weeks, and we have played the waiting game now for 9 weeks to see if the chemo is actually working to [temporarily] halt the progression of his cancer. We had to wait until a certain period of time had passed to repeat his CT scan. The scan was done last Saturday, and we finally received the results yesterday. At this point in time, it is working. *Big sigh of relief here!*
So he will continue with his three-week cycle of infusions, and our lives are adjusting accordingly. The infusions are on Mondays. That first week is a challenge for him, with deep fatigue and other struggles. The second week, he feels better but not great. And the third week, he is almost back to “normal,” feeling well enough to work on projects (although his stamina is low), and have family come to visit. Then, the cycle is repeated …until it no longer works, or the side effects become too much to offset the benefits.
With this major change to our daily/weekly routines, plus the anxiety about whether or not this treatment is working, I simply couldn’t focus enough to read a book, and writing a post seemed too difficult. But, I am very thankful that we have a lovely grief counselor who is helping us through this roller coaster time, and she recommended a book that she thought I would enjoy. I downloaded it onto my Kindle directly after my appointment and read it in just a couple of days.
The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II, by Madeline Martin, brought me back to my reading.
Inspired by the true World War II history of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz, The Last Bookshop in London is a timeless story of wartime loss, love and the enduring power of literature.
“The Last Bookshop in London is an irresistible tale which showcases the transformative power of literacy, reminding us of the hope and sanctuary our neighborhood bookstores offer during the perilous trials of war and unrest.”
–Kim Michele Richardson, New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
My counselor was right! I enjoyed it very much, and all of a sudden, my world seemed to right itself again! She added one other recommendation for me: she suggested I get myself over to Powell’s Bookstore for an hour of wandering. Do you see why I love this counselor?
Back to my apology for leaving you without an update on our situation for so many weeks… I will try to check in with you here, dear blogging friends, at least once a month as we continue on our current health journey. And thank you so much for your care and concern.
Byron heading into Kaiser for his CT scan…
A Fondness For Reading 
My thoughts are with you all the time, Robin. You two are a great example of courage – but I know you wish it wasn’t necessary!
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Aww. Thank you so much.❤️
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thank you for the update. You and Byron are often on my mind. I will rejoice in your third week times! Your counselor sounds like the perfect fit for you. I have read The Last Bookshop in London and really liked it. Keeping you in my heart. P.S. Love the crimson clover.
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Thank you for thinking of us, Marlo. My crimson clover photo was actually taken a few years ago. We’re having so much rain this spring that the clover is at least a week later in blooming, and it needs some warm sunny days to stand tall. But there are fields and fields of them just ready to pop!
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Robin, so happy to hear the update on Byron’s treatment and the ups and downs you two are experiencing. Will pray that things will continue to settle and that you both will adjust. Glad to hear that you’ve been meeting with someone to help you through this journey and the idea of ‘Powell’s wandering’ is perfect. Honestly, that kind of thing works for me too when I am stressed beyond belief. Bookstores, libraries – my happy places. Take care and much love and prayers sent. Oh, you could send a little of the rain our direction. We are dry, dry, dry….
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Thanks for your kind thoughts, Kay. I wish I could share this unusual wet weather with you and all the terrible drought locations! It’s such a worry. I haven’t headed over to Powell’s yet, but I’m going to go soon. Bibliotherapy is needed.📚
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I think of you each day, and wonder and worry. It is so good that it is working for as long as it can. With my love, Nan
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Thanks for your loving, caring thoughts, Nan.
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I have been wondering how the two of you are doing. Thank you for the update and I can understanding how hard it can be to think about blogging. Hope Byron’s treatment continues to help him.
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Thank for your kind wishes, Diane. We’re hoping his treatments help him for a good long time.
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I’ve been thinking about you and thought something with treatment must be going on! It’s all a game of snakes and ladders isn’t it? Even though my husband, David, had his last round of chemo in September 2020 there are still plenty of challenging times. Lots of love to both of you
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Thank you, Jane. I appreciate your first-hand understanding of what we are going through, and I wish your husband well with his continuing health journey! And “snakes and ladders” is the perfect description!
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I was so happy to see your post today! You and Byron have been in my thoughts daily and it’s good to hear how things are going with both of you. I’m sorry the first week is such a challenge for Byron, but am glad that he is able to enjoy a somewhat normal time (with family visits) by the third week. I’m also glad that you have such a wonderful counselor. She really does sound like a gem. I’m adding the book to my list. I hope you can get over to Powell’s soon and treat yourself to a few books or book-related items. Much love to both of you, my dear friend.
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Thanks so much, Les. This three-week-at-a-time roller coaster is challenging, but we’re making the adjustment now that we know how it goes and what to expect. Yes, our counselor is a gem! And a reader!
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