Chemo Round Eight included a few firsts for us. Daniel discovered a surprising remedy for nausea during chemo. We were intentionally chickenless. And I went off-site to check on someone who was injured at our home. Allow me to explain… Come. Peer inside our #danielkickscancer journey, as seen through the eyes of me, his mother.

#danielkickscancer, Mom Gabi 8

Today began with a visit to Daniel’s medical oncologist who reviewed the bloodwork and gave a good white blood cell count. The shot of Neulasta following his last chemo had boosted his counts, which of course we are so grateful to hear, but along with this shot are side effects like achy bones and flu-like symptoms. Daniel had felt badly for three weeks – and actually, I’m not sure what to attribute to the low blood cell count and what to blame on the effects of the shot itself. The oncology visit is also the place to ask questions, so Daniel inquired about the disgusting taste in his mouth and his trembling fingers. Dr. Zaiden answered and also chatted about soccer and wedding plans. He commented on Daniel’s hair. He had anticipated it would be gone before the third chemo.

Dr. Zaiden oncology appt 8

After the oncology appointment, we went directly to the chemo floor. As usual, when the nurse began to clean Daniel’s port, he turned his head to avoid the sight and smell of the cleaning alcohol, a definite prompt for his nausea and frequent use of the spit bag. (Sorry about using a non-medical term.)

Daniel, his fiancée Gabi, and I had the normal shared moments of calm, mixed with discussions on life, current events, sports, families, and wedding plans. Gabi had invited me to her private Pinterest wedding board, so seeing her wedding day vision led to lots of fun chatter. In case you’re just joining us, Daniel had purchased the engagement ring the night before finding out he had cancer. He held onto it, processing his diagnosis. About three weeks later, he proposed in this lovely setting with his sisters dressed in camo, hidden in the woods. This picture is the for real, live moment it happened. We’re super excited about the wedding… coming this Fall.

#danielkickscancer proposal

The chemo floor has a coffee station, snack area, and several refrigerators for patients and guests. I grabbed a few coffees, sodas, and a water, then returned. Perhaps a break-through happened. Daniel doesn’t like coffee, but for some reason he reached for the coffee, held it to his nose and slowly breathed in the aroma. The whiff of coffee helped deter the nausea. He kept Gabi’s coffee the whole day and periodically, to avert oncoming queasiness, would pick it up and with intensity, slowly inhale. Even on the ride home, his now-cold cup of coffee was in hand. At the next chemo, we’ll see if this theory still holds true. I actually think Gabi’s hoping he’ll end up a coffee drinker. I’m guessing she wants a Keurig on their wedding registry.lol,)

Coffee aroma helps deter nausea Coffee, the remedy for chemo nausea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you know, Chick Fil A has generously donated up to 50 chicken sandwiches, nuggets, or biscuits to us to share during each chemo. Today, for our first time, no CFA pick-up happened. When certain smells become associated with chemotherapy, it often results in a disdainment of that item. For Daniel, the car ride there with the aroma of fried chicken began to be one of those triggers. And, let me tell you. CFA holds a place near and dear to his heart, and we did not want to risk this association being permanent. He and siblings have dressed up like cows for years, racing around town to get free chicken for the day. And, even in college, he and some of his 15 college housemates, on several occasions, had camped out overnight at Chick Fil A grand openings to be among the first 100 guests, resulting in a gift card for 52 free meals each.

CFA daniel 2010 with cow

Daniel, the CFA cow, four sisters, Gabi, and friend Mel.

CFA grand opening 1

Friends camping out at CFA grand opening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although we didn’t walk around from patient to patient passing out sandwiches as we have each previous chemo, I still popped my head in various rooms to say hi and get updates. And, some stopped by to see Daniel and check up on him.

daniel and gabi talkingThis provided more time for longer conversations, dream-wedding discussions, and normal behavior that down time provides like laughing at and exchanging Snapchat photos of facial embellishments and face-swapping, watching funny online videos that bring out the Gabi laugh and Daniel grin. #mamalike. There were also quiet times where Daniel rested and Gabi worked on wedding plans or did college work.

snapchat faces during chemo snapchatting during chemo 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel’s sister Laura was able to leave school during a back to back study hall and lunch break and sit with us for a little while. She loves time with her big brother. Well, she also likes missing school.

#danielkickscancer and laura during chemo defeeting cancer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few days earlier, on the last night of Spring Break, Laura had friends from school over. The kids rode four-wheelers and motorcycles and one ended up being transported by ambulance to the ER. What? #aintnobodygottimefodat. He had a broken clavicle and fractured wrist, each needing a plate to heal properly. He was still recovering in a hospital not far away, so for the first time ever for me, I left Daniel on the chemo floor in the safe care of Gabi, well.. and the nursing staff, and Laura and I drove over to check on Davie and hang up this custom-made by Ellis hands “Get Well Soon” banner that Laura had his classmates sign (along with some very famous forgeries). His parents have been super gracious. We’re all grateful he was wearing a motorcycle helmet and that injuries weren’t worse. You know the first thing Davie said when we opened the door and entered his hospital room? “I’m so sorry… Is the motorcycle okay?” What?

davie hospital Davie banner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Laura and I were exiting the chemo floor, my husband was entering with what Daniel seems to enjoy most these days– a cold, extra large fruit smoothie. This time he requested strawberry banana. His friend Chris stopped by. We all really love Chris.

smoothie daniel and chris 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before leaving the five-hour stay, I wanted to make sure I captured our standard poses: Gabi with Daniel. me with Daniel, and the three of us together. This time, possibly being too “transparent” in divulging this disgusting/funny combo moment- when she leaned in for the photo, her shirt tassel dipped right down into the spit cup. Yuck! But, look what a good sport she was about it.

#danielkickscancer chemo round 8 Gabi tassel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The spit bag. Don’t leave chemo without it.” It’s been his traveling companion following chemo, using it frequently as the soapy chemo taste built up. A few other commonalities for the ride home after chemo included wanting to sleep and wanting to eat. Today, when we arrived home, he grabbed a blanket and headed outside to the hammock where He also slept, enjoying the warmth of the Florida sun.against his cold spine and shaky limbs. Chemo exhausts him.

hammock resting hammock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moments of frailty take my breath away, but quickly I bring thoughts captive, finding rest for my weary mind. I exhale fear and inhale God. I recognize my grip, and release, trusting in God’s plan, and I experiece rest. The weight of worry is lifted as I surrender the desire for control and trust Him. #doyouknowHim

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Rhonda prayingforsomanybattlingcancer ellis

20 Comments
  1. Greg Carroll

    Daniel, Gabi, Rhonda and John – My heart is torn. As I read through this my spirits are lifted and in the background my heart is hurting for Daniel. I so wish he didn’t have to go through this but then I am reminded that I make a terrible god and everything that comes from the Lord is good. The way you all have walked through this journey so transparently is real and speaks to so many people. Your transparency also points everyone to your faith and trust in our Savior – Jesus Christ. Thank you for using cancer as an opportunity to spread the Good News of Jesus. Thank you for trusting Him through this cancer journey and thank you for allowing us to come along with you through your blog. We love you all and are praying continually. Love, Greg & Karen

    • Rhonda

      So eloquently spoken. The juxtaposition of life in Christ. Our suffering met with his sweetness. Not desiring pain, but welcoming it as we know he is a great God and worthy to be trusted with our very lives. Thank you for your continual prayers and friendship, Greg!

  2. Sheryl Vickery

    A Father who sent His Son to bear the weight that bends us,
    A Father who sent His Son so we can pour out our heavy hearts, and He hears us,
    A Father who sent His ONLY Son so that when we more than bend, He lifts us,
    A Father who sent His Son so when hopelessness deceives us, He gives us strength to change our thoughts to Truth.
    Just falling into a Praise moment for all things True, for Life and goodness, for suffering too!

    • Rhonda

      Such beautiful words, Sheryl. So thankful to both KNOW the praise to God that can flow from our lips no matter the circumstances. Praying for you and thankful for your encouragement, friend.

  3. Kathleen Elliott

    Rhonda, again, I am truly blessed. Thank you and I love you and your family. God bless Daniel and all the lives that are being touched by his journey. God is faithful.

    • Rhonda

      Kathleen, thank you for your prayers. One thing is for certain, no matter the journeys in life, God’s character meets us where we are. Love you. 🙂

  4. Christy Keyton

    Those last two photos really got to me. My Mom heart just broke up for you. But I love your response – not to dwell in the pain, but to cling to our Father and His plan. It is our peace. Love you, my friend and praying right now for all of you.

    • Rhonda

      Hi friend, we’ve both been through some tough times and can testify of God’s goodness. Love you.

  5. Brenda

    Okay FYI on the coffee. We frequently use coffee to rid the unit of pungent smells! Open coffee grounds in a cup may be pleasant for him to smell. Pour some on a filter and let sit out (in room, car, etc). Perfect for soaking up yucky smells fast.

    • Rhonda

      Brenda, thank you for this nursing information. Give us more tips! What’s the official name of the spit bag? lol.

  6. Julie

    Please tell Daniel I understand everything he’s going through. There will be better days. This to shall pass. Always remind yourself it’s not forever, it will pass! Only God holds the future. He has you in his hand. Only through him can you hold on. You are so special that he has allowed this suffering for a purpose. You don’t know it now but one day he’ll show you. Praying for you.

    • Rhonda

      Hi Julie, Thank you. It sounds like you pressed in and sought to use your difficulty to know God more. That changes us forever. I’ll be sure Daniel reads your words. 🙂

    • Rhonda

      HI Julie, thank you for your understanding and prayers. 🙂 Praying for you as well.

  7. Brenda

    It’s an emesis bag

  8. Nick A

    Love you Daniel! Miss you at Williams. Continuing to pray every day. Mrs Ellis, thanks so much for continuing to blog! It must be hard to put these things to words – but i appreciate knowing what Daniel is going through specifically to know how to pray.

    • Rhonda

      Nick, We are so thankful for your friendship with Daniel, for your leadership with the 16 housemates that Daniel had the privilege to be a part of, and for your continual encouragement to him. Thanks for sharing #danielkickscancer journey with the boys. Our hearts’ desire is for each of those young men to come to know the Lord and live life for Him. We pray this journey is used to show the unexplainable peace and joy available to those whose faith and foundation is in the Lord… even in times of suffering, walking a journey of the unknown, and in cancer. Love all of you guys!!

  9. Christina

    Thank you for bringing us along on your grace adventure through your writings. There is courage in writing while the story unfolds instead of editing it afterwards. That courage in sharing the journey that the Lord is leading your family on is making a trail that guides the steps of others who are walking challenging paths. Thank you also for your words that remind us that there are no “ordinary days”. Each moment is working something eternal. In you, in your family, in us, in all the lives that are intersecting through this. Praying for all. Grace sufficient and amazing for every need.

    • Rhonda

      Christina, I count you as one of the greatest prayer warriors in my life. To receive a word from you (and a card in the mail – which you are so incredibly faithful to do) is refreshing, encouraging, and spurs us on to good works. You are a faithful friend. Love you and am praying for you and your family as well.

  10. Christy Johns

    You guys are such an inspiration! Praying for Daniel and excited to hear of all the lives God transforms through this experience!

    • Rhonda

      Thank you Christy, for your continued prayers. Our desire is to just be faithful to proclaim his faithfulness and that he is worthy to be trusted. I hope many become Believers as they see the difference a life rooted deeply in Christ journeys through difficulty. The unexplainable peace. The joy.. even in difficulty. We can cast every human emotion on Him.. and he cares and meets us right where we are. Love you.

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