Approaching the Inmost Cave

Stage Seven of a Hero's journey is the Approach to the Inmost Cave. This is the point where the hero has passed the border between the Real World and the Special World and is now seeking its heart.

It isn't yet the mid-point of the journey; the hero will continue to meet guardians and face tests. Here in the Approach to the Inmost Cave he will encounter both wonder and terror. He will make preparations for the central ordeal of the adventure. Vogler compares it to mountaineers who have raised themselves to a base camp and are about to make the final assault on the highest peak.

Chemo starts today.

I am anxious for chemo; it symbolizes the beginning of a physical challenge to the monster. At the same time I fear it because I don't know what toll it will extract. My best hope is fatigue, my worst fear is spending too much time kneeling over the toilet bowl. Today will tell the tale; at least for the first three sessions. The final three will be a different drug, with new side effects.

I received two cards yesterday. One from Ryan and Denise, and Rita also sent me well wishes.

Actually, Rita threatened to make me eat a jar of pickles if I don't get better. Rita and I shared supper on one of my trips to Boston. Anyone who knows me well knows I don't like pickles. I ordered a burger...a tricky move most times because some creative chef once dictated that pickles should be the side dressing of choice for burgers. After I gave my order to the waiter and explained the necessity of keeping pickles far, far away from my food, Rita started laughing. "Oh, here it comes," I thought. But it turns out Rita shares my distaste for all things pickled. She custom-made the card with a jar of pickles on the front.

I spent yesterday with my cousin, distracting both of us from our individual tests. Putting together a goodie bag for her was part of my Me Day.

I also dropped off welcome packages to Ronald McDonald House. Our team at the office had saved bottle money and decided to use part of these funds to give back to the community. We all know how difficult it can be when a loved one is hospitalized, a feeling which is amplified when home is outside of the city. The bags went over really well and I expect we'll probably do it again in the future.

Sometimes its better to look outward, instead of within.