Crossing the First Threshold

In the Hero's Journey the hero is required to commit to the adventure and cross the first threshold, entering the Special World of the story for the first time. He agrees to face the consequences of dealing with the problem or challenge posed when he was first called to the adventure.

In a book or a movie, this is the point where the story begins to build.

Today I crossed the threshold. I had my initial meeting at the Cancer Center where I met the team which will accompany me on this journey.

It started with a long session of getting history, learning about my lifestyle and so on. After this I met my primary oncology doctor who is doing a Fellowship at the hospital. She explained the treatment plan and did a physical. This was followed by a meeting with her supervisor, another oncology doctor who is on staff at the hospital. He too examined me and reiterated what would happen.

The consequences I agree to face include: nausea, hair loss and fatigue. I also have to guard against infection and take extra care when interacting with people once the chemo starts. The drugs, unfortunately, don't discriminate between the bad and good cells in my body.

The nurse returned and began the process of providing me with papers to read, prescriptions to fill and answering any additional questions I had.

I then went to the lab to have blood drawn and ended the day with a tour of chemo wing and Sunshine Room.

In all I spent about four hours at the hospital and was physically and emotionally drained by the time we arrived home.

One bit of good news...Rob's dad had hip surgery and came out fine.

The course has been charted:
A bone scan takes place Thursday, March 5
A CAT scan takes place Tuesday, March 10
Chemo starts Thursday, March 12

My next appointment for blood work will be March 31, followed by round two of chemo on April 2. This will begin a three-week cycle which will continue for six rounds. Once the chemo is complete and my white blood cells are regenerated I'll have surgery. But that will be part two of the journey and yet another entry.