UPDATE: DH with colon cancer: 1.5 years later

It has been quite a while since I posted, but I know how you guys like updates so better later than never, right?

Here is the original thread:

2peasrefugees.boards.net/thread/14138/diagnosed-stage-colon-cancer-update?page=1&scrollTo=347116

This past year and a half has been unreal in many ways. Dave's treatment goals from the beginning were to prolong his life and give him a better quality of life. A cure was/is not on the table.

We went through a number of chemos, discontinuing each when they either stopped working or the side effects were no longer bearable (either life threatening, or debilitating). We are getting closer to the end of the road now. There are not any good chemo options left.

Dave is so glad that he decided to do the chemo. He has been able to accomplish so many things this past year and a half, stuff that he would never have been able to do. When he was feeling well, we took two trips, one to the Grand Canyon and the other to see the Sequoia trees. He has self-published a free book of his poetry, written a funny short story about growing up Catholic, and written a number of songs.

His wish has been to share his creativity with others, so I was thinking of sharing some of his poetry on this board over the next few weeks. Before he got sick, I used to read posts with him and we'd have fun talking about what was happening with "the peas." He would love to hear some responses from "the peas" about his poems if you'd like to share them.

Thank you all for your encouragement when he was first diagnosed. You will never know how important your input was to us!

Here is the first one that I want to share. He wrote it shortly after diagnosis:

A Conversation with Death by David A. Smith

Where were you when I was young
back when my life had just begun?

I was there as time unfurled
while you spinned and laughed at the world.

In later youth I knew of you
who made me sad and frightened too.

Because by nature you are Life
with whom I struggle with much strife.

I’ve seen the suffering you bring
because of this, to Life I cling.

And Life’s not filled with pain throughout?
Your bias makes me want to shout!

But we have love and joy and peace
and all you do is make them cease.

It’s I who brings the rest in peace
On pain and suffering Life does feast.

You bring eternal flames to most!
And “rest in peace” is what you boast?

A lie and slander meant to scare!
Don’t let it trap you in its snare.

It’s you that scares, you’ve come too close!
and set cancer at your post!

Those cells are Life consuming you!
You dare to blame that on me too?

Nonetheless it is your friend
it takes me to my very end.

You need me Life, why can’t you see?
The brush fire always brings new trees.

Yes on that point I can concede,
but nothingness is stark to me.
I want to laugh and love and live.
Let me stay, I’ve much to give!

Be calm my child, don’t let fear reign
I will release you from your pain.