CHASING FIREFLIES is off to the editor.
So, how did I spend my time this week?
Starting my next book, of course.
There's a reason why I'm not a cover designer.
It's not my talent.
The example I'm about to show you is NOT the new cover.
This was me just goofing around because I needed a little inspiration as I wrote.
There's something about the look on the man's face, the furrowed eyebrows, the serious expression. It speaks to the new character I'm writing. He's serious, he's quiet, and he's been through some hard times in his life.
I love this stage of writing. It's the creating stage and I love creating new characters.
Moving on.
My father posted the following on Facebook this week:
Update on Cancer:
My symptoms started with minor pain/irritation in the stomach area. It gradually got worse until after 3 months and a few visits to the doc, I couldn't do anything but lie down on one side or the other. Meanwhile I started getting severe back pain.
Abdominal+ back pain are the combined indicators for pancreatic cancer. I'm not sure about pancreatitis/without cancer. The doc (internist) missed these early signs and assured me that I do not have "anything bad, like cancer".
Later, the 2nd gastroenterologist I saw caught it with a CT-scan.
I'm in the middle of chemo-therapy now (toxic, alkaline chemicals taken intravenously to kill cells and shrink the tumor), and it seems to be helping. After chemo, they will scan and evaluate for surgery to remove the tumor and the affected part of the pancreas and the spleen.
I lost my appetite and lost a lot of weight, including fat and muscle. My appetite seems to be coming back - because of the chemo and shrinking tumor??
I also have spots on the lungs that they are watching.
My pain has been totally controlled by morphine tablets. I stay pretty comfortable, sleep a lot, and enjoy all the blessings in my life - which far, far outweigh any cancer or anything else bad.
His post gives me a glimmer of hope.
Perhaps he will beat this cancer!
I truly hope so!
My father is a retired fire chief.
He spent his life fighting to save lives.
Now he's fighting for his own life.
I love these pics my bro-in-law took of him.
That's it for now.
Have a great Monday, everyone!
Awesome update. I love how positive he is and how blessed he feels, despite the ickiness in his life. That's the sign of a good man! Your cover fun is nice. I love the guy's expression. Good luck with the creating...sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteI tell you what, I'd be curled in a ball crying like a baby if I was experiencing what my Dad is experiencing. I'm not a strong person when it comes to illness.
DeleteI love the man's expression too. It speaks to me. It says so much. To me, he doesn't look angry, he looks like life has happened in a big way and you can read it in his face. I love it. And I love the process of the heroine discovering his story.
Thanks for sharing about your dad! I am glad he is staying positive. I'm praying for him! Can't wait to hear more about your new book idea!
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Christy. He says he's trying to remain optimistic. Thanks for your prayers. I'm excited about this new book too. I'm already absorbed in it and I love it so far.
DeleteThank you for the update. My prayers are with your dad. I'm sure God is holding his hand while he goes through this illness.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet thoughts, Rita. I love that thought and do believe it is true. He's calm and at peace and simply enduring what he has to go through. I don't think anyone can have that kind of peace without having the Lord comfort them through it all. And that's very comforting to me as well. I appreciate your prayers so much.
DeleteSounds like you are moving right along on the new book. Your dad's post sounds very upbeat and wish him the best. :-)
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I was surprised at how upbeat the post was. It gives me hope. Whatever the outcome, my father is fighting the cancer--and he's doing it with an optimistic attitude. This is why most people are a little shocked when they see him. He makes it sound like it's not that bad. In actuality, he doesn't get out of bed, hardly eats, and sleeps all the time. But I find comfort in the fact that the pain pills are taking care of his pain. Even if they make him sleep all day. Thanks for your well wishes, Sherry.
DeleteI'm excited about my new book and hope to get it out this year!