A quick blog post to let readers know Charlotte and I crossed the international border into Mexico Monday morning, went straight to the International Immunologic Center and began Char’s cancer therapies immediately.
The trip was a struggle. Char has not been herself for days: unable to walk more than a few steps, incoherent speech, nausea, and zombie tiredness. So it was wheelchairs all the way and Char sleeping and unconscious. Char’s sister came from Denver to travel with me to San Diego, but it was just the two of us crossing the border and stepping off into the unknown plus a language barrier! Who but insane lovers and Scottie people would even attempt such madness?
We very much like Dr. Munoz and his staff: competent, caring, and attentive. They booked us into a small efficiency apartment near the clinic in a suberb of Tijuana where we’ll stay during Char’s treatments. I have a little gas-burner stove, sink, fridge, TV, coffee maker, and two nice grocery stores within easy walking distance.
The clinic was ready for us when we arrived Monday morning so Char received her first full day’s therapy immediately. It was a long day, especially for me, waiting and watching; we wrapped up about 3 PM. Many USA citizens in the clinic for treatment, in fact, all the patients I met were from the States.
Char went straight to bed when we got back to our little apartment. I was worn out so I knew she must be. I walked to the grocery store and bought items for us and when I got back Char was up and stirring about and more like her old self than I’ve seen for days; actually conversed lucidly, on topic, and coherently. She ate a light supper, sat up on our little couch and talked about the future. I already like what I’m seeing: a bit of her old self reappearing.
We’ll be here in Tijuana for our Christmas this year. I miss our Scotties, the donkeys, goats, and chickens. I miss the safety and familiarity of home. My son, Nathan, came from Tennessee to stay at Las Golondrinas so Char and I could chase health for her in Mexico. I told Char tonight, this would be a fun trip in the old days when the two of us dreamed and ‘escaped’ together fearlessly and without hesitation. I was never cautious or afraid, certainly never lonely. But as I walked in the dark tonight returning from the store, I thought how different ‘adventures’ look without my soul-mate to talk to, laugh with, solve problems with–and to rely on. Truth is, life is dark and lonely and I’m not so brave on my own. Now, in Mexico without her strong personality alert and at my side, I just worry.
Still, we’re here … we’ve begun treatments … and this was an encouraging first day.
Joseph Harvill, publisher Great Scots Magazine
After Susan Sontag underwent treatment for her first cancer, breast cancer, she wrote of the “kingdom of the ill.” The two of you, spending Christmas in a foreign place, must feel like you have entered Sontag’s strange land, where the people you meet speak your language and share your diagnosis, but where little else resembles life as you know it. Sontag survived and returned to the country of the well, and I am praying hard that Charlotte will, too. I am so glad to have this report early this morning and to know that your guides are gentle and knowledgeable. May they lead you both to the path back home.
Our prayers go out to you.
As Charlotte undergoes her treatment you must let her know that all of her “sisters” are with her lifting her in prayer. With you holding her hand and all of us beside her in spirit, she is never alone. This is her journey, her battle, her struggle but we are there praying with the best of the prayer warriors. Much love sent her way. Judi
It was a hopeful first day, Joseph. You and Char are not alone. We are with you.
We are so happy that the first day’s treatment was encouraging. Our prayers are with you both. May every day be a better one! Bill and Diane
I hope each day is an improvement. Joseph, you have readers (friends) all over the world, and because you choose to share this battle with us, we are all sending positive caring, not only to Char (of course), but to you too.
Dear Joseph,
I can’t tell you how many times a day you and Char cross our minds. Please know we are sending positive thoughts and love your way.
Also, please let Char know that Gracie sends special Scottie hugs and kisses. Scotties, as you know have very special ways of showing love, and Gracie fell in love with Char at first sight!
We will continue thinking of you and Char on Christmas day and everyday. We may not be at your side, but we are with both of you. Carolyn
I am so happy and excited that the first day of treatment went well. I know Char is fighting as hard as she can and having you beside her, makes the fight a little easier. You are both in my prayers and positive thoughts. Wishing you and Char a very, very blessed Christmas. All my love to both of you. Thank you for keeping us posted. Charlotte
Dear Joseph and Charlotte,
Just learned this morning from Lisa what has happened with you. Charlotte, I still had in my mind that you were strong and feeling good as you were late summer after finishing your grueling treatments. It’s good to take a major step in a different direction. A new road is full of possibilities, and carries fresh hope. I’m glad you are chasing health.
With love and hope and prayers,
Carole Owen
As I bustled about today running last-minute Christmas errands, you and Char were in my thoughts. I had the chance to read your encouraging post mid-morning, but no chance to send a comment until now. It sounds like you are both receiving excellent care from the clinic. That Charlotte would show some improvement after the first day’s therapy is beyond encouraging. I can’t imagine how long those days are for you, Joseph, sitting and waiting and wondering how she’s doing, what the future will bring, how you will keep up your spirits for another day of caretaking. Every time you cross my mind, which is so many times each day, I pause to send you strength and love. As I sat with our eldest Scot Sadie curled against me tonight, I sent that strong presence Scotties give us south to you and Charlotte. I hold the beautiful picture you’ve posted of the two of you in my mind, and pray for remission and beyond that, cure. Nothing is impossible. Hold onto hope and know you both are loved fiercely.
Best wishes and hopes for you both!! I also wanted to say thank you….We received our order today the 23rd, that was shipped just before you left. My wife will be very happy come Christmas morning. I’m glad you are able to keep us all updated with your posts on the blog. I wish I had read the posts before I placed the order, as I felt that I took some moments of time away from more important things. We both wish you the best, and our prayers are with you both !!
Feliz Navidad. Please give Charlotte hugs and my best wishes. What a way to be immersed into another culture and during this Christmas season. Telling Charlotte about your shopping experiences and having to read pictures must make her smile and take her mind off being in the clinic. I’m sure your relaying these stories is like your writing - well articulated, humurous, and enlightening. Thank you for sharing your days.
My Bridget is sending her Scotty angels to watch over the both of you this Christmas Eve. Many blessings, Love Charlotte
Dear Joseph and Charlotte,
Reading your correspondence from Tijuana fills us with hope for both of you. Your kind thoughts given to me when I faced a turning point in my life will always be appreciated and never forgotten. This is the season of miracles. Let the stars shine brightly on Charlotte and bring her home and in good health, safely at your side. As we celebrate tonight and tomorrow we will be thinking of you both and your enduring spirit. These words seem appropriate: “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift.” Merry Christmas.