Chemo #9 and Shotgun Rider

On August 6, Dad endured Chemo #9.  Chemo was reduced by 20% with this treatment in hopes that it would help him bounce back faster. The last couple of treatments had been very harsh on Dad and something needed to change. I'm happy to say that instead of the period of  "bad days" lasting almost two weeks, with the reduced treatment the period of "bad days" only lasted a week and three days. That is huge progress. At this week's appointment, the doctor was pleased with Dad's labs being as close to normal as possible and we were going to "keep on rockin' and rollin'". Dad's last PSA was at 14.9 which is fantastic! It's still decreasing and the next one will be mid September.

This past Saturday afternoon, Dad decided he wanted to go to our happy place. He hadn't been able to join me in almost two months so this was a very special couple of hours.  As we did our best to embrace and enjoy Dad's good days, we enjoyed delicious food and wine (that his taste buds could actually appreciate again) with close friends.

Evidenced by the name of my team, Denny's Shotgun Riders, Tim McGraw's music is very special to me and my parents. Since I was a child, attending concerts has always been something we have enjoyed together as a family. I remember growing up sitting in the living room with my dad, listening to albums and reading along with the lyric liners - Dionne Warwick, The Carpenters, Barry Manilow, Bee Gees, Commodores, Helen Reddy. These are some of my fondest memories and my love of music is all thanks to my dad. As I aged, Dad and I still shared our love of music and while he introduced me to a lot when I was younger, I have introduced him to quite a bit as well. We still sit in the living room and listen to music but often now we have a glass of wine in our hand!

For as long as I can remember, Mom and Dad have always joined me at Tim McGraw concerts. While Tim is my absolute country favorite artist and I have traveled all over to see him live, it's always a treat to have my parents with me. Two years ago, I was lucky enough to score front row 100 level seats at Jiffy Lube Live and the show just happened to be on the eve of Dad's birthday!

From the teary-eyed and powerful encore of "Live Like You Were Dying" to the heartfelt oldie-but- goodie, "Don't Take the Girl" to one of the best unknown songs on one of Tim's albums, "Angel Boy", Dad and I would belt out the words to every Tim song.  On Dad's birthday eve concert, he was the only one in the entire pavilion that knew it was "Mexicoma" before Tim even opened his mouth and we were so excited. Dad had heard "Mexicoma" on the new album that had just been released a few weeks prior and loved it.  He was hoping Tim would sing it and was surprised when he did! Of course, I had to capture that moment in time.

It was an incredible night for the three of us and I cherish it even more so this year because my parents won't be able to join me due to the concert being the day after Chemo #10.  As heartbroken as the three of us are, I have enlisted my favorite guy to fill the void. Poor guy has no idea what he's in for......

I will scream at the top of my lungs when "THE MAN" comes on stage. I will take tons of pictures.  I will sing every word to every song. I will make sure I do "Mexicoma" proud if it's performed. I will raise my voice to the heavens when our cancer anthem is sung.  I will smile until my face hurts. I will cry quite a few tears. I will call Dad and let him hear his favorite Tim songs.

 When "Shotgun Rider" is performed, I will take a deep breath, hold my head high and be so proud of my dad and how he is battling this wretched bitch of a disease. I will think of my incredible team, Denny's Shotgun Riders, and remember how each and every team member has supported my family and me through this fifth recurrence.

"Shotgun Rider" may be a popular Tim song, the name of this tour, and a love song to most listeners, but to me, this tour and that song, touch my heart and soul like no other.  It IS a love song. A song of love between two soul mates, a song of love between a little girl and her dad, a song of love for everyone who has fought and vowed to stand beside a man who is going through one of the worst times of his life.

Roll, won't you come roll with me

Slow, fast, full speed
Wherever sweet time takes us.
Hang with me down this old road.
Only god knows where we'll go.
Don't matter long as I've got your love.

It's also a song of hope. We can face anything as long as we have each other. Well, I've said it before and I'll say it again. Even though the ZERO prostate cancer race is over, my dad still has his Shotgun Riders encouraging him, praying for him and supporting him through this battle.

As Tim says in his song, "Carry On":

Nobody ever said that life was gonna be fair.
You're never gonna get no where by runnin' scared.
If you look down deep inside you'll find the faith to make you strong.

Carry on

I tried to walk the sunny side of the street.
Don't let no shadows tangle up my feet.
There ain't no troubles that we can't rise above with a hand full of faith and a heart full of love.
Carry on
What don't kill us makes us strong
Carry on

We're right by your side, Dad.

Every step of the way.

Keep kickin' cancer's ass! 

We got this!