Bases loaded...

The only way that I can describe the last week is with baseball.  I went back and re-read the entire blog last night and determined that we are in the top of the 4th inning in this game with cancer.  Not only is my brother an incredible hitter but did you know he is an ace pitcher, as well?  It's not very common in baseball to be good at both but it's my brother so what did you expect?!

So, let's take a look back....

Larry's team dominated the 3rd inning!  Cancer threw it's best stuff, but Lar's team wasn't phased.  Dr. Stein, Larry's oncologist, was up first.  She confidently stepped into the batter's box dug her heels in, looked cancer straight in the eye and with a 3-2 count (cancer threw it's best stuff at her) nailed it's 6th pitch out of the park.  In her laid back manner, she dropped her bat in the box and sauntered around the bases, while the crowd went wild!  When she hit home plate she had tears in her eyes because she knew she just gave her team the lead in the most important game of the season.  Larry was sitting on the bench icing his arm and breathed a giant sigh of relief, knowing that he was going back on the mound with the lead, for the first time in the game.  

After a couple groundouts it was Dr. Salti, Larry's surgical oncologist, turn to face this beast on the mound. He was experimenting with a new batting stance.  Well, he had the off-season to work on it.  He assured the fans, at the training camp press conference, that he had worked the kinks out- hitting hundreds of balls each day.  He was right, the fans were very happy with his performance so far this season.  But this was an important game and he knew it.  You could feel the energy in the crowd as Salti stepped out of the on deck circle and headed to the box.  In the entire American league, Salti is the player you wanted to be walking to the plate.  The fans had grown to love his personality, his confidence and 'can do' attitude.  He spoke his mind and expected the best of his team.

The catcher called time and walked out to the mound to settle the pitcher down.  He had never seen his pitcher lose composure. But after Stein's home run and now facing Salti, he could see the sweat dripping from his brow.  The ump now walked out to break up the meeting on the mound and the catcher walked back concerned -he was starting to lose confidence that Cancer could get out of this inning or even worse that he could go the distance and finish the game.  They didn't have a good reliever or closer.  Cancer was it!

Salti senses this and takes his time to step into the box.  Once he does he puts his right hand up and calls time.  Steps back out of the box, takes a few more practice swings and adjusts his gloves.  Salti knows damn well what he is doing - he's got cancer where he wants it.  Salti steps in, grips his bat and is now ready to face the weary pitcher.  The effects of Stein's home run on the pitcher were apparent from the start.  Cancer wasn't throwing it's best stuff, it made Salti's at bat much easier than expected. Salti waited for his pitch and when he saw it, you could hear the crack of his bat from a mile away.  There was no doubt the ball was gone the minute it left the bat.  The fans were on their feet in disbelief - their team was dominating cancer?!  Not many teams can say this, especially after a strong performance at the start of the season.  All the scouts predicted Cancer to be unstoppable....

So, it's now the top of the 4th.  Larry walks to the mound confidently, with a two run lead.  He knows he has the best defense behind him and the most supportive fans in the league.  The bottom of the 4th was not perfect... he loaded the bases, which had his fans worried (and not sleeping), but he kept his composure and struck out the #4 batter to end the inning.... you could hear Hawk say "he gone".

Larry's surgery was a success.  Dr. Salti was pleased at what he saw or I guess didn't see.  We are a week and one day into his recovery - there have been bumps along the way but we finally have the light at the end of the tunnel.

Dr. Salti took out the NG tube yesterday and he started on an all liquid diet.  Soon after, he pooped!  He has been able to keep everything down with little to no discomfort.  This morning I stopped there on my way to work and his IVs are coming out and a tray of food is ordered!  Dr. Salti's resident said that if he tolerates the food and his blood counts are good he can come home TODAY!!!!  Gosh, what a differences hours make in this recovery process.

Good guys - 2

Cancer - 0

Sox it to it Lar...