The photo on the left was taken in 2014 during my first treatment at the infusion center. The one on the right was taken yesterday. This time, I am going to smile at the son-of-a-%!@&* during this fight ;-)

One of my favorite movies growing up was the 1986 action drama "Top Gun", starring Tom Cruise (LT Pete "Maverick" Mitchell) and Anthony Edwards (LTJG Nick "Goose" Bradshaw).

In one of their flying exercises, the following dialogue took place between Maverick, Goose and another pilot:

• Goose: It's the bottom of the 9th, the score is tied. It's time for the big one.
• Iceman: You up for this one, Maverick?
• Maverick: Just a walk in the park, Kazansky.

I loved how Maverick retorted back to Iceman with "Just a walk in the park." And when I think about what I'm going through now...in some weird way...it's "just a walk in the park" for me, as well.

Just before I started my first treatment of immunotherapy yesterday, one of the oncology nurses attempted to solace me with comforting words and support, while she took my vitals. I quickly understood her good intentions, but politely said, "I'm pretty much a veteran at this now…just a walk in the park for me."

Keep in mind, I genuinely strive to be good patient and submit to the oncology team's medical instructions with a cheerful demeanor, but there is somewhat of a "this is not my first rodeo show" attitude in me, especially since I've lost count of how many times I had to be hooked up to intravenous machines with IV bags and sterile lines draped across my arm.

Overall, this first of four treatments went quite well. And the entire process only lasted about four hours.

Afterwards, Teresa and I had lunch and then she took me home.

Even though I feel a bit tired and sluggish, overall, I have not noticed any significant side effects yet (I'll take that blessing today!).

Matter of fact, writing a journal on this blog site helps me put all this in perspective. Pausing and writing how I think and feel about having cancer again actually helps me cope with it much better. And writing about it helps me focus on the meaning of all this and how I can use this experience to improve as a human being; more importantly, a chance to show others that we have a choice in how we respond to life's challenges and trials (maybe another blog on that next time).

Even though I’m pretty much a veteran of being a cancer patient, I do know this: By the grace of God, He has kept this from being far worse than it could have been. And for this, I am very grateful for.

So, despite the fact that I have to go through this...just remember...it’s “just a walk in the park” for me ;-)

ajh