Mountain meant to climb

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I turned that hill into a pile of gravel…

Looking back on what Dave has accomplished so far, I think many of us stand in awe at his tenacity, unrelenting spirit and grit. We have watched him fight through chemotherapy and battle through daily handsful of powerful drugs. More than a year has passed since this horrible disease put a mountain in his path. But in retrospect, it was nothing more than a hill. What he’s facing now looks more like Mt. Rainier in Seattle.

It’s only a mountain. Nothing but a big ‘ol rock. Only a mountain. It ain’t hard if you don’t stop. You just take a little step, a right and then a left then a couple million more but who’s counting…

On day 107 after the bone marrow transplant, relapse presented a bigger hill than the first. Without a missed step, Dave dug in and kept the pace and energy he had in the beginning. Walking to regain his strength and lifting light weights, he was readying for the next challenge. Arriving in Seattle, his goal was to be the exception to the rule and handle this with no complications and in record time.

There’s always one a little higher. Cause when I think I’m finally done, I’m staring at another one, so I reach down deep, and I lace ’em up tighter.

The disease is now like falling rocks, trying to block his path to the top. In fact, it’s the highest mountain that we’ve seen. Today the doctors have confirmed that the cancer is progressing with a vengeance, bringing ancillary obstacles as well. Mastoiditis, sinusitis, and possible pneumonia to name a few. This is all coupled with more pain than child birth, stemming from the cancer and a newly discovered bulging disc. Dave continues to reaffirm me that more frustrating than the pain is the inability to hear right now. Initially, loss of hearing in both ears is what forced us to the hospital in the first place.

Dave has also been diagnosed with Coronavirus, which is contagious. He is in complete isolation, and everyone who enters the room must wear a gown, mask and gloves. The plan moving forward is to start chemotherapy immediately for at least four days. His recovery from yet another round of chemo will determine when we can move forward with the CAR T-Cell infusion. The engineered cells will be kept on ice while Dave laces his boots up tighter and takes on another challenge.

It’s only a mountain. Nothing but a big ‘ol rock. Only a mountain. It ain’t hard if you don’t stop. You just take a little step, a right and then a left then a couple million more but who’s counting… -Dierks Bentley, The Mountain

Climbing this mountain may take a few more weeks than expected, but Dave is determined to climb it with the same tenacity, unrelenting spirit and grit we have witnessed when he climbed the rugged hills.

Mt. Rainier National Park

14 thoughts on “Mountain meant to climb”

  1. Michelle,Boy, does he have the obstacles to overcome!  His motivation and determination to keep putting one foot in front of the other is amazing and your support and care in holding him up on this wicked journey is incredible.   During this Lent, I see a similarity between Jesus carrying the Cross and Dave carrying his cross.  Both have love and support of so many people and so many prayers are being lifted up.  Please know we are storming heaven with healing requests for Dave, strength and comfort for you, especially on our Lenten journey.  Thank you for sharing the updates. Take care, Karin

    Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

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  2. Moose and Dave, you are both in the prayers of the Bellinos. Even if we can’t physically be there for you, we are walking every step of the way. Prayer warriors know how to fight!
    Love to you both😘

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  4. Lord God, Please send your peaceful presence of strength down upon your faithful servents Dave & Michelle. That through them we may All see Your love and be the light in the world, that they have been to us so far throughout their journey.
    Amen

    ~we miss you both😘

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  5. I have read this 5 times trying to take it all in. I am in awe of your strength. I am Thankful Michelle that you are there with David. You are a constant reminder of what he is fighting for. Knowing that the inability to hear is extremely painful for him emotionally. Just be comforted in knowing that when he looks in your eyes and at you, he can hear what is in your heart. I believe he hears everyones prayers which instills a strength in him that helps him climb this mountain. Cheering from the sidelines far and wide that he can do this. Massive Hugs that help keep him together in his fight to take another step. Thank You for keeping us in the loop.
    Constant Prayers & Massive Hugs
    Love Holly & Jim

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  6. The strength of your family is amazing ! Sorry to hear of this mountain, with Jesus help hope Dave will conquer it. A night does not go buy without your family in our prayers. Hoping God hears all of are prayers for your family. Dave keep fighting only God knows his plan for you.

    Love
    Rick & Belinda

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  7. Hello Michelle,
    I saw your blog on Morgan’s site and read every entry. I grew up behind your family on Orchard Hills, I am the youngest Shanteau, Jennifer. I am taken and so impressed with the strength and courage that both you and Dave have within you. My brother, Doug, passed away from aggressive cancer a few years ago. I know the toll it takes on everyone. I will keep your family, medical team and David most of all ,in my thoughts and prayers. Jen

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    • Jen- hello old neighbor! I am so sorry to hear about your brother and know how difficult that was for you. Way too young. Thank you for your prayers and I will place you in mine as well.

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