Update: The Luck of the Draw

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“Today we fight. Tomorrow we fight. The day after, we fight. And if this disease plans on whipping us, it better bring a lunch, ’cause it’s gonna have a long day doing it.”
― Jim Beaver, Life’s That Way

Three and a half weeks ago we failed to draw two to an inside straight. An update on Linda Porter-Miller.

The oncologist confirmed that the biopsy verified our worst fears. Rather than let us sit in stunned silence the doctor prattled along telling us that it was his belief that we could get Linda’s disease into remission. There would be chemo, but surgery might not be in our future because of the way the disease has progressed.

Linda, my better half for nearly forty years, refuses to use the word that describes the disease, but oncologist and chemo are give aways to what we are facing. The disease has focused on her female parts, south of the border, and I will leave it there.

Those who played for or coached against Coach Porter-Miller know what a competitive little girl she is and will have no doubt in the belief of Jim Beaver’s quote, “And if this disease plans on whipping us, it better bring a lunch, ’cause it’s gonna have a long day doing it.”

Everyone who knows her knows too, she is a complicated individual who is not satisfied to battle just one disease. The Monday before we were to have a PET scan and begin chemotherapy, she decided to have a TAI stroke. Two days in the hospital and a battery of tests proved she had had more than one and we went into battling a two-front war, putting off the chemo for a week.

In typical Miss PE fashion, (Miss PE is what her elementary students called her) she has decided it was the best thing that could have happened. Better to know now than to find out in the middle of a war that your rifle was going to misfire. (I apologize for mixing metaphors from gambling to warfare)

She has recovered from the stroke nicely. She stumbles over the occasional word, especially when texting but still talks ninety miles a minute. She makes as much sense now as she always did.

So, we began chemo two days ago, three by the time this is posted. Linda has done well. The big challenge has been keeping up with and when to take the myriads of drugs we are forced to take or in my case administer. We also found out that Linda can’t tolerate the Claritin she was prescribed to counter bone pain. I am reminded of a college student hopped up on “Black Beauties” cramming for an exam.

She is hyper and restless, unable to sleep. I know this is temporary and she needs to rest. I expect her to go “bust” at any moment and wind down like a child’s toy. She needs to rest. This is the first of six treatments. I expect a hard fight and hope for a long fight.

Friends, family, former players, and coaching peers, Linda doesn’t “do” Facebook but if you want to drop a note, I’ll pass it along or if you want to send a card, our address is Linda Porter-Miller 3300 Highway 11, Travelers Rest, SC, 29690.

20 thoughts on “Update: The Luck of the Draw”

  1. I played church basketball and softball against Linda many moons ago and I for one know what a fighter she is. Y’all got this.
    Deborah Stone Rosamond….

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  3. Hang in there with everything you have ….both of you. Chemo sucks but…..I speak from experience( 33 yr ovarian cancer survivor) much love to both of you….Paula

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  7. I am so sorry to hear all of this.
    Please let Linda know that I care and I am praying for her and sending her thoughts of love and healing. I am (almost) at 8 years on the other side of my female-parts cancer journey. I say that just to say I understand a bit. And like I said I care. ❤️
    I pray for, and care about, you, too, Don. I know it can be so difficult to watch, to help, and feel helpless. You just being there is a GREAT help to her! ❤️ And each day is another chance to create good memories and love more. ❤️
    Keep fightin’…both of you!
    (((HUGS))) ❤️❤️

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  8. I do not know Linda but she is in my prayers every night. I am a 23 year survivor of colorectal cancer. I remember getting the diagnosis. I remember what that felt like. I had a major surgery as chemo would not work on the particular type of cancer I had. I was in hospital for 10 days after the surgery. And I am still here 23 years later. If you think my survival story could help Linda then please let her know it. I am praying that she will be a survivor like me !

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  9. I am so sorry to hear this. Your being with Linda is a great comfort. I pray that she will tolerate chemo well and will feel better soon. Take care of yourself, too, Don. Please keep us updated.
    Love,
    Hazel

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  10. Sorry to hear this, Coach. Continue to stay positive and fight the good fight. You’re in our thoughts, and please let us know if we can do anything to help. You’ve got this!

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  11. So sorry to hear this, Coach Miller. I admire your strength and support during this difficult journey. I know you will continue to be there for Linda. Sheryl and I will keep you in our prayers.

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