We finished our first CT scan and we finally have some good news that we are moving in the right direction.
There are no signs that the cancer has metastasized any further. What a blessing to end the year on.
Tomorrow is our meet and greet with our radiologist and we are hoping for s short cycle of radiation, but we will take whatever we get.
I’ll be sure to post an update tomorrow for family and friends – say a prayer for us tonight and blessings to you all!
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Chemo Brain – Fact or Fiction
When you go for chemo orientation, they introduce you to Chemo Brain – this is an actual, bona fide side affect of chemo therapy. Sometimes you become a little forgetful and may not be able to recall a certain conversation.
If you think about it, chemo kills all the cells including those hard working little brain cells, so it’s a miracle you can remember to put your underwear on the right way! ;)
This is where it is helpful to have a system – have a calendar exclusively for treatment and get yourself one of those pill boxes that will allow you to sort your meds by day and time.
If you are in a supporting role for a cancer patient, make sure you take the time to review the meds necessary for chemo treatment. You are the extra set of eyes – it’s good to let a cancer patient do as much as they can on their own, but there is nothing wrong with secretly double checking!
Chemo brain can be contagious. There were days that I could not remember if I fed the dog (or my husband) and while I could rattle off my mother’s information for all those flipping forms, I had to stop and think hard to recall what street I lived on!
I think it’s your body’s way of de-cluttering itself in times of stress. It was almost as if my brain would auto-delete things that were not important at this particular time. Thank you brain cells for putting things on auto-pilot and helping me out!
Helpful Hint:
Be prepared once chemo starts – there are days that you might have to repeat yourself, medical instructions or have the same conversation. Be patient; while you may think it’s frustrating … imagine how a cancer patient must feel.
If you think about it, chemo kills all the cells including those hard working little brain cells, so it’s a miracle you can remember to put your underwear on the right way! ;)
This is where it is helpful to have a system – have a calendar exclusively for treatment and get yourself one of those pill boxes that will allow you to sort your meds by day and time.
If you are in a supporting role for a cancer patient, make sure you take the time to review the meds necessary for chemo treatment. You are the extra set of eyes – it’s good to let a cancer patient do as much as they can on their own, but there is nothing wrong with secretly double checking!
Chemo brain can be contagious. There were days that I could not remember if I fed the dog (or my husband) and while I could rattle off my mother’s information for all those flipping forms, I had to stop and think hard to recall what street I lived on!
I think it’s your body’s way of de-cluttering itself in times of stress. It was almost as if my brain would auto-delete things that were not important at this particular time. Thank you brain cells for putting things on auto-pilot and helping me out!
Helpful Hint:
Be prepared once chemo starts – there are days that you might have to repeat yourself, medical instructions or have the same conversation. Be patient; while you may think it’s frustrating … imagine how a cancer patient must feel.
The Five Month Marker
It’s been five months since my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometrial sarcoma and as I stated at the beginning of this blog, cancer will teach you a lot if you let it.
I have learned that what seemed important and significant yesterday, is not so today and now. We are an over scheduled society addicted to doing everything in the fast lane. We assume that we can put off tomorrow, what we might like to do today – don’t let that happen to you.
My family has always been close, but like so many things in life, you get wrapped up in your own life that you sometimes forget to see the beauty in the smallest of things. Take time to appreciate the breeze across your face, the birds chirping in your back yard and the joy in just being still and acutely aware of all the beauty around you.
There days when you have no idea what to say or do and that’s okay –sometimes just being on the side of the bed, letting someone know you are there gives them all the strength in the world – find the joy in that.
Look for your blessings in the most difficult of times. I promise they are there if you truly look for them with open eyes. And take the time to celebrate them. When blood counts are high, chemo side affects seem less, stubble grows back – find the joy in that and be grateful. They are all small blessings that work together to move you forward.
Find your Lifesong – we each have precious gifts that can bring comfort and joy to those when they need it most. Whether it is through similar experiences, food, humor, time …whatever it is, let your gifts sing as loud as they can during this journey.
My mom will tell you that I have a pretty good sense of humor (it’s a common trait for all her kids) and I have realized that humor is the prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.
Speaking of my mom – that has been my greatest discovery along this journey, I always knew what a precious gift she has been to this family. I always knew that she had an unsurpassed strength, faith and compassionate soul that just makes people want to be close to her … but she has raised those attributes to a new level. It's amazing how many people will say that she is an inspiration. My eyes fill with tears and my heart dances with joy each and every time she enters a room.
I am grateful to have been able to walk with her on this journey. I once told her that we would get through this together – and we have. There were times when it was not easy for her and I think that is when it got to me most. But we made it mommy, maybe a little slower and with a little less hair – but we made it! We are half way there and you are kicking cancer's ass!!
I am so proud of you for being so courageous and not considering forgoing treatment. You have a lot more life to share and so many things to see...and perhaps one more grandchild on the horizon.
Ti voglio bene!
At the end of the day, if you can look back and know that you loved a little longer, spoke a little softer, offered comfort to those who needed and walked with an open and kind spirit – then cancer has bestowed its blessing upon you.
ChemoSabe
I have learned that what seemed important and significant yesterday, is not so today and now. We are an over scheduled society addicted to doing everything in the fast lane. We assume that we can put off tomorrow, what we might like to do today – don’t let that happen to you.
My family has always been close, but like so many things in life, you get wrapped up in your own life that you sometimes forget to see the beauty in the smallest of things. Take time to appreciate the breeze across your face, the birds chirping in your back yard and the joy in just being still and acutely aware of all the beauty around you.
There days when you have no idea what to say or do and that’s okay –sometimes just being on the side of the bed, letting someone know you are there gives them all the strength in the world – find the joy in that.
Look for your blessings in the most difficult of times. I promise they are there if you truly look for them with open eyes. And take the time to celebrate them. When blood counts are high, chemo side affects seem less, stubble grows back – find the joy in that and be grateful. They are all small blessings that work together to move you forward.
Find your Lifesong – we each have precious gifts that can bring comfort and joy to those when they need it most. Whether it is through similar experiences, food, humor, time …whatever it is, let your gifts sing as loud as they can during this journey.
My mom will tell you that I have a pretty good sense of humor (it’s a common trait for all her kids) and I have realized that humor is the prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.
Speaking of my mom – that has been my greatest discovery along this journey, I always knew what a precious gift she has been to this family. I always knew that she had an unsurpassed strength, faith and compassionate soul that just makes people want to be close to her … but she has raised those attributes to a new level. It's amazing how many people will say that she is an inspiration. My eyes fill with tears and my heart dances with joy each and every time she enters a room.
I am grateful to have been able to walk with her on this journey. I once told her that we would get through this together – and we have. There were times when it was not easy for her and I think that is when it got to me most. But we made it mommy, maybe a little slower and with a little less hair – but we made it! We are half way there and you are kicking cancer's ass!!
I am so proud of you for being so courageous and not considering forgoing treatment. You have a lot more life to share and so many things to see...and perhaps one more grandchild on the horizon.
Ti voglio bene!
At the end of the day, if you can look back and know that you loved a little longer, spoke a little softer, offered comfort to those who needed and walked with an open and kind spirit – then cancer has bestowed its blessing upon you.
ChemoSabe
Thank You
There are so many people that we are blessed to have in our lives. These people have gotten my family to our half way point with their prayers, love and kind words.
We are blessed beyond believe to have each and every one of you in our lives and we thank you for being their in person and in spirit when we needed you most.
To my mom’s family - she loves each and every one of you beyond belief. She really enjoyed sharing stories of growing up with her brothers and sisters during her treatments. She often said that she could feel the love and prayers from her siblings, nieces and nephews. Thank you for calling and keeping her spirits up.
…and special thanks to Cousin Debbie who offered to eat my mom’s share of Turkey when we had to postpone our NYC trip. She thought that was the funniest thing ever! ;)
For her friends – both here in The Colony and elsewhere that sent cards and care packages and called her each and everyday, thank you! It’s surreal to see all those cards lined up throughout the house. It really sinks in just how many people one has touched in their lifetime.
For Ms. Jean, Ethel and Omeda who have known my mom for a very long time. She treasures her friendship with all of you and you are truly such a blessing to her.
To Linda, who has walked this same journey, for stopping by the house and visiting with my mom. From your words of encouragement and personal experience, you made my mom’s dance with chemo a little more bearable.
For Ronnie and Cathy who made a surprise visit to the hospital and brought a basket of cheer and hearts filled with good wishes. Thanks for dropping by the house at Christmas and spreading a little holiday cheer. You two are such wonderful and kind spirits and your thoughtfulness and well wishes were greatly appreciated.
For my husband’s family, the Conleys, Millers and Teers for keeping my family in their thoughts and prayers and for always asking how my mom and dad were doing – you extend my family in more ways than one – thank you!
For Deacon Ray – who keeps my mom’s faith and hope lifted, even during his own difficult times. She loves you more than words can say and she is a better person for having met you.
Much like the Oscar’s, I am sure I have missed someone, because there are so many people who have sent good wishes – some I probably do not even know about.
Thanks to each and every single one of you for being there when my mom needed it most. You have been our angels through this journey.
Blessings to each of you and your families.
We are blessed beyond believe to have each and every one of you in our lives and we thank you for being their in person and in spirit when we needed you most.
To my mom’s family - she loves each and every one of you beyond belief. She really enjoyed sharing stories of growing up with her brothers and sisters during her treatments. She often said that she could feel the love and prayers from her siblings, nieces and nephews. Thank you for calling and keeping her spirits up.
…and special thanks to Cousin Debbie who offered to eat my mom’s share of Turkey when we had to postpone our NYC trip. She thought that was the funniest thing ever! ;)
For her friends – both here in The Colony and elsewhere that sent cards and care packages and called her each and everyday, thank you! It’s surreal to see all those cards lined up throughout the house. It really sinks in just how many people one has touched in their lifetime.
For Ms. Jean, Ethel and Omeda who have known my mom for a very long time. She treasures her friendship with all of you and you are truly such a blessing to her.
To Linda, who has walked this same journey, for stopping by the house and visiting with my mom. From your words of encouragement and personal experience, you made my mom’s dance with chemo a little more bearable.
For Ronnie and Cathy who made a surprise visit to the hospital and brought a basket of cheer and hearts filled with good wishes. Thanks for dropping by the house at Christmas and spreading a little holiday cheer. You two are such wonderful and kind spirits and your thoughtfulness and well wishes were greatly appreciated.
For my husband’s family, the Conleys, Millers and Teers for keeping my family in their thoughts and prayers and for always asking how my mom and dad were doing – you extend my family in more ways than one – thank you!
For Deacon Ray – who keeps my mom’s faith and hope lifted, even during his own difficult times. She loves you more than words can say and she is a better person for having met you.
Much like the Oscar’s, I am sure I have missed someone, because there are so many people who have sent good wishes – some I probably do not even know about.
Thanks to each and every single one of you for being there when my mom needed it most. You have been our angels through this journey.
Blessings to each of you and your families.
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