The Cool Thing About Cancer-
The cool thing about cancer-
Wait- did I just say that? Are there cool things about cancer? I never thought I would hear myself say that- but I have to admit, there are some really great experiences that I have had during the last few months that I doubt I would have had otherwise. For example, a friend of mine just travelled all the way across the country to spend a few days with me. We saw movies, got pedicures, went to the spa and for a few short days I forgot about this whole cancer mess. It was the greatest gift I could imagine. Or like when my mom came for a visit and totally took care of me. She cooked. . . and cooked. . . and cooked some more. We played cards and went for walks. She allowed me to be sick when I needed to be and it was a comfort knowing I didn’t have to pretend to be happy when I felt like crap. You’re never too old to miss your mom. In a week or so my sister will come for a visit. I can’t remember the last time she and I spent time alone together. What a blessing.
Somehow my cancer took on new meaning to the word ‘friendship’. It has taken my relationships to a new level. I’ve rekindled some relationships and even started new ones – I’ve even made amends to people I may have wronged along the way. All things I wish I would have done sooner. Either way, I got the lesson when I suppose I was ready for it.
I know I’m getting ahead of myself a little, I mean I’m not really out of the woods just yet, but I’ve made it so far. Thursday was my last chemo treatment and even as the chemo aliens are invading my body for one last time, I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The other day, I found a journal I kept from 15 years ago. It was during a particularly hard time in my life. I didn’t know how I was going to get out of the situation, but I kept reminding myself that God had a better plan for me, I just couldn’t see it right then. Boy, was I right. God did have a much better plan for me, one I could not have imagined on my own and that’s kind of how I feel about things now. I’ve made it around the bend and things are starting to look up.
PS. I really need to mention that I could not have made it even this far without all of your prayers and support. Each and every one of you who have read this blog has helped me carry this burden in some way and I sincerely thank you! Happy Easter!
Angella,
You are such a bright light in this world. You are a messenger of many things. I feel so honored and proud that you are my friend. You constantly remind me of what is important in this life. We are all blessed to have each other to look to and have as support in ways that are not always expressed. Thank you again for such a great blog and the insight and personal feelings that you share with the world.
Take care and know that I am thinking of you. XXOO, Wendy
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What a beautiful expression of words- Thank you for such heartfelt comment. I feel the same about you
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Angie,
Thank you...thank you for letting me take care of my adult child. You did me a hugh favor and it was an honor to be there (I am sooooo sorry about the whip
cream incident, I should have known better, acutally I can blame that one on Brandon). You are such a inspiration
to everyone you touch.
Love, Mom
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Mom- You are funny! Now everyone is wondering " What happened with the whip cream? " Well, as I mentioned in my blog, when my mom came for a visit she did lots of cooking, which included some treats. Since I have had cancer, my body is very sensitive to certain foods- especially ones that aren't good for you. Mom decided to make some homemade whip cream to go with some cake or something she had made. Well, who doesn't enjoy homemade whip cream????? It is delicious! So, I indulged. About a half hour later, I was so sick I had to go to bed for the rest of the evening.
My Naturapathic Doctor says this about dairy : " Dairy is a common allergen in the US. The intake of an allergen may cause immune suppression and also may cause the immune system to fight the allergen and not the cancer. Furthermore, dairy caninterupt the proper flow of red blood cells through the capillaries. This can also impair the ability of the chemo to reach the tumor."
There is also the part about the sugar and fat - where, to make a long story short, Cancer cells need 18 times more sugar to fuel a cell, so the more sugar you eat, the more you are fueling your cancer basically.
All of this seems to matter most during the days right after chemo- but those days are the ones where you really feel like you can treat yourself because you feel like such crap. I wish I had a button that goes off everytme I think I want a sweet treat that says " remember what happens when you eat this! It does not make you feel good!"
Anyway, the whipped cream was wonderful, it just didn't make me feel wonderful after eating it-lesson learned!
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Angella,
I have been wanting to respond to this particular blog since I read it a couple of weeks ago. I am getting almost nothing done right now with the stage we are in, but we are gettings sleep and I am enjoying the children so much. Katrina is so much like Chelsea at this age, it is amazing to reflect on my wonderful times with her and Brandon and you and Matt too.
I am thankful you let me into your space those times and it really has helped me to have had a chance to spend quality time with other children before I had my own.
As far as "the cool thing about cancer",
I remember doing a research project on the subject when I was in college on this very topic. I read lots of books and almost all would say that having an extended illness is better than dying suddenly for all involved.
The only think is, you can never tell someone this, because they have to discover it for themselves.
Many people make plans to do what they had put off doing (fun things).
Other people deepen or restore relationships with important people in their lives.
Hey, you are probably going to live for many more years after you complete all your treatments and surgery and you will have an even better life than you had before, because of all the ways God has blessed you and deepened these relationships.
I can tell you that all of us in Columbus have been working a little harder to keep in touch and bless one another. And I believe it is because your experience has touched us and we realize family and friends are important and need time and energy invested in them.
Thanks for all you have been sharing with us that have made our lives richer too.
Continueing in our daily prayers for you.
Love,
Penelope
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