Paper Chains & Round 5

Round five of chemo is in the books. We are about ten weeks into this journey of regular doctor appointments, routine blood draws, diagnosis and a complete reframe of what is important in this life. 

The season's have changed; from sunshine daily, AC running 24/7, and hot leather seats, to trees shedding their leaves, shorter days, big yawns, and (not enough) touchdowns scored. 

Weddings have happened (Congrats Nat & Steven!), meals have been delivered, puzzles have been put together, shows have been completed, and cancer is being aggressively attacked week after week. 

Round 5 of Chemo is complete. 

"We got this" we continue to assure ourselves. My mom's body can fight this. All the systems in her body are running on mandatory overtime in an effort to defend and protect. 

A link of the paper chain has been taken off with a sense of accomplishment and glee. One more treatment down. Only 13 left. 


I apologize for the delay of updates, it seems we have been in the period of "new normal" and adjusting to what can and cannot be done. 

We can chat daily, have "natters" about shows, school, visitors and the upcoming holiday/ birthday season. 

We can see the blessing in every day. We choose to see friends and watch shows that make us laugh. We get the flu shot to protect one another and my mom's immune system. We have masked visits and recognize what has become our new norm. 

We can choose to hope and trust in the knowledge of our oncologists, and modern medicine and we can pray for strength, healing, and quality rest.

Some can's have stayed the same, some have shifted. There seems to be more cannot's as we get deeper into the wild and unruly journey of cancer treatment.

We are absolutely are never allowed to root for the Ducks or The Niners (Go Dawgs! Go Hawks!), we are unable to take away the bone pain that is present and the side effect of extreme exhaustion from this aggressive treatment. We unfortunately do not have the power to see into the future or to stop, and take a break from the mundane chores of life. 

As a type A planner, it is very clear that we do not have the ability to foresee what life circumstance may be a barrier to achieving our dreams and smashing out goals.

We are unable to be fully rested as worry&fear seem to have set up camp, and made themselves quite comfortable in the depths of our hearts and minds. 



As the leaves continue to change and float with grace to the sidewalks, tops of our cars, and our newly nourished lawns; we are able to appreciate the true magic of the PNW. 

We are unable to control what insurance covers, the slow process of FMLA, and the side effects (both mentally and emotionally) of loving someone through cancer treatment. 

BUT. Round 5 is complete. This we celebrate.

We are doing this. We can continue to do this. And together, with God on our side miracles can and will happen.


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