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Try Not to Laugh When Watching This....

Laughing Babies

Muscle Spasms

OK, I am trying to find a funny side to muscle spasams.  Ironically, I was at a great Lilburn Business Association meeting at lunch time listening to a speaker discussing stress management.  Mid-laugh, my neck went out.  I was lucky enough to have a friend close by for a quick massage.  I was able to get home via the pharmacy.  Again ironically, I was picking up a Rx for my husband.  Why ironically?  His Rx was for a muscle relaxer. 

Here is the question.....  are my neck spasams due to stress or sympathy pains?  Realistically, I know the difference.  I would just rather like to think they are sympathy pains instead of admit to the stress.  Yesterday, I was really proud of myself for dealing with my emotions instead of compartmentalizing to survive.  Today?  Not so much.  Why is being healthy so painful sometimes?

Man Plans, God Laughs...

"Man Plans, God Laughs..." used to be one of my favorite sayings. It's not as funny any more.   I think the thing I hate worse about cancer after the suffering of the patient, is the uncertainty. 

Courage is...

Thank you, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laugh-Its-Free/102938843155757

New" Kid Support" Group Starting 03/10/2012

What is Kid Support?

Kid Support is a peer support group for children who have a parent or loved one with cancer (either in treatment or post-treatment), or for children who have cancer themselves.

Professionally facilitated, this 8-week group offers children ages 5-12 an opportunity to make friends and learn skills to help them when cancer is in their lives.  Each week kids explore various topics related to cancer through activities and play.  Parents will connect with others to discuss parenting during cancer.

What Do Canadian Geese and Ladybugs Have in Common?

Topic for the day...  Why do I hate Canadian Geese and now Ladybugs?

What's Wrong with Optimists?

The problem with an optimist, other than often times being annoying has hell, is that you don't always give a clear picture of the reality of your situation.  We are so busy trying to be positive that often times  reality is ignored.  "Denial ain't just a river baby," as the saying goes.  I would much rather not watch the news or read a paper, then I can continue to believe that the world is a good place. 

The problem is further complicated when you combine an optimist with a control freak.  To feel in control, us control freaks create an illusion of control by thinking more information is better.  I have found that this really confuses people, especially me.  Because I have so much negative information, it is tremendously hard to remain positive.  It is very obvious that no one publishes their good stuff because they are too busy enjoying their lives.  Besides, cynically, people want to read about dirt, not flowers.

My answers, for what they are worth, at this place and time are the following:

Baseball, the best medicine?

Sitting at T-ball practice watching father and son play. Really makes you thankful for being able to enjoy the important things.

One day at a time, the wise man once said. Sometimes, it's just a minute at a time. Don't forget to look for the good moments - celebrate them. I've missed too many worrying about what might happen instead of enjoying what is happening when it does.

For what it's worth, I'm celebrating having a loving husband and family for Valentines Day. Did I mention that it is 47 degrees? Burrrrr

My "New Normal"

Today was a good day.  It's 9:15pm, and I'm done.  Now keep in mind we are six months from my 50 year old husband's diagnosis and radical nephrecatomy five days later determinging he has Stage 4 Kidney Cancer.

One of the hardest things for me to do as a caregiver is live our lives without looking toward the next scan.  I don't always succeed, but we choose...  to be positive.  We choose to meet this disease with a smile and a joke.  We choose to show our love for each other, as if we just started dating.  We choose to make the best of everything, no matter the pain.  Don't get me wrong, I cry, I fear and I hurt, but I CHOOSE to have a good attitude.

Thank you, http://www.facebook.com/PositiveInspirationalQuotes

CLIMB (Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery) At Emory Hospital

My understanding is that they are looking to put together a group for late Spring and are looking for interested families. 

Enables children 6-11 years old to deal with their feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety or anger in the wake of a parent’s cancer diagnosis through songs, games, and other creative activities to learn about cancer affects on family.

Address:	1365C Clifton Road, Atlanta
State:	GA
Zip Code:	30322

Phone:	404.778.5926
Website:	http://www.cancer.emory.edu

Free Transportation for Cancer Care

Road to Recovery Program, 1-800-ACS-2345

The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program provides transportation to and from treatment for people who have cancer and do not have a ride or are unable to drive themselves. Volunteer drivers donate their time and the use of their cars so that patients can receive the life-saving treatments they need. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 to find out if Road to Recovery is available in your community.

Confirmed availability in Gwinnett, DeKalb, Cobb, Henry, Hall, Cherokee and Forsythe Counties

 Not available in Fulton or Clayton Counties

Thank you Winship Cancer Institute for this information.  http://winshipcancer.emory.edu/patient-care/WinshipContentPage.aspx?nd=680

Parachutes

Another great idea about helping kids cope with cancer.

http://www.someoneiloveissick.com/2012/02/creative-ways-to-help-children-talk-about-cancer-in-the-family/

Support Group for Men with Young Families?

Another interesting link?  We have had a problem finding support for my husband.  He does not want to join a group of people getting ready to die.  He wants to join a group of men (who have different issues than women) that want to function with their illness.  This is a real problem for men especially who have young families and want to LIVE with cancer.  Maybe an on line support group is an alternative.  Do you have any another suggestions?

http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/Cancer-Support/Online-Support-Groups.html

If you are in the Chicagoland area, this link looks really interesting...

http://www.campkesem.org/site/c.jvI0ImN0JuE/b.2535855/k.27F6/Welcome_to.htmg

Women are Angels

Thank you, http://www.facebook.com/CosmicCowPie

Lots of Great Input

I can't tell you how excited I am.  I have reached out to several people which have given me fantastic feedback, and links to information that have helped them through this unexpected journey.  Some links are more helpful than others, but I wanted to share until the feedback is negative.  Who knows, you might find something helpful which improves your life.  Keep 'em coming.   Thank you!

The Gathering Place

Just found a new website that looks interesting. Tell me what you think.

http://www.someoneiloveissick.com/the-gathering-place-for-those-touched-by-cancer/

How do I get him/her moving?

One of our real challenges post surgery has been conquering the fatigue associated with recovery and the side effects of the medications.  The advice we received is exercise is the key.  The problem is how does someone find the motivation to even do simple exercises when they are so tired, nauseous, dizzy and often times in extreme pain?  Even worse, if they can't drive, and have to ask someone to take them to the gym or physical therapy?

ACS - Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer

Here is another good link that I found when we first began our journey.  We are also lucky that a neighbor works for ACS, and has given us wonderful books and information.  They are a great resource.

ACS - Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer

The Tree House Gang

I heard about the Tree House Gang from my wonderful pediatric office, The Pediatric Center in Stone Mountain, GA and ACS (American Cancer Society). 

The Tree House Gang at DeKalb Medical is a group for children ages five to 17 years old.  Information about their Parent's (Grandparent's) diagnosis is shared in a way they can understand, and with consideration of their ages and maturity level.  The right information has been shown to help decrease children's worries and calm their fears.

In three consecutive after-school sessions, the children are guided through art, play, discussion and tours of the hospital to help them understand what cancer means.

The Tree House Gang is provided free of charge to children, regardless of where their parents (grandparent's) are receiving cancer treatment.

Attached is a picture my five year old son drew while there.  It is a picture of his daddy's cancer pill (complete with lasers, bombs, guns and surveillance equipment) hunting and destroying the microscopic cancer cells and tumors.  My daughter is much less grossed out about blood because under a microscope, the cells look like giant pink donuts.  Her favorite color is pink and she loves donuts.

Contact this wonderful group at DeKalb Medical, 404.501.EASY or www.dekalbmedical.org.

Helping Hands Website

Good evening!  Wanted to share a link that was very helpful when we first needed a way to coordinate friends that wanted to help by bringing meals, child care, etc.  I was lucky to have a great friend that volunteered to help me as a coordinator.  Check out this website...Helping Hands