Good news today from oncologist. Blood work looked great. Alyn is to continue at the lower dose of the cancer medication which gives him the opportunity for more manageable side effects. He is able to get out more and even caught Zachary's tball game on Saturday. Has been paying for it since, but should be up for another game tomorrow night.
Bone scan, CT scan of abdomine and lungs, and MRI of head scheduled for 04/18/2012 with oncologist appointment scheduled for 04/23/2012. Wish us luck!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Where is everybody? Who cares. Enjoy it!
I am enjoying what has become a novel concept. I am all alone and loving it. My kids are in bed. My husband went to a board meeting for the kid's swim team, and isn't home yet. I am actually allowing the part time house keeper to do her job and am not feeling the least bit guilty. All this joy, and the first thing I wanted to do was brag, I mean blog about it.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bereavement Support Groups
I added some new links for family support during the grieving process. These were recommended to me by people that have or are currently participating in these Bereavement Support Groups.
Look for these links on the right side of the blog under Atlanta Links.
Look for these links on the right side of the blog under Atlanta Links.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Suvivor?
Here is another interesting transition. It happens slowly. It is a new chapter, but does not present with the turning of a page. Rather, when you look back at the story, you see the change that unfolded. I never truly understood the term survivor. Now, I see how it can mean different things to different people. In my mind, being a survivor simply means being alive. One more day... One more month... Hopefully, one more year... And is something to celebrate, but how?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
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?
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?
Monday, February 20, 2012
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.
Friday, February 17, 2012
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?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
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:
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
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
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
Monday, February 13, 2012
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.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
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
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
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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/
http://www.someoneiloveissick.com/2012/02/creative-ways-to-help-children-talk-about-cancer-in-the-family/
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