Finale! (An e-mail from Jenn)
This is an e-mail Jenn sent out today. I wanted to make sure everybody who needed to see it in fact did...
The final round! (sorry, it’s long)
As I type it is 4:32 am on October 3, 2006. The final round of my performance with Team Chemo. I’m up as usual a little on the early side. Those lovely steroids that prevent so many other side effects have a whole set of their own. Although, I feel a little guilty about complaining at all. Over all the journey has been tiring, a little frustrating and at times just plain odd but here I am at the end of it with out too many problems and ready to move on.
Truth is, I feel very lucky and grateful for so many things. When you are presented with a diagnosis such as anything followed by the word “cancer’ I think you can take two paths. Self pity isn’t really my style so I chose the “kick it and move on with life” path. From the moment the surgeon told me it was the “C” word the next thing I wanted to know was what I needed to do next. Get it out of me, get it off me, get it away from me.
Along the road of procedures and treatments I’ve been presented with some great doctors and staff and I’ve felt completely well taken care of. They’ve answered some of my curious and maybe even odd questions without making me feel uncomfortable. On my first appointment with the oncologist I found out my PET scan was clear. So the fantastic surgeon did what needed to be done and got it all.
Once again, I feel lucky.
The medical team I’ve had so far is only the tip of the iceberg though. The family and friends team I’ve got on my side is absolutely out of this world. Thank you doesn’t cut it, grateful either.
First of all, my husband. A man of few words, very few words. His love for me I never doubted but the foundation it was set it became very clear. The oddness of the procedures and surgeries and increased communicating with our friends and family were all new to him and he took it in stride. Trying to keep things as normal as possible but being a caretaker also. I’ve been told of the incredible blog he started and decided to share with others. (I’ve not yet seen it.) Words cannot describe how this has brought us closer. I wouldn’t let just anyone shave my head! Another task I know couldn’t have been easy but did it. True love is a very deep river.
My children. Another 2 reasons this journey is just a new path not a sentence. I refuse to miss all the things to come with these two. When I look at them I see the biggest legacy my husband and I have to this world. What we help them become is what matters most. I want them to realize their dreams and be good people all at the same time. Be smart, be compassionate, be friendly, be well, and be happy. Sydney has been my laid back, take it in stride kid. She’s the official finder of my hat if company pops up and my little helper all around. Brendan has also been my little caretaker. He’s a very good blanket tucker. He had a hard time with the hair disappearing but now he’s the official scorekeeper on any signs of return.
Now the rest of my gratitude list is very long. Of course there’s my Mom. The woman who claims to be incapable of so many things (only because she refuses to give herself credit) is always there. From just plain ole moral support to the official bathroom cleaner. (the only other person in the world I would even consider letting clean my house because I wouldn’t let anyone one else see it that way! ) Oh yeah, and the unconditional love is always a nice added touch.. This couldn’t have been an easy one for her to swallow either but I think she’s held up very well.
There’s so many more. My Dad’s checking-in phone calls and love. I know his there if I need him and he makes that clear. My step-dad and his pink “Cancer Sucks” stickers and also unending support and love. My siblings just being there and keeping in touch. My Aunt and Uncle’s food deliveries every treatment day. Everyone checking on Jim and the kids too. The kid’s school, teachers and staff really being there. And of course the paths I’ve crossed with survivors or family and friends of survivors. A whole new sisterhood!
Then there are the flowers and cards and e-mails from everyone…getting calls and e-mails from so many people who have their own crazy and busy lives and even some of their own health issues, were so amazing.
The friends and family bringing food… Jim is sure he’s put on sympathy weight from all the fantastic food that has been brought to our house. His cousin Cindy took up Thursdays from the moment I started treatment and let me tell you she set the bar awfully high for my cooking in the future. The kids are kind of bummed Cindy Thursdays are coming to an end. My Aunt, my friends, my parents friends…once again, thank you all!
Even our clients have been supportive and caring. That’s the kind of people I want to work with and for!
I know I’m not completely done with this journey yet. Radiation is yet to come and few other considerations but I feel like this is a major mile marker. I’m looking forward to getting my energy back and putting it to use in better ways than burning the candle at both ends and putting a lot of pressure on myself to do too much. I recommend it to everyone! That will probably be my toughest battle. Learning to say no once in a while and to relax more.
This has been a long note but not long enough to show my gratitude to the wonderful people I have found myself to be surrounded with. I’m a lucky person to know you all.
Thank you,
Jenn
The final round! (sorry, it’s long)
As I type it is 4:32 am on October 3, 2006. The final round of my performance with Team Chemo. I’m up as usual a little on the early side. Those lovely steroids that prevent so many other side effects have a whole set of their own. Although, I feel a little guilty about complaining at all. Over all the journey has been tiring, a little frustrating and at times just plain odd but here I am at the end of it with out too many problems and ready to move on.
Truth is, I feel very lucky and grateful for so many things. When you are presented with a diagnosis such as anything followed by the word “cancer’ I think you can take two paths. Self pity isn’t really my style so I chose the “kick it and move on with life” path. From the moment the surgeon told me it was the “C” word the next thing I wanted to know was what I needed to do next. Get it out of me, get it off me, get it away from me.
Along the road of procedures and treatments I’ve been presented with some great doctors and staff and I’ve felt completely well taken care of. They’ve answered some of my curious and maybe even odd questions without making me feel uncomfortable. On my first appointment with the oncologist I found out my PET scan was clear. So the fantastic surgeon did what needed to be done and got it all.
Once again, I feel lucky.
The medical team I’ve had so far is only the tip of the iceberg though. The family and friends team I’ve got on my side is absolutely out of this world. Thank you doesn’t cut it, grateful either.
First of all, my husband. A man of few words, very few words. His love for me I never doubted but the foundation it was set it became very clear. The oddness of the procedures and surgeries and increased communicating with our friends and family were all new to him and he took it in stride. Trying to keep things as normal as possible but being a caretaker also. I’ve been told of the incredible blog he started and decided to share with others. (I’ve not yet seen it.) Words cannot describe how this has brought us closer. I wouldn’t let just anyone shave my head! Another task I know couldn’t have been easy but did it. True love is a very deep river.
My children. Another 2 reasons this journey is just a new path not a sentence. I refuse to miss all the things to come with these two. When I look at them I see the biggest legacy my husband and I have to this world. What we help them become is what matters most. I want them to realize their dreams and be good people all at the same time. Be smart, be compassionate, be friendly, be well, and be happy. Sydney has been my laid back, take it in stride kid. She’s the official finder of my hat if company pops up and my little helper all around. Brendan has also been my little caretaker. He’s a very good blanket tucker. He had a hard time with the hair disappearing but now he’s the official scorekeeper on any signs of return.
Now the rest of my gratitude list is very long. Of course there’s my Mom. The woman who claims to be incapable of so many things (only because she refuses to give herself credit) is always there. From just plain ole moral support to the official bathroom cleaner. (the only other person in the world I would even consider letting clean my house because I wouldn’t let anyone one else see it that way! ) Oh yeah, and the unconditional love is always a nice added touch.. This couldn’t have been an easy one for her to swallow either but I think she’s held up very well.
There’s so many more. My Dad’s checking-in phone calls and love. I know his there if I need him and he makes that clear. My step-dad and his pink “Cancer Sucks” stickers and also unending support and love. My siblings just being there and keeping in touch. My Aunt and Uncle’s food deliveries every treatment day. Everyone checking on Jim and the kids too. The kid’s school, teachers and staff really being there. And of course the paths I’ve crossed with survivors or family and friends of survivors. A whole new sisterhood!
Then there are the flowers and cards and e-mails from everyone…getting calls and e-mails from so many people who have their own crazy and busy lives and even some of their own health issues, were so amazing.
The friends and family bringing food… Jim is sure he’s put on sympathy weight from all the fantastic food that has been brought to our house. His cousin Cindy took up Thursdays from the moment I started treatment and let me tell you she set the bar awfully high for my cooking in the future. The kids are kind of bummed Cindy Thursdays are coming to an end. My Aunt, my friends, my parents friends…once again, thank you all!
Even our clients have been supportive and caring. That’s the kind of people I want to work with and for!
I know I’m not completely done with this journey yet. Radiation is yet to come and few other considerations but I feel like this is a major mile marker. I’m looking forward to getting my energy back and putting it to use in better ways than burning the candle at both ends and putting a lot of pressure on myself to do too much. I recommend it to everyone! That will probably be my toughest battle. Learning to say no once in a while and to relax more.
This has been a long note but not long enough to show my gratitude to the wonderful people I have found myself to be surrounded with. I’m a lucky person to know you all.
Thank you,
Jenn
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home