Well, it’s been a little over a week since Ginny-Mom started chemo and it is truly remarkable how well she is handling it. Other than being a little more tired and nauseous than usual, she isn’t having too many side effects. At one point, I was helping her tidy up a bit, I turned around to find her standing on an ottoman dusting the top of a cabinet. When I asked what she was doing, she said, “I feel fine, and it’s dusty up here!” It’s nice to see that some things haven’t changed. (I’m talking about her attitude, not the dust.)
James continues to be a pleasant diversion from all that is going on and even he is doing his share to help with daily chores. You can see how he follows Pop around everywhere! Part of my morning routine now includes keeping him distracted so he doesn’t tear down the hall, barge into their room, and wake them up too early in the morning. He loves G.G. and Pop and all the love and attention they give him. Since James spends most of the day in the spotlight, we've all been trying to teach him new and interesting material. His latest comedic bit includes starting the wave at the dinner table and saying "duuude." (Thank you Aunt Carrie for teaching him fun words!)
I went with my mom and dad to the Hillman Cancer Center for an appointment with her chemotherapy oncologist. They have been telling me how wonderful the facility is and how I have to see it. Wonderful is a huge understatement! We walked into a sun-filled lobby with a violinist playing tranquil music that echoed throughout the entire lobby. Every receptionist, nurse, and doctor we met was friendly, warm, and hopeful. We met with the physician’s assistant and mom’s oncologist. We asked questions and we got answers. It was such a relief for me to see so many people taking such great care of her body and working to help her live. They care about her quality of life and their goal is remission. They said the people who have the most success with this type of cancer and treatment are typically women who are non-smokers because they are usually healthier. The good news for us is that mom fits perfectly into that category.
Although each day is physically and emotionally exhausting, mom continues to draw so much strength from everyone around her. She had a very special visit last weekend when several of her closest friends came over to share their love and support. It was delightful for mom to have her home filled with so much positive energy and laughter! I just keep thinking that every time she smiles another cancer cell dies.
Thank you for all of your prayers and please keep on praying!
Love to you all,
Kristin
James continues to be a pleasant diversion from all that is going on and even he is doing his share to help with daily chores. You can see how he follows Pop around everywhere! Part of my morning routine now includes keeping him distracted so he doesn’t tear down the hall, barge into their room, and wake them up too early in the morning. He loves G.G. and Pop and all the love and attention they give him. Since James spends most of the day in the spotlight, we've all been trying to teach him new and interesting material. His latest comedic bit includes starting the wave at the dinner table and saying "duuude." (Thank you Aunt Carrie for teaching him fun words!)
I went with my mom and dad to the Hillman Cancer Center for an appointment with her chemotherapy oncologist. They have been telling me how wonderful the facility is and how I have to see it. Wonderful is a huge understatement! We walked into a sun-filled lobby with a violinist playing tranquil music that echoed throughout the entire lobby. Every receptionist, nurse, and doctor we met was friendly, warm, and hopeful. We met with the physician’s assistant and mom’s oncologist. We asked questions and we got answers. It was such a relief for me to see so many people taking such great care of her body and working to help her live. They care about her quality of life and their goal is remission. They said the people who have the most success with this type of cancer and treatment are typically women who are non-smokers because they are usually healthier. The good news for us is that mom fits perfectly into that category.
Although each day is physically and emotionally exhausting, mom continues to draw so much strength from everyone around her. She had a very special visit last weekend when several of her closest friends came over to share their love and support. It was delightful for mom to have her home filled with so much positive energy and laughter! I just keep thinking that every time she smiles another cancer cell dies.
Thank you for all of your prayers and please keep on praying!
Love to you all,
Kristin
Kristin, Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop. Your mom sounds amazing and I'm so glad James is providing some fun distraction. We'll be thinking about you and your family. xo, Meeta
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the update!
ReplyDeleteLove the new pictures!!!!Always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Van
Ginny, Kristin and all of you. I am thinking about you all the time and sending my best thoughts your way. You sound like you are on the right road and surrounded by the best of everyone.
ReplyDeleteLove, Alice
Kristin, Thanks so much for the news. I always want to know what's going on. I think about you all so often... even the little duuude. Love & prayers, Colleen
ReplyDeleteKristin, thanks for the update and pictures!!
ReplyDeleteThinking of all of you and sending love!!
Go, go, go, Ginny-Mom! You can do it! Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!
Aunt Ginny,
ReplyDeleteYou continue to remain in my thoughts and prayers. So glad to hear that you're doing well and enjoying the warm summer days with James.
Love,
Molly
Mrs.Rost-
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that things are going well, and that you are surrounded by all the love a wife,mother,grandmother, and friend could want. My thoughts and prayers are with you constantly, and will continue through your journey. Our God is an awesome God, and I pray he will continue to give you comfort and answer all our prayers. Thinking of you and your family and sending our love!
With Love, Melissa Cordero Yonce and family