Final Phase for Her and Something New for Me

My mom has two more treatments before putting her own wrap on the CBitch. You would be amazed to see how well she's doing. Her greatest nemesis at this time is pronounced fatigue, but even that seems to be more bearable for her as she moves closer to the last treatments. To quote a recent text from my cousin, "she's tuffer'n a leathery ol' reptile!"

As Sep. 23 draws near, I have begun to recall my own treatment finale. A nearly uncontainable elation filled me in those days as I considered how the much-dreaded chemo cocktail would soon cease poisoning my body. Yet layered within that inextricable joy was an irrational fear that I would hear Doc Lustberg say, "We underestimated how much chemotheraphy you needed and we have to keep on this schedule until the end of the year." And that was just one of the crazy thoughts that kept me up at nights!:) In trying to stay zen, I often recited the following from St. Francis DeSales:

"Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and everyday. Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings." 

I mention emotions because while my mom and I have talked about many other things relative to her cancer, we haven't talked about what's buzzing through her brain on that level. We've talked about logistics (getting to and from the Lee Memorial Regional Cancer Center). We've talked about how long we think it will take for her hair to start filling back in (it's thinned, but not all gone).  We've talked about the absurdity of cancer's attack on the women in our family (my sister, me, her -- in that order). In the end, though, not talking about some emotions is just fine. I get it, because strength can sprout by keeping the very personal to one's self.

Oh, and the something new for me I alluded to in the title of this post? I will be back in Ohio full-time as of Sep. 29 with a new assignment. More to come on that subject!:)

Pic o' the Day

Sedona can now add gator-tamer to her list of accomplishments!