It is interesting living a life that is divided into "every other week" intervals. Knowing that I will be sick and unable to accomplish anything during a chemo week, once my strength is improved I spend the off week trying to get everything done that will need to be done in the next two weeks. This requires thought and planning...and memory. Sadly, my thinking, planning, and memory have been sorely impaired by the chemo treatments. I find myself making multiple lists (which is not really unusual for me), but then I constantly misplace the lists! I'm sure one day I will find them around the house and the car and get a good laugh!
This "every other week" life also produces a kind of frantic pace that I am sure is not how God intends for me to live. I catch myself talking to myself and telling me, "It's OK. You don't have to get everything done. You CAN'T get everything done. Relax. Rest. Relax. Rest. It's OK." So, if you see me out in the neighborhood looking lost, it's because I've misplaced my list which is my brain; and if you see me frantically running around, please stop me and tell me to go home and REST!
"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act." Psalm 37:3
"Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me." Psalm 116:7
I had an appointment with the surgeon today (yes, it was just as fun as ever!). Everything is still healing well. He told me that if we actually finish chemo treatments the end of January then we can plan on surgery mid February to close the ileostomy!! I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel!
I am feeling well this week. I still tire easily and I have a few pesky side effects, in particular the nerve irritation in my hands and feet. They still can't tolerate anything cold. I wear gloves and socks 24/7. But, in the whole scheme of things that is a small inconvenience.
Top 10 Things it is Difficult to do with Gloves on Your Hands:
1. Brush and floss your teeth
2. Wash your face
3. Put on make-up
4. Type on a computer
5. Crack eggs
6. Address and sign Christmas cards
7. Wrap Christmas gifts
8. Open canned cat food
9. Look fashionable
10. Empty and/or change an ileostomy bag
Thank you for your constant prayer and encouragement. We love you all!
HAHAHA! Me encanta tus listas! Still praying for you, my friend! Besos!
ReplyDeleteIts almost done!!!! You are SO close,SO close!!!!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could come be a personal Laura nanny and crack eggs and open cat food for you. :)
I wouldn't trust me with the makeup part though. I am already seeing you in blue glitter shadow ....hahaha. :)
Love and squeezes!
Hi Laura, I read your story of the gutter
ReplyDeleteinstallment, and really had to laugh out loud. I'm really glad you are healing so very good. Just wanted to tell you how you
are such a roll model for us who need this.
I know our Lord has lots to do with this also.
I speak for everyone at church when I say we all are praying for you and to let you know how we all miss you, when you can't attend.
We know that you are there in spirit anyway.
God Bless You and hope you get to feeling
better very soon.
Marie Greenleaf