This past Wednesday, Mom had an appointment with a dermatologist specialist that is connected with her Oncologist Dr. Mom developed several bumps with redness on the top of her scalp and a bluish/green spot. The dermatologist gave Mom a complete evaluation and biopsied the locations on her head. We hope to hear the results today Friday.
This past Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Mom was having a difficult time emotionally. She kept thinking about the questionable areas biopsied and about next Tuesday, December 22nd, starting her second round of Chemo. All her fear, anger, frustrations, and feelings "Why Me this is so unfair" all came back in full force. I and Kimmy will be leaving on December 22 on a 6 am flight. I again, need to be back in SD for some personal medical.
Mom, Poppie, Kimmy and I spoke and I will be returning a week and half later to care take Mom when she returns home from the hospital. Mom doesn't "fight" me too badly to get her to eat,to walk and to do her movement exercises. This is most needed when the Chemo symptoms really show its ugly face. Mom is being strong about this, but is SOOOO frightened. She and I spoke about the fact these emotions will never get easier to cope with regarding this disease. The emotions just become more familiar with each step of the treatment. Mom is working on taking everything in stride and to embrace and treasure each day.
Mom has a new Visiting Nurse on her case, Sarah. She and Mom get a long beautifully. Sarah is athletically minded, quit witted, tender and direct, and immediately sized up Mom's personality. She is having Mom focus on Loving each day to its fullest.
The past several days it has been snowing. Yesterday, we made more Hanukkah cookies, Kimmy and I played in the snow, we made snow angels, and we (Kimmy ran for her life) had a snowball fight. OK, I guess I still am a bit competative. The rest of the day we hung out with the family.
It is great to hear everyone chatting, laughing and caring on together. It keeps in the moment and enjoying. Last night, one of Mom's doctors from the Oncology floor whom she befriended as her own son, came over for dinner with his wife and nine year old son. We had a great evening together. Poppie gave a wonderful explanation of Hanukkah to them and we shared lots of cookies together. Reece, Kimmy, Mom and Poppie and I watched a late movie together and then crashed from a long day.
This am, Mom is feeling emotionally stronger and relaxed. She has regrouped herself and is again thinking one step at a time. She is trying to block out the unknown. Here is where Aunt Carol's relaxation and breathing tapes she made for Mom are so helpful. This afternoon, Mom is going to supervise Kimmy and I in the kitchen. We have gobbled up almost all the cookies and potato latkes that we made earlier in the week.
More to come in the next few days.
Hugs to all,
Karen
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ruthie, you are one strong lady and your daughter is right, emotions are easy to come and go during this journey. Remember your relaxation techniques from Carol. They do work! I so enjoy hearing about your days and it feels as though I'm there, which I wish I could be (although that whole snow thing I'm not too crazy about, but I love your daughter, I'd do it for her!) Please give Karen a big hug for me, Kenny and I are send good juju your way.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jenny
Adorable charming sweet, funny Ruthie,
ReplyDeleteYou are a heroine in our eyes--a source of strength to fight adversity to the fullest--and live each day with hope.
reflect on all the people who love and adore you, and are pulling for your full recovery.
Think of all the good things and achievements you have worked for and attained. So much happiness and cheer you have brought to so many--
You are a treasure to us
Pray often for those who love you--to be strong, as you are, to overcome this
G-d bless you
David