Fridays

My mom in her chemo room

Friday's have always been a good day of the week.  And thanks to my mom's positivity, they continue to be, even through cancer and chemotherapy.  This past Friday marked the fifth week of chemo for my mom.  Our Friday's are beginning to be pretty routine now.  My mom usually wakes up insanely early to attend a work meeting at St. John's Hospital (yes, she is trying to still work).  At about 10:00 am I meet her at the Healtheast Breast Care Center, which is about 15 feet across the hall from the inpatient pharmacy where she works.  I walk into her chemo room and she is usually already sitting in her heated, massaging, recliner with a big smile on her face.  Immediately she cracks me up by saying, "It's just another day at the spa!"  I am always amazed at how upbeat and positive she is, I admire her so much for her strength.  Crazy enough, some days it really does feel like a day at the spa in the chemo unit.   They spare no expense at making everyone feel at home and as comfortable as possible, you have no idea how far the little things go here.  Carole, a retired nurse my mom used to work with, who now volunteers, greets us with warmed blankets and offers us coffee, tea, orange juice, you name it.  There is even a plate of donuts and bananas.  We love Carole, she is like the Godmother of the chemo unit.  Right behind her is my mom's nurse, Terri.  In a short time my mom is done with her labs and onto her pre-drugs to help her with the effects of the chemo.  For the next four hours or so there is a plethora of options of things to do.  She can watch a movie (there are hundreds to choose from), listen to an ipod the hospital has preloaded with all kinds of music, or just relax.  During weeks 3 and 4 my mom received a special treat, a visit from her friend Jamie.  Jamie is the Healing Arts Program Coordinator at St. John's and spent an hour or so with her each time.  The first thing she did was use some essential oils (Frankincense) to relax her and boost her immune system.  She asked my mom to think good, positive thoughts while playing soothing music along with very light touch, mostly at the joints to completed the experience.  When I asked Jamie exactly what she was doing she explained she was channeling and redistributing my mom's energy.  My mom says that a visit from Jamie is such a treat, she always feels so relaxed and de-stressed after.  She even said she could feel a difference in her joints.  That was all I needed, I was convinced.  I wish Jamie could be there every week.

Jamie relaxing my mom

Every week, however, my mom's nurse Terri is there to brighten our day.  I can't say enough wonderful things about her.  She is always so attentive to my mom and I feel so blessed to have her caring for her.  We can really tell that she loves her job and I really hope she knows what a difference she makes in the whole chemo experience.  All the nurses and volunteers are angels on Earth to say the least.  I hope to pay it forward and volunteer there as soon as my mom is cancer free!  I can't wait for that day.

Terry and my mom

There are definite benefits to receiving chemotherapy at your place of work.  My mom receives visits every week from her co-workers and friends at the hospital.  She perks up with each and every visit.  It is so amazing to feel, not just see, how much people care and are routing for her.  Her best friend Pam (another clinical pharmacist) stops by every week for a visit to check on us, and we usually see another great friend Diane as well.  I thank God every night for the amazing support system my mom has through her friends at work.  And after 30+ years of working together, they have become a family as well.  Just this last week, Diane brought my mom a gift of two journals, one for her and one for me, so we can journal our thoughts about this whole process.  It meant so much to the both of us.  She gave my mom a card that read, "There are times along life's journey that can test the spirit deeply...And though this is one of those times, may you never stop believing that your faith, your inner strength, and the power of God's love will carry you through."  I don't think that Diane could have found a better card.  Along with the card was the most heartfelt note that brought tears to my eyes.  Diane ended the card saying "I am always in your corner and you are in my prayers.  You are a very strong person and will win this battle," signed, Love Di.  I can barely write about this without crying.  All of these things feed her soul.

Friends and family are always asking me, "how is your mom doing?"  I never really know what to say.  I don't think that my mom could be handling it any better to be honest.  She still laughs and smiles and never, ever complains.  But I can definitely tell that it is taking a huge toll on her physically.  She gets extremely tired and weak, and often is nauseous and you know what comes along with that (I won't go into all the side effects).  I think the hardest part for her so far is losing her hair.  It is such a horrible effect of the chemo and I wish I could lose my hair a thousand times over for her.  I feel a literal sharp pain in my heart every time I see her touching her head, realizing more is gone.  She is usually feeling pretty bad after chemo for at least a few days.  It's great to see her get in a couple good days before it's Friday again.  I never could have prepared myself for how painful it would be for her, both physically and mentally.  My mom is so strong, just like my grandpa (her father).  My grandpa died of cancer, and my mom was always so amazed (and talked about often) by how strong he was, never complaining or feeling sorry for himself.  She hasn't told me this but I believe she thinks about that a lot.  My grandpa would be so humbled by her strength and I know he is looking down from heaven smiling, knowing that God's plan is bigger than ours, but that she WILL win this battle.

A friend of mine gave me this Bible verse to give me strength, I read it often and gives me a sense of hope that nothing but the words of the greatest healer can.  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

I can't thank all of you enough for your continued donations.  In the past six days since I last posted we've raised another $1,500 for breast cancer, bringing our team to over $4,500.  Every donation, no matter how much, lifts us up to heights I never thought were possible.  We still have a long way to go, but I have no doubt in my mind that we will get there....thanks to all of you.

God Bless, 

Sarah