Live for today

I have noticed these last few months that I am more thankful for all the little things, every day. Until the possibility of not being able to do things, I sort of took for granted some little things in my life. Exercising with my friends at work, running the roto tiller and working hard in the garden,  traveling to touristy spots, going to the swap meet and weaving through the crowds for deals. Yes all of those things have been put on hold, and I may not get to ever run the machinery again, but I am still hopeful.

Now I garden lightly, for short amounts if time but really enjoy that feeling of accomplishment as I eliminate weeds and help the plants grow. Lots of times I take breaks after a few short minutes. With this chemo, the sensitivity to sunlight really seems to drain me. But, I return after rehydrating, and do a little more, then call it good enough for the day. The good part about staying home a lot is that I am home to do more of things that have been occasionally neglected in past years! I have been able to make a few quilts, organize the seeing room, cook more, and take some online classes the through the library.

My parents taught us that there is Always a silver lining in whatever comes our way, we just have to look for it. On to that I would add that we should do things whenever we have a chance and not put things off for another day.  We cannot predict if tomorrow might be filled with a new set of opportunities, so live for today!

The Art of Conversation

What a great day for random conversations while I wait. So many times we sit in the waiting room with nothing to do, and we know that the other people also are not occupied, and often seem restless. Conversation can help the time pass quickly, alleviate stress, and improve our mood. Oh sometimes we see our fellow waiters entertaining themselves with a book or a phone, but I found many conversations today that I could join in on.

The first one was with two gentleman who were talking about insurance, copayments,  Medicare coverage, etc- well I like that topic, so I joined in with anything I had to share. After one man left for his treatment, I continued a bit more with the other, finding out about radiation copayments- handy information with my next step in this journey as radiation therapy. He and his wife come from Port Orchard for her treatment, but were able to do the radiation therapy in Gig Harbor.  I felt good that I had spent time getting to know something about a fellow struggler.

The next conversation topic I had was with a couple who come from Ocean Shores to treat. We spoke of it being a long unpredictable drive to Tacoma from there. Then I shared how much I enjoy visiting that town, and how it seems like a warm little community. He shared the news of a whale which was recently beached there, and also news of the jellyfish that came in swarms ending up beached and rotting( eww). We spoke of the wind and kite flying and he shared how nice it was when their kids and grand kids come to visit and how they like to build bonfires on the beach. I then heard the mans spirit lift as he recalled a beautiful day last February that brought many visitors to enjoy the unusually pleasant weather.    And then they called him for treatment. Later I had another chance to talk with this man, asking how long they had been living in OS. The instant comfort he must've felt then allowed us the share our personal stories with each other, and learned his diagnosis  was pancreatic cancer and had not been expected to live this long.   We talked about how we will try/ do whatever we can to increase our chances of survival, how there is new treatment available every day, and how we all must appreciate each day we have on earth, and how grateful we are for days when we feel great, like today! This man could be an inspiration to us all! I have found many cancer survivors who demonstrate a living example of amazing strength and determination. Most are very willing to share their stories in an effort to help someone else through their journey.

I realized today that sometimes random conversations are not only informative, but rewarding in ways we may not anticipate. So next time you are sitting in a waiting room with others, remember it is ok to strike up a conversation, because you may have information to share with the others in the room. We often have free time while we wait, and conversation is an art form that is most rewarding when practiced often.

Waiting and reminiscing

Sorry for not posting last week- too many distractions I guess!
So here is how it went for me.....
Forgot I needed to pick up a script on my way in and to take a pill an hour before I arrived for treatment so I guess it is my fault for the delays. No complaints as I am having a nice visit with my mom and spending quality time for our Mother's Day weekend.
Makes me think of past ways we celebrated, and which might be my most memorable. Oh it has to be the time we took all our dogs to the dog park and had a picnic. How well behaved they all were, and how proud we were of our "kids" as they romped with the others in the park. Since they were my only grandchildren at that time, it was so special for all of us.
Also makes me cherish memories of spending the day with my sister, as her birthday often fell on Mother's Day - oh how we would laugh and find something special to do to mark the occasion.
So no matter who you spend the day with, we can make a precious memory just by being together.
Have a wonderful weekend!

A new type of treatment starring today! Hooray?

The best part about starting my new taxol treatments is that I am that much closer to August when I will be done with chemo and on my way to radiation therapy. Now I know that doesn't sound great, but to me the forward progress is noteworthy.  The doctors told me upon diagnosis that it would be a year or more before "normal" life can resume, and I know it is true, now.
Living in my life these days makes me marvel at our wonderful ability to adapt to our current situations, whatever they may be. Sometimes we adapt because of good things too- the birth of a child, the start of a class, a marriage. Life changing events are just that, life changing. Depending on how you respond can make a huge difference in the way others respond too. So with this "event" of mine, I am choosing to pass my time pleasantly, with a look to my future normal in mind, knowing that my responses effect others in my life.  I try to share my experience with others, so that if they are ever have to deal with this type of change, they might also present a positive outlook. We all have to change sometimes, and no matter the outcome, we grow stronger from the experience.
We are all amazing !