One week!!!

My last treatment is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!! 🔔

I’m reflecting so much on this whole “experience”. And while I’m definitely not out of the woods yet, I’m grateful to not have it as bad as others going through a similar process at this point.

I’ve had a LOT of pain, I’m bald, my scalp hurts, I have no eyelashes, I’ve had nausea on and off, weakness and dizzyness, bumpy things all over my face, dry skin… and the emotions… oh are they ever there. Not a day goes by that I don’t cry at least once. Even happy things have me in a puddle.

But that all being said… I can walk. I am still working full time. I go into the office a couple times a week. I can’t move as much as I would like, but I’m still able to do it. I still cook dinners and clean (with help from my favorite lil family who thinks I should sit down). I have an appetite for the most part. I have not vomited one time (is that TMI? I don’t know where to draw the line). I’m not sick (I mean, besides the whole cancer thing), I laugh a lot, and my support system is insanely amazing. I have soooo many people in my life, even strangers, that reach out to me wanting to help or check in. And I can’t even stress how needed and appreciated that is. Because this is such a lonely thing. And I’m a stubborn person who doesn’t really take help, even if it really may be needed.

Suggestions?

This morning I was talking to Robert about how this whole time of tribulation has made me feel so horrible for the people going through it alone. Or the people who have had it so much worse than me (I pray that the powers that be that are in charge of jinxes, superstitions and Bills super bowls are not rubbing their palms together and grinning ear to ear)

We were brainstorming about what I could do for others going through it when this is all over and I’m back to myself (yeah, I said when, not if)

He had a great suggestion of volunteering to sit with people in chemotherapy that want someone around and don’t have anyone. So many of them are there alone, especially older people. I just can’t imagine not having someone there with me each time. The littlest things like a conversation. Or fixing of a pillow. Or covering of feet when they get uncovered. Such little things that really add up.

A couple days ago, I started getting into crafting meaningless figurines and jewelry/keychains with polymer clay that you bake. Something for me to do that is stress relieving, relaxing and doesn’t require much effort or coordination. He suggested maybe I could make some of them and let them choose one. Kind of like a good luck charm. Or just a token in a way.

I mean, when I say meaningless… last night I made a chicken. And some poop.

I probably wouldn’t offer them the poop though…. Maybe. 😁

I meannnnn. It kind of represents Cancer as a whole, right?!

If anyone has any other ideas, let me know!!! 😊❤️

5 thoughts on “One week!!!”

  1. What a great idea! You continue to worry about others when you are going through so much of your own tribulations.. You are a Strong and Amazing person Jen.. You continue to Amaze and Inspire me and I’m sure everyone else who is following your blog.. Big Hugs and lots of Love and Prayers for you ❤️

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  3. Jen,
    I love reading your updates. I have been praying for you and watch for any little bit of news you post. Truth is over the years I have always cracked up at your posts on FB even though I don’t know you very well because- well obviously you are hysterical. So I have always kind of kept up with you. Even though you didn’t know it. I felt horrible when I heard of your diagnosis and have been following your journey here and on FB praying, crying and laughing along the way. You have a gift with words and I truly think you should write a book!
    I spent sometime with my best friend a few years ago who was terminally ill in a hospice house taking care of her and it changed me drastically and made me want to do something different with my life. I kept thinking while we were in the thick of it when I am home I know I need to do something to honor this, to feel this giving back like these people do every day, to serve. Idk it was just sort of an overwhelming feeling I couldn’t shake. I guess when I was just reading your piece it reminded me a bit of that. How I was feeling then. When I closed Sweet n Saucy I knew my calling was in service of some way so I reached out to a woman I had known at Catholic Charities. And that is where I work now. I just love it here as we get to give back every day in all sorts of ways. Some people think I should run after the jobs with more $$ but this feeling is much better. I hope this doesn’t sound stupid or way off base. I just thought I would share that I get it to a degree.
    I love your crafts! Maybe even if you made the crafts with the chemo patients while they were getting their treatment to take their minds off it. Any time someone spent with you would be amazing because again… you are hysterical. Just that lightness during such a scary time- what a gift.
    Congrats on coming up on your last treatment!! Wish we were all there to ring the bell with you!!! Lots of love and prayers!!

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    1. That is so sweet ❤️

      I have honestly thought about writing a book even BEFORE this adventure! My life is certainly full of crazy ups and downs. I LOVE that you follow along!!!!

      As for crafting with them. That’s actually what Robert suggested too! But then I was thinking, they may not have the strength or the hand coordination to mold small pieces like that. And I would hate to assume!

      I hope you are doing well and I love that you followed your gut (though your cakes were awesome). I hope the best for you!!!

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