Another two-in-one post. I think this may be considered my "challenge" post. The good news is that I have now completed 7 of 12 cycles, so I am looking at the end of chemotherapy.
As I look back on my initial post, I realise that I had neglected a key piece of information about the kind of cancer I have. Some women have cancers that are responsive to hormones, (quite simply, it appears that hormones make the cancer grow) and some women don't. I fall into the latter category - I am what is called triple negative. This is not a good thing.
On my most recent visit with my oncologist we talked through "the numbers" that is, the survival rates and we assessed again how well my tumour is responding to chemotherapy (not as well as we'd hoped). So these last two weeks have been quite a challenge mentally.
It doesn't help that one of the side effects of all of this is a decline in disciplinary standards at our house. Over the course of the summer I was not able to do a good job parenting and the kids got a lot of leeway because that is what happens when dealing with any major event. It has not been pretty trying to come back from that.
Another unwanted side effect is that because I wasn't doing much cooking, my little son no longer wants to eat brussell sprouts - which he used to eat and enjoy. For any parent who has tried to get their kids to eat their vegetables can imagine how big a deal this is. Brussell sprouts!! And he used to love them!
But one day at a time and for sure I've had my lunches and breakfasts with my friends to distract me from thinking too much. It certainly is a struggle to keep reminding myself to stop fear of the future from preventing me enjoying the present.
As I look back on my initial post, I realise that I had neglected a key piece of information about the kind of cancer I have. Some women have cancers that are responsive to hormones, (quite simply, it appears that hormones make the cancer grow) and some women don't. I fall into the latter category - I am what is called triple negative. This is not a good thing.
On my most recent visit with my oncologist we talked through "the numbers" that is, the survival rates and we assessed again how well my tumour is responding to chemotherapy (not as well as we'd hoped). So these last two weeks have been quite a challenge mentally.
It doesn't help that one of the side effects of all of this is a decline in disciplinary standards at our house. Over the course of the summer I was not able to do a good job parenting and the kids got a lot of leeway because that is what happens when dealing with any major event. It has not been pretty trying to come back from that.
Another unwanted side effect is that because I wasn't doing much cooking, my little son no longer wants to eat brussell sprouts - which he used to eat and enjoy. For any parent who has tried to get their kids to eat their vegetables can imagine how big a deal this is. Brussell sprouts!! And he used to love them!
But one day at a time and for sure I've had my lunches and breakfasts with my friends to distract me from thinking too much. It certainly is a struggle to keep reminding myself to stop fear of the future from preventing me enjoying the present.
Comments
A few months does not negate the great lessons and behaviors you have instilled in the boys. Like you, they are having their ups and downs.
"When you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill.
I usually steam the sprouts and sometimes they have them with a little butter.
Thanks for giving me a different idea! I will certainly try roasting maybe they will "rediscover" sprouts.
Thank you my lovely friend! I am always looking out to see more pics of you and the family on your blog.