We are in the final count down… chemo and radiation begin on
Wednesday. I am ready for this fight and am doing all I can to prepare my
surroundings, my mind and heart for what is to come.
We have been offering information to Marilyn and Spencer as
well… trying to help them understand what the next few months will look like.
But it is so hard when the answers are truly unknown, and the severity of the
side effects can vary from being extremely tired and sick to hospitalization.
Fighting cancer is no picnic and going through this surgery
and recovery have been tough. But it has shown me over and over… daily
reminders that people are good. There is so much love around us, in the people
we know and those we don’t. And I am blown away by the outpouring of support we
have experienced so far.
Loved beyond comprehension. And loved by those that actually
know me and those that know our family or my parents or my sister or my
grandparents or extended family or my in-laws. And even strangers that hear of
our family and offer their prayers and support. This is the tribe of love that
gives me strength every single day to put on a smile and look for the positive
and know, deep in my heart that we are all in this fight together.
Cancer has taught me to be a gracious, joyous recipient. A
thankful, grateful heart willing to accept help. This is a really hard role for
a caregiver and one that is so often on the giving side not the receiving side.
But cancer has brought this gift, and I am learning to willingly accept help.
You are asking me, asking Hunter, asking my parents- How can you help? You ask, but I have no
quick answer.
I have been pondering this while I rest and recover. While I
am the only one that can endure the treatments and the side-effects, I am not
the only one enduring this cancer battle. My most beloveds are right with me in
the trenches, and it is awful to stand by, while the one you love is hurting.
So maybe you can help take care of them while I take care of
the cancer.
Doing something fun? Offer to take Marilyn & Spencer.
Let them have a bit of fun out in the world while I stay safe away from crowds
of people.
Headed out for a beer or dinner? Invite Hunter, give him a
break from the role of chief caregiver.
Come visit me and share your sunshine.
Help our family during this time with the extra services we
need:
Bring a Meal- https://takethemameal.com/VPKJ9234
House Cleaner- $85/visit
Lawn Mowing- $45/visit
Before School Care for the Kids- $100/week
Gift Cards: Send a gift card for dinner or groceries. We shop
at Kroger so we can do the Clicklist- I order it online, they load it in the car
and the kids help bring it all inside.
Help our family with the incredible medical bills we are
experiencing as well as all of the other miscellaneous medical expenses we
endure.
I hate asking for money, it sucks. But unfortunately, so
does cancer. And cancer does not seem to understand that we already spend
thousands of dollars a month just to keep Spencer alive and provide him with
his Type One technology. Nor does cancer remember the thousands of dollars we
spent this summer for him to experience the amazing Type One Diabetes summer
camp.
I wouldn’t change a thing and I don’t plan to. Spencer
recently saw an invoice for his insulin pump supplies, it was for over $500. The
next day, he said all he wants for Christmas is insulin, pump supplies and sensor
supplies. My amazing 7 year old wants nothing more than to live, and I know the
feeling.
So, we are also accepting donations to send Spencer back to
diabetes camp this summer. It changed his life and gave him the confidence he
needs to help take care of himself when Hunter and I are not around.
Prior to this summer, he would not have been able to attend
the before school program or get a ride home from someone else or visit a
friend for a play date. He needed me or Hunter around ALL THE TIME… and now, he is comfortable understanding his
medical needs and walking the adults around him through the process. The money
we spent sending him to camp is going to help keep him alive and provide the
tools for him to effectively manage his care.
We could have never guessed that it would be so desperately needed
this year- especially on the days when I have been so sick in bed and can
hardly move.
So take care of my people. That’s what I ask. My heart explodes
with love for them. I fight this battle for them. I fight so I can continue in
my favorite roles- my roles as mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt,
granddaughter, cousin, niece, friend, in-law, co-worker and so many more. I
fight for all the people who love me, and those that love the ones I love.
Because cancer not only tries to take over my body, it tries
to invade the hearts of those around me. It brings sadness and concern to those
I love and frankly, I’m ready to kick cancer’s ass and get back to my most
wonderful life.
I hate seeing fear in my husband’s eyes, in my parents’
faces, in my children’s tears. I hate hearing fear in my sister’s voice in our
daily chats. I am ready to give them all the gift of peace… peace in knowing the
cancer in gone.
But as I told Hunter, I am so ready to be done with cancer-
but in order for it to end, treatments must begin. I will endure anything that
cancer throws my way and ask for your love, prayers and support during this
battle.
Hugs,
Sarah
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