Archive for January, 2011

It is quite strange for me to write about my first experience with chemo here, with me not being the recipient. As I started this site many months ago, I assumed it would be my chemo treatment I shared details about…never once, even for a split moment, did I think I’d share an experience aside my sister.

But in an effort to help others, I must share that the first round of chemo treatments are not as scary as you might think. Don’t get me wrong, its no picnic to undergo, but on the other hand…my sister and I took the few hours of “drip” as a time to catch up…and with me googling the internet on wireless for random things we wondered about.

One thing to share is that we aort of assumed there would be no eating or drinking in the treatment room…and just the opposite. We saw all sorts of snacks and mini meals enjoyed by others…so rest assured, we’ll be “packed better” for our visit in two weeks. Needless to say, our chatter never ran out, so my cards and random distractions didn’t get touched.

Oh, all the unknowns to learn!

It’s Monday morning and normally I’d be on my second cup of coffee…but now, I’m going green!  Green tea that is.

It’s hard not to hear how good green tea is for you and how it helps fight so many various issues …above and beyond cancer.  So, I’ve added this nugget to my list of “to-dos” — 2-3 cups a day sounds like a target.  And maybe coffee will become my one cup afternoon pick me up!  All the little changes that help, no time better then now to keep layering them in.  From all I’ve seen and read lately, here’s a brief list of the benefits

Green tea is beneficial and  is used to combat the effects of:

It’s also used to:

Incredible huh?  Worth rolling into your daily routine for sure in my opinion.

Every day I wake up and feel that I have 10,000 things to do, but again, in such a different way.  On my mind are all the professional things to get done, the personal things to get done, working on some new ideas I have, resting and relaxing, loving the family, treating myself well and striving to be that big 5 letter goal – HAPPY!  That last one takes the most work … guess that’s why they call it the pursuit of life. 

And now…I’m on a mini mission to study up and become a topic expert – quick…and be the best “Chemo Buddy” around (what a corny term they have for it).   

But I’ll be one that is the one that has answers when “things start”, quick remedies for relief, and to know when a bit of “bubbly” is always a-ok along the way for refreshment. (That last one was really recommended in quite a few things I’ve read – really!) 

Anyway, we are preparing and in what is now the one week countdown to my sister’s chemo start.  I’ll be by her side, smiles and tears I’m sure…and have no doubt at all, I’m sure we’ll fight and get pissed at each other …that’s just what normal sisters do…she has the upper hand now, I won’t turn my back and ignore her regardless of whatever it is! 

Life is one that you gotta keep living, make the most of, keep looking forward and you can guess what comes next…keep smiling!

Well, I’ve so looked forward to 2011 as a fresh start as you tend to each year…a new resolution perhaps, or a new start mentally.  I sit here and just two weeks in, I am bewildered with the reality that my sister is now going through the recovery, but preparing to start the depths of therapy in chemo and then following by radiation. 

Then a dear friend of ours lost his mother so unexpectedly last week…and then a call from the same local hospital to let me know that my “Aunt” had suffered a stroke … and “aunt” that is no sister to either my parents, but the woman that helped raise us as “tiny tots” in her care.

It just seems that we are surrounded by so many things that allow us to question “why”.  And at the same time, I know why.  It was poised in a great sermon a couple years ago that I heard at the funeral for an 18 year old that left our earth incredibly too soon.  But it is true that without pain, we wouldn’t have the same scale of feeling happiness.  So, in each time I feel pain or even tears still in these days, I try to think how I can revert thatfeeling…and it does come back to a smile.   I visited my “Aunt” in the hospital and she was struggling, but just gleamed a bright smile when I entered the room.  Then the nurse commented how “symmetrical” her smile was getting, and that was a great sign.

Sue Ennis has always been known for her smile, and it just keeps having great new signs and meaning. :)

I’ve picked up my set of breast cancer books to refresh my memory of all the things that help boost immune systems and combat breast cancer effects…and I shouldn’t be shocked but there are such simple things that we can all do and should do..and I vow to start with these three things daily:
-drink 8 glasses of water
-take a multi vitamin
-exercise at least 30 mins a day
…..You in to join me?