Well the kids are off to school, Stephen is at work, and I am refreshed from a warm shower. I am going to relish in the solitude of our quiet home today.
Now I wish to share some thoughts you may think strange but bear with me. While in the shower these thoughts crossed my mind - I can’t wait for two things to begin sprouting once again: eyebrows and nose hairs.
It has been quite a dancing act since I have been trying to wash my little stumble of hair. My neck gets a good workout twisting and turning and craning backwards do avoid the shampoo streaming into my “baby blues”. My head feels more like a pinball machine than it looks like a cue ball. I did not realize how important the eyebrows were as the first line of defense to stop me from crying like our daughters when water gets into their eyes.
These past months, any slight sniffle would send me crazily running for a Kleenex. The Kleenex company must love this time a year especially with chemo patients. With the snow that some have experienced this week, I am not looking forward to the winter cold. I can’t help but imagine having the sniffles and have to go outside with the instant freeze – oh, happy winter, not!!!! I almost don’t care now how long those nose hairs can grow; just a few would be great.
I am not sure why I wrote this today but I hope that you enjoyed a little bit of what we like to call “Klein-Geltink” humour! Have an awesome day!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Last Blast!!!
Well Friday was my last chemo treatment!
I had quite a couple of surprises - some pleasant and one not so much.
So far everything has been rolling along as scheduled and with the worries about the low blood counts over the last weeks, my treatment went on as scheduled. Actually, my counts were well above the minimum so praise needs to raised to the Lord for this blessing. I am scheduled to meet with the surgeon on November 6, with surgery to be scheduled near the end of November. I should not be needing to return to the cancer clinic till the new year - that sounds like a far ways off. As my oncologist stated, then we can enjoy a little of the Christmas season as a family before radiation begins.
While waiting for a chemo chair to open I was trying to read a book and overheard a conversation between two patient across the aisle. This is the tough surprise. Two women were discussing how their treatments were going. At the past seven treatments this is often a time I have witnessed times of encouragement, but it was not so today. The one patient relayed how difficult it was for her and finished off by saying "I think that suicide would be a better option." Then she just rose and walked off. Once I understood what I had heard, the lady had disappeared and my heart was heavy for her. I remained waiting for 20 minutes with my eyes searching the area to see if she would return. I never saw her again. This was one of the most difficult times I have witnessed to the sadness of what this disease does to a soul. This hopelessness reminded me that sometimes there truly is nothing to be done but to leave it in God's hands. A lesson that very hard to swallow at times.
My next surprise was much more delightful than I was able to fully comprehend at the time. I was so drugged up with Benadryl that I did not see my sister, Denise, and my brother, Ken, parade through the entire chemo ward carrying a balloon and gifts and beaming with huge smiles to celebrate this last blast until they almost stood at my feet. I have been quite apprehensive to cheer about this stage because it seems like only a small part to the finish line, but I am glad that they decided it could not be passed up with a little bit of excitement and celebration.
I have never been so glad as to walk out of a place and feel elated to tell everyone in the ward "I never want to see you again!" I am referring of course to my goodbyes to the chemo nurses and the tone of the statement was in gest. I was beaming while saying this. I must admit that I was also sporting the red glow of my "moon face" - another lovely side effect. I was also skipping my way out - a little high on the extra dose of steriods. Anyways the nurses did suggest reporting back once in a while they like to see how things turn out. One nurse, Ally, caught my off guard as she stated that she may not recognize me sometime - the hair can be a little deceiving to them. This is something I can't wait to happen.
Even with this extra glow and spring in my step, I am glad to report that I have now finished this part of my treatment. Although it still seems at times that it is only a small part of the treatment is completed and there are still more stages to complete than I have now finished, I am able to cross this one part off. I have been exposed to some trying, tough times and some of the most memorable, joyfilled times within moments of each other than I ever could have imagined. I am thankful that the Lord has opened my eyes to see the mixed surprises in life and realize that my eyes need to be opened and lifted up toward Him at all times.
While I am anticipating and beginning to feel the dreadful side effect of this last blast, I am now counting down these days, with a bigger grin that you can probably imagine.
Cindy
I had quite a couple of surprises - some pleasant and one not so much.
So far everything has been rolling along as scheduled and with the worries about the low blood counts over the last weeks, my treatment went on as scheduled. Actually, my counts were well above the minimum so praise needs to raised to the Lord for this blessing. I am scheduled to meet with the surgeon on November 6, with surgery to be scheduled near the end of November. I should not be needing to return to the cancer clinic till the new year - that sounds like a far ways off. As my oncologist stated, then we can enjoy a little of the Christmas season as a family before radiation begins.
While waiting for a chemo chair to open I was trying to read a book and overheard a conversation between two patient across the aisle. This is the tough surprise. Two women were discussing how their treatments were going. At the past seven treatments this is often a time I have witnessed times of encouragement, but it was not so today. The one patient relayed how difficult it was for her and finished off by saying "I think that suicide would be a better option." Then she just rose and walked off. Once I understood what I had heard, the lady had disappeared and my heart was heavy for her. I remained waiting for 20 minutes with my eyes searching the area to see if she would return. I never saw her again. This was one of the most difficult times I have witnessed to the sadness of what this disease does to a soul. This hopelessness reminded me that sometimes there truly is nothing to be done but to leave it in God's hands. A lesson that very hard to swallow at times.
My next surprise was much more delightful than I was able to fully comprehend at the time. I was so drugged up with Benadryl that I did not see my sister, Denise, and my brother, Ken, parade through the entire chemo ward carrying a balloon and gifts and beaming with huge smiles to celebrate this last blast until they almost stood at my feet. I have been quite apprehensive to cheer about this stage because it seems like only a small part to the finish line, but I am glad that they decided it could not be passed up with a little bit of excitement and celebration.
I have never been so glad as to walk out of a place and feel elated to tell everyone in the ward "I never want to see you again!" I am referring of course to my goodbyes to the chemo nurses and the tone of the statement was in gest. I was beaming while saying this. I must admit that I was also sporting the red glow of my "moon face" - another lovely side effect. I was also skipping my way out - a little high on the extra dose of steriods. Anyways the nurses did suggest reporting back once in a while they like to see how things turn out. One nurse, Ally, caught my off guard as she stated that she may not recognize me sometime - the hair can be a little deceiving to them. This is something I can't wait to happen.
Even with this extra glow and spring in my step, I am glad to report that I have now finished this part of my treatment. Although it still seems at times that it is only a small part of the treatment is completed and there are still more stages to complete than I have now finished, I am able to cross this one part off. I have been exposed to some trying, tough times and some of the most memorable, joyfilled times within moments of each other than I ever could have imagined. I am thankful that the Lord has opened my eyes to see the mixed surprises in life and realize that my eyes need to be opened and lifted up toward Him at all times.
While I am anticipating and beginning to feel the dreadful side effect of this last blast, I am now counting down these days, with a bigger grin that you can probably imagine.
Cindy
Thursday, October 23, 2008
This is a quick note.
I was hoping that I would have been told the lab results of my blood work from this morning but I was not successful in gleaming this information from London.
So I am going on the assumption that tomorrow will be my last blast of chemo. It is with some mixed feelings that I will go to sleep with tonight. I am a little excited that this is the last but a little anxious about the coming week and the pain I will have to endure.
Right now my mom walked in the door with several huge suitcases. Stephen's eye bulged with the expression as to say without saying "HOW LONG!!!!!!!!! as the Habakkuk said "HOW LONG OH GOD MUST I CALL FOR HELP BUT YOU DO NOT LISTEN!"
OK my wife is having some fun and trying to be funny. Not that my eyes did not bulge.....I do love my mother in law.....but a week!!!!!....as I said in my wedding vows...for better or worse.
Well we will write latter
Love you all
CINDY AND STEPHEN
I was hoping that I would have been told the lab results of my blood work from this morning but I was not successful in gleaming this information from London.
So I am going on the assumption that tomorrow will be my last blast of chemo. It is with some mixed feelings that I will go to sleep with tonight. I am a little excited that this is the last but a little anxious about the coming week and the pain I will have to endure.
Right now my mom walked in the door with several huge suitcases. Stephen's eye bulged with the expression as to say without saying "HOW LONG!!!!!!!!! as the Habakkuk said "HOW LONG OH GOD MUST I CALL FOR HELP BUT YOU DO NOT LISTEN!"
OK my wife is having some fun and trying to be funny. Not that my eyes did not bulge.....I do love my mother in law.....but a week!!!!!....as I said in my wedding vows...for better or worse.
Well we will write latter
Love you all
CINDY AND STEPHEN
Friday, October 17, 2008
A little bit of sunshine
It has been a long week with very little contact to the world beyond the confines of our home. Aside from a quick drive to Clinton and picking up the girls after school, I have talked to very few individuals except for my wonderful family. Until yesterday......
I was blessed to have my door knocked upon, conversations at the doorway, and the phone ringing almost every half hour throughout the entire day. Stein delivered a wonderful measure of chicken soup - comfort food for the body but the gesture was more comforting for the soul. Next Joanne stopped by with an orchid - a lesson on how a delicate exquisite part of creation can flourish and bloom with the right amount of tender loving care. Next there was a beautiful bouquet of autumn coloured flowers with "A bit of sunshine" message written on the card and that is what it did indeed bring, Joannie - a reminder to see the exquisite array of colours in the world that are much more pleasant to enjoy amidst the "blue" of the days that one sometimes experiences. My evening was topped off with Laurie dropping by for a "quick" moment - great to have a couple of laughs mingled with the openness of what was going on with each other these days, a phone call with Lisa who I have missed seeing for a coffee and chat time, and finally a conversation with my Dad. All just seems a little better once I talk with Dad. This indeed was a good day and so very much needed.
I do really thank the Lord for placing such wonderful individuals in my life. I have experienced far beyond my wildest dream more goodness and love out poured from those who love Him than I ever thought would be possible. During these past few months, I have had the privileged to be showered upon through prayer, words of encouragement, food, flowers, and other gifts. There have been so many gestures that I have not even begun to name them all.
I am extra glad that some days the outpouring just never stops! It's like God just wants us never forget for one minute that there is the sunshine amidst any "blue" we may be experiencing.
I was blessed to have my door knocked upon, conversations at the doorway, and the phone ringing almost every half hour throughout the entire day. Stein delivered a wonderful measure of chicken soup - comfort food for the body but the gesture was more comforting for the soul. Next Joanne stopped by with an orchid - a lesson on how a delicate exquisite part of creation can flourish and bloom with the right amount of tender loving care. Next there was a beautiful bouquet of autumn coloured flowers with "A bit of sunshine" message written on the card and that is what it did indeed bring, Joannie - a reminder to see the exquisite array of colours in the world that are much more pleasant to enjoy amidst the "blue" of the days that one sometimes experiences. My evening was topped off with Laurie dropping by for a "quick" moment - great to have a couple of laughs mingled with the openness of what was going on with each other these days, a phone call with Lisa who I have missed seeing for a coffee and chat time, and finally a conversation with my Dad. All just seems a little better once I talk with Dad. This indeed was a good day and so very much needed.
I do really thank the Lord for placing such wonderful individuals in my life. I have experienced far beyond my wildest dream more goodness and love out poured from those who love Him than I ever thought would be possible. During these past few months, I have had the privileged to be showered upon through prayer, words of encouragement, food, flowers, and other gifts. There have been so many gestures that I have not even begun to name them all.
I am extra glad that some days the outpouring just never stops! It's like God just wants us never forget for one minute that there is the sunshine amidst any "blue" we may be experiencing.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Election Day
Since everyone knows that I love politics I thought I would begin by reminding everyone that today is election day. So if you have not voted then get out and vote. I will be up late tonight watching the election returns. I have to admit that the last month has been a political junkies paradise. With the Canadian election and the American election what more could one ask for. And for you Americans remember November 4 is coming.........
Cindy informed you yesterday about what she and we have been going through the last number of days. Today Cindy went to the hospital for another blood test. We are hoping that the results show that her white blood count is climbing. However, for the remainder of the week she has to watch where she goes and who she comes into contact with. So it is going to be a long week for her.
Yesterday was thanksgiving day, here are some of the things I am thankful for:
- my beautiful wife
-my precious daughters
-my extended family (especially our parents and siblings)
-my church family
-my friends
-the country I live in
-the beautiful fall weather
-the warm house we live in
-the doctors and nurses in Goderich and at London Health center.
and of course the love of God that he has lavished upon me through his son Jesus.
I am a blessed man, God is good, and yesterday I lived in his goodness.
One thing before I finish, please keep my mom in your prayers. Though she probably doesn't want me to write this she has been experiencing back pains. They are making it hard for her to walk and my Dad had to bring her to the hospital on Saturday night. Anyways Mom take it easy, don't do any work and get better real soon.
Love you all,
Stephen
Cindy informed you yesterday about what she and we have been going through the last number of days. Today Cindy went to the hospital for another blood test. We are hoping that the results show that her white blood count is climbing. However, for the remainder of the week she has to watch where she goes and who she comes into contact with. So it is going to be a long week for her.
Yesterday was thanksgiving day, here are some of the things I am thankful for:
- my beautiful wife
-my precious daughters
-my extended family (especially our parents and siblings)
-my church family
-my friends
-the country I live in
-the beautiful fall weather
-the warm house we live in
-the doctors and nurses in Goderich and at London Health center.
and of course the love of God that he has lavished upon me through his son Jesus.
I am a blessed man, God is good, and yesterday I lived in his goodness.
One thing before I finish, please keep my mom in your prayers. Though she probably doesn't want me to write this she has been experiencing back pains. They are making it hard for her to walk and my Dad had to bring her to the hospital on Saturday night. Anyways Mom take it easy, don't do any work and get better real soon.
Love you all,
Stephen
Monday, October 13, 2008
Thanksgiving Day
I have been a little quiet this week because it has been a little bit of a tough one. This long post may not be what you are used to reading from me. I have finally reached the point in which I am a little bit tired of the treatments in which I am enduring and tired of thinking about the long process that I am still going to have to go through. It is a glimpse into the more difficult times from my perspective.
Once again the pain is there. Nothing new but the new meds are great for taking the edge off. At the very least I am able to sleep until the meds wear off but some rest to available.
It was wonderful to have my mom once again stay for a few days. It does not seem to matter how old one gets there is nothing like your mom administering a little TLC. My mom would not let me do anything. Even my lunch was made for me and brought to me. If I would lie down on the couch for a change of scenery, mom would tenderly cover me with a quilt. My house was cleaned, the girls were picked up from school, the numerous bags of outgrown clothing was sorted and dropped off at the boxes, a lot of little things that are too numerous to mention. In short I was treated royally. I had to admit to Dad later that week that I had grown accustomed to my "Molly Maid" and was not sure I really wanted to let her get back to her home. Thanks Mom!
I thought that I would be bouncing back to normal by the end of the week but that was not to be so this time. Thursday night I was beginning to cough and it was getting a little bit worse as the evening progressed, along with some aching in the legs. Just before I retired for the night I took my temperature - 38.1 degrees. Now for most, this is only a slight fever but for chemo patients this is a dreaded figure. It means to the hospital no questions. Well, as you might know with my indecisiveness and stubbornness, I tried everything from loosing some layers of clothing that I was wearing since I was a little chilled, opening the window to cool off the room, drinking a few cups of water just because I hadn't had anything in a while but nothing seemed to change that dreaded number. It was off to the emerge at 10:45 at night. Bill, our neighbour, was kind enough to sit while we found out what was going to happen. I was a little fearful that I would be hospitalized. Thankfully, my doctor thought that a strong dose of antibiotics and staying at home would be the best for me. Ironically, there is currently too many unpronounceable viruses floating around in the air at the hospital that my lowered immune system may not be able to take. I am hoping that my neutrophil number gets out of the concern level that I may escape from my home soon.
Yesterday I had to return to the hospital to have my blood work taken again to see if I am on the way to recovering. This visit became one of the most difficult moments I had to revisit since this battle began. I was escorted to a room in the emerge in isolation which in itself is a little daunting. However, the toughest part was the room to which I was to wait in. It was the very room in which Stephen and I were told the dreadful words "suspiciously malignant" on April 25 2008. Today I had chosen to go to the hospital alone but truly regretted being so independent. It took me a few moments to sit on the bed since all I could remember was sitting on the bed and looking at Stephen sitting in the chair and how he broke when those two words were uttered and realizing that at that moment our lives would never be the same again. A moment in time in which I wished I had been wrong. Yes let me repeat that phrase I wish I was wrong. A moment in time in which I wished Stephen was the one who could tell me "I told you so." I had to remain in this room for almost two hours. It was at first very hard but once Stephen came it was much more bearable. At least I can now revisit that location with much less dread. My numbers did not change much so the treatment is the same. Remain at home, get plenty of rest, continue with the antibiotics, enjoy Thanksgiving.
It is Thanksgiving Day today. I am looking forward to a day with the girls and Stephen. Stephen has prepared the bird for today's dinner. Yes, we have broken down and upped the ante to a turkey this year, at Meagan's request. It will be dinner with all the fixings. We have a small tradition at Thanksgiving in our home - the table is adorned with a special tablecloth. Since we are often home with just the five of us since Stephen's preaching schedule does not allow for much travel at this time, I though that we needed to make it special for the girls somehow. So a few years ago I purchased a tablecloth with the intent of writing on it what each one gathered around our table was thankful for that year. It is cool each year to read what was written in the past and add something new. It is a great way to remind ourselves that we have been blessed immensely and continue to.
Today is a good reminder for me to continue to look at the good things that are showered upon me and my family. A good reminder for me to call upon God who has been with me through this whole journey, the hard and difficult times and the good moments. A good reminder to continue to praise and thank God for all He has done. Just a good reminder..........
Cindy
Once again the pain is there. Nothing new but the new meds are great for taking the edge off. At the very least I am able to sleep until the meds wear off but some rest to available.
It was wonderful to have my mom once again stay for a few days. It does not seem to matter how old one gets there is nothing like your mom administering a little TLC. My mom would not let me do anything. Even my lunch was made for me and brought to me. If I would lie down on the couch for a change of scenery, mom would tenderly cover me with a quilt. My house was cleaned, the girls were picked up from school, the numerous bags of outgrown clothing was sorted and dropped off at the boxes, a lot of little things that are too numerous to mention. In short I was treated royally. I had to admit to Dad later that week that I had grown accustomed to my "Molly Maid" and was not sure I really wanted to let her get back to her home. Thanks Mom!
I thought that I would be bouncing back to normal by the end of the week but that was not to be so this time. Thursday night I was beginning to cough and it was getting a little bit worse as the evening progressed, along with some aching in the legs. Just before I retired for the night I took my temperature - 38.1 degrees. Now for most, this is only a slight fever but for chemo patients this is a dreaded figure. It means to the hospital no questions. Well, as you might know with my indecisiveness and stubbornness, I tried everything from loosing some layers of clothing that I was wearing since I was a little chilled, opening the window to cool off the room, drinking a few cups of water just because I hadn't had anything in a while but nothing seemed to change that dreaded number. It was off to the emerge at 10:45 at night. Bill, our neighbour, was kind enough to sit while we found out what was going to happen. I was a little fearful that I would be hospitalized. Thankfully, my doctor thought that a strong dose of antibiotics and staying at home would be the best for me. Ironically, there is currently too many unpronounceable viruses floating around in the air at the hospital that my lowered immune system may not be able to take. I am hoping that my neutrophil number gets out of the concern level that I may escape from my home soon.
Yesterday I had to return to the hospital to have my blood work taken again to see if I am on the way to recovering. This visit became one of the most difficult moments I had to revisit since this battle began. I was escorted to a room in the emerge in isolation which in itself is a little daunting. However, the toughest part was the room to which I was to wait in. It was the very room in which Stephen and I were told the dreadful words "suspiciously malignant" on April 25 2008. Today I had chosen to go to the hospital alone but truly regretted being so independent. It took me a few moments to sit on the bed since all I could remember was sitting on the bed and looking at Stephen sitting in the chair and how he broke when those two words were uttered and realizing that at that moment our lives would never be the same again. A moment in time in which I wished I had been wrong. Yes let me repeat that phrase I wish I was wrong. A moment in time in which I wished Stephen was the one who could tell me "I told you so." I had to remain in this room for almost two hours. It was at first very hard but once Stephen came it was much more bearable. At least I can now revisit that location with much less dread. My numbers did not change much so the treatment is the same. Remain at home, get plenty of rest, continue with the antibiotics, enjoy Thanksgiving.
It is Thanksgiving Day today. I am looking forward to a day with the girls and Stephen. Stephen has prepared the bird for today's dinner. Yes, we have broken down and upped the ante to a turkey this year, at Meagan's request. It will be dinner with all the fixings. We have a small tradition at Thanksgiving in our home - the table is adorned with a special tablecloth. Since we are often home with just the five of us since Stephen's preaching schedule does not allow for much travel at this time, I though that we needed to make it special for the girls somehow. So a few years ago I purchased a tablecloth with the intent of writing on it what each one gathered around our table was thankful for that year. It is cool each year to read what was written in the past and add something new. It is a great way to remind ourselves that we have been blessed immensely and continue to.
Today is a good reminder for me to continue to look at the good things that are showered upon me and my family. A good reminder for me to call upon God who has been with me through this whole journey, the hard and difficult times and the good moments. A good reminder to continue to praise and thank God for all He has done. Just a good reminder..........
Cindy
Monday, October 6, 2008
All I Can Do Is Pray
Today is Monday and as I am sitting in my office working I am constantly praying for my wife. Cindy is once again experiencing the dreaded side effects of chemo. Her body is aching all over and ever movement brings a sign of pain to her face. I wish that I could do more, but there is nothing I can do to rid her of the pain.
It is very difficult seeing someone you love have to go through such agony. I sit looking at my computer screen and think how our lives have changed. I wish we could turn back the calender six months and pretend that this was all a bad dream. But unfortunately it is not and Cindy, I and the girls have to continue to live with the reality of what is happening in our lives.
I sit looking out the window of my office and wonder "Why?" If only I could get an answer to the "why" then maybe I would feel better. But then I say to myself "Will getting my "why" answered really make things better." And of course the answer is NO!.
All I can do as I sit here is pray. And so I pray! I call out to the God who made the heavens and earth. I shout out to the God who redeems us in Jesus Christ. I plead with the Holy Spirit to show his presence to us. I pray for healing, I pray for perseverance, I pray for grace and strength, I pray for my wife....my beautiful wife who I love so dearly....I pray for my children...I pray for......................
God please be with us, God shower us with your grace, God show your friendly face to us....God be near to my wife and my children.....
All I can do is pray....
Stephen
It is very difficult seeing someone you love have to go through such agony. I sit looking at my computer screen and think how our lives have changed. I wish we could turn back the calender six months and pretend that this was all a bad dream. But unfortunately it is not and Cindy, I and the girls have to continue to live with the reality of what is happening in our lives.
I sit looking out the window of my office and wonder "Why?" If only I could get an answer to the "why" then maybe I would feel better. But then I say to myself "Will getting my "why" answered really make things better." And of course the answer is NO!.
All I can do as I sit here is pray. And so I pray! I call out to the God who made the heavens and earth. I shout out to the God who redeems us in Jesus Christ. I plead with the Holy Spirit to show his presence to us. I pray for healing, I pray for perseverance, I pray for grace and strength, I pray for my wife....my beautiful wife who I love so dearly....I pray for my children...I pray for......................
God please be with us, God shower us with your grace, God show your friendly face to us....God be near to my wife and my children.....
All I can do is pray....
Stephen
Friday, October 3, 2008
Busy Being "Normal"
Finally, an update for the "update". It is going to be a long one so get ready!!!
We have been enjoying a wonderful past week and a half too much with the busyness of the regular family activities that our reporting was neglected. For us this was wonderful! Although you may find this first part a little boring. please bear with me because it was most delightful!
This is how it has been for the Tamming household:
- daily school routine has settled in
- piano lessons and practices are well established
- Coffee Break has once again begun
- the girls began figure skating for their first week
- Nicole is enjoying her Tuesday nights out with GEMS
- Meagan was able to go on her first school trip of the year - learning about the various jobs around the town
- Sarah enjoyed a fun "backwards" day in JK
- Stephen's days filled with ministry work, doing what God needs and wants him to do here in Trinity
- I had the opportunity to look after two little girls for dear friends for a morning
- I enjoyed relaxing with cups of coffee with Lisa and delving into the chocolate cake I believe tasted as delightful as the cake looked. At least that is what I am telling myself even if my taste buds are not cooperating.
- I enjoyed an afternoon stopover at Julie's while the girls played with their little buddy, Jacob
- doing the bedtime routine once again while Stephen is back attending of church ministry meetings at least three out of the five weeknights
- the church ministries are under full swing and Trinity is now buzzing with programs in which we can discover more about our God that we are blessed and comforted, dearly loved and upheld by
- a weekend in Strathroy celebrating Hilda's birthday with the whole Tamming clan
- finally just doing the regular household stuff like laundry, cleaning, groceries, cooking some old time favourite supper, all without much thought about cancer.
What a blessing to have a "normal" family week and a half!!!!! Praise God for these moments!!!!!
And now for the week to come and what occurred yesterday. There are two things to be thankful for. First, during my doctor's visit, I was told and was able to feel one of the tumours which is breaking up in pieces. Great news! Second, I am happy to report that although I was quite anxious about my treatment and any possible reactions, all went well. After a Zantac, Benydril and Cort ozone IV and a fifteen minutes break, the nurses proceeded with the scheduled chemo treatment. There was no change to the chemo regiment I am on. I am most thankful that there is the scope of medicines available to fight this disease, its side effects, and reactions to the chemo meds. Even though the side effects are not that pleasant to have to deal with, I continue to pray that the outcome is going to far outweigh them.
Once again it was a long day. It was nice that Hilda, my mother-in-law, came to accompany me on this day. I hope that she enjoyed this experience with me as much as it was a pleasure for me to have this time to spend with her. It was another opportunity for a family member to see first hand what is going on in the life of our family and how we are all affected by this major change. But also to see how many other people are dealing with this disease and that we only see one treatment centre for a few hours one day.
It was a bittersweet day since my dear chemo friend, Glynis, has beat me out of the chemo ward. It was her last treatment date and I had to joke "that I could not believe that the chair beside her bed was not available for me to join her this last day." Then I had to add "How dare the nurses not save it for me." We are actually not even in the same wing so the conversations could not even occur across the aisle. I am glad that she has completed this stretch of her journey and pray that the Lord will continue to heal her. I am sure that she will be doing the happy dance next week, after the dreadful side effects go away, as she and her husband Gilles take a much deserved vacation. I will miss seeing her smile on my last and final chemo day.
I am feeling pretty good today and will continue to enjoy these next couple of days before the side effects knock me out. I was given some stronger pain medicine to try to lessen the aches in the muscles and joints that I was told will continue to plague me next week. I keep reminding myself that I have only about eight more days to endure, four next week and four more in four weeks. The end of the nasty side effects of the chemo treatments is nearing with each passing "normal" day.
I hope that you too take great pleasure and enjoyment in your God given "normal" days.
Cindy
We have been enjoying a wonderful past week and a half too much with the busyness of the regular family activities that our reporting was neglected. For us this was wonderful! Although you may find this first part a little boring. please bear with me because it was most delightful!
This is how it has been for the Tamming household:
- daily school routine has settled in
- piano lessons and practices are well established
- Coffee Break has once again begun
- the girls began figure skating for their first week
- Nicole is enjoying her Tuesday nights out with GEMS
- Meagan was able to go on her first school trip of the year - learning about the various jobs around the town
- Sarah enjoyed a fun "backwards" day in JK
- Stephen's days filled with ministry work, doing what God needs and wants him to do here in Trinity
- I had the opportunity to look after two little girls for dear friends for a morning
- I enjoyed relaxing with cups of coffee with Lisa and delving into the chocolate cake I believe tasted as delightful as the cake looked. At least that is what I am telling myself even if my taste buds are not cooperating.
- I enjoyed an afternoon stopover at Julie's while the girls played with their little buddy, Jacob
- doing the bedtime routine once again while Stephen is back attending of church ministry meetings at least three out of the five weeknights
- the church ministries are under full swing and Trinity is now buzzing with programs in which we can discover more about our God that we are blessed and comforted, dearly loved and upheld by
- a weekend in Strathroy celebrating Hilda's birthday with the whole Tamming clan
- finally just doing the regular household stuff like laundry, cleaning, groceries, cooking some old time favourite supper, all without much thought about cancer.
What a blessing to have a "normal" family week and a half!!!!! Praise God for these moments!!!!!
And now for the week to come and what occurred yesterday. There are two things to be thankful for. First, during my doctor's visit, I was told and was able to feel one of the tumours which is breaking up in pieces. Great news! Second, I am happy to report that although I was quite anxious about my treatment and any possible reactions, all went well. After a Zantac, Benydril and Cort ozone IV and a fifteen minutes break, the nurses proceeded with the scheduled chemo treatment. There was no change to the chemo regiment I am on. I am most thankful that there is the scope of medicines available to fight this disease, its side effects, and reactions to the chemo meds. Even though the side effects are not that pleasant to have to deal with, I continue to pray that the outcome is going to far outweigh them.
Once again it was a long day. It was nice that Hilda, my mother-in-law, came to accompany me on this day. I hope that she enjoyed this experience with me as much as it was a pleasure for me to have this time to spend with her. It was another opportunity for a family member to see first hand what is going on in the life of our family and how we are all affected by this major change. But also to see how many other people are dealing with this disease and that we only see one treatment centre for a few hours one day.
It was a bittersweet day since my dear chemo friend, Glynis, has beat me out of the chemo ward. It was her last treatment date and I had to joke "that I could not believe that the chair beside her bed was not available for me to join her this last day." Then I had to add "How dare the nurses not save it for me." We are actually not even in the same wing so the conversations could not even occur across the aisle. I am glad that she has completed this stretch of her journey and pray that the Lord will continue to heal her. I am sure that she will be doing the happy dance next week, after the dreadful side effects go away, as she and her husband Gilles take a much deserved vacation. I will miss seeing her smile on my last and final chemo day.
I am feeling pretty good today and will continue to enjoy these next couple of days before the side effects knock me out. I was given some stronger pain medicine to try to lessen the aches in the muscles and joints that I was told will continue to plague me next week. I keep reminding myself that I have only about eight more days to endure, four next week and four more in four weeks. The end of the nasty side effects of the chemo treatments is nearing with each passing "normal" day.
I hope that you too take great pleasure and enjoyment in your God given "normal" days.
Cindy
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