Heather had her first radiation therapy yesterday - Monday, Sept. 15. She was supposed to take her chemo 1 hour before, but her chemo never arrived. What I thought was a disaster yesterday is OK today. I did not think that her first day would "hit" me as it did. So when I found out the "mail order" package did not arrive, I think anything that happened after that did not really matter. I was going to cry regardless. Crying in itself is OK, but when someone cries in front of a group of students during study hall - that is . . . difficult. The harder I tried to cover it up, the more my tears "backed up." And then I was OK until a nice student said, "Are you OK?" There is hope in the future. These students were genuinely kind and concerned - or maybe just scared that I was going crazy. I prefer kind and concerned.
Anyway, Heather managed the first treatment just fine. She did not feel as claustrophobic as she thought she would in her mask, which keeps her head from moving. The mask was molded to fit her head last week. She had some X-Rays and minor adjustments - then her 10-minute radiation. While she was starting, she heard EJ from The Kat radio station in the background. Instead of music, EJ was talking about Heather and Leapforacure. That HAS to be a good sign! We talked with her neurosurgeon - just a quick visit as he was in the area - and we were off to pick up her wigs. One wig looks great; the other we left at the store. But, every girl needs two, so Heather ordered another one just like the one she likes :)
Today was Day 2. As I entered the area, I saw a woman who appeared lost or confused. She asked me if I was there to attend the cancer support group. I told her I was not; I was there waiting for my daugther to take her treatment. The woman said, "Will you give me a hug. I really need support right now." Without hesitation, I hugged her and she started crying. She is scared and alone. Her support group IS her support group! She was afraid that she had missed the meeting because no one was around. I went to find her help, and shortly a social worker took over. The woman still met with her group; she was just 30 minutes early :) The receptionist thanked me over and over for helping this woman. It made me so sad to know that some people really are alone in this world, no matter what. I then looked at Heather and reminded her that she will NEVER be alone!
As Heather swiped her card to enter the radiation area, a family was leaving. The elderly woman told me, "We share special moments in there." It is a "family waiting room" for those who have loved ones in radiation. I think I will miss getting to know her. This week is her husband's last week.
I know each day may or may not be different from the day before. At some point, Heather may look like the others who leave through the door. She may be sick; she may be pasty; she may not have all her hair; and she may be extremely tired. BUT - she may not! She may continue to come out smiling. She may continue to think it isn't that bad. She may continue to wonder if things will get worse. Wouldn't that be GREAT! Heather is a fighter; I can tell she is going to make it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hi Heather and Roberts clan! Jami Rossitto here. Jessica just sent this to me, and I just about lost my footing. Within ten minutes, you had a whole new mass of people praying for you. My Dad was critically ill last year, and I swear it was those prayers that brought him through and WORKED MIRACLES! I wanted to leave you a verse that we always kept in my Dad's room and that I prayed about five times a day~'As Jesus passed by, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Master, who sinned, this man or his parents, so that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man sinned nor his parents, but this happened so that the works of God should be revealed in him." John 9:1-3
Keep your faith, love, and laughter especially strong. You are a wonderful family, and Heather, I always thought you were the coolest 'little sister'. (How on earth can you be 29?! You're supposed to be 14!!) We hope you feel our love and prayers today and throughout this journey.
WIth much love~ Jami, Jason, & Antonia Carey
Dear Sue - and family,
Thanks for the update! I've been checking the post knowing that this week would be a big one. It is another step on a long journey.
And it is true - we do have wonderful students who are not afraid to show that they are caring and concerned. I have received many acts of kindness from our students. Kinda humbling - eh?
Anyway, my prayers are with you and your family. You are always welcome to come 'cry on my couch' if necessary.
Take care - and may we all count our blessings in the joys that we find along the way. Often those joys are people.
Post a Comment