Chemo frolic
May 09
I got to run this morning and it was perfect running weather. (I ditched that hat for a bandana, if you’re wondering. Oh, and I was wearing a Miami Broomball t-shirt.) I looked around the neighborhood while I ran and decided we definitely need to get some Knockout Roses for our yard. Seeing all those bright blooms just makes me happy. Running without the stroller is so much fun. Much less wheezing and pain, much more breathing. See, good things do come from cancer.
The girls had a great day at Phenom’s house. Cancer Week One, we anticipated childcare and started looking for someone to step in while I’m away. And that’s really how I viewed childcare: a placeholder. And, instead, I see my girls, both of them, growing in their confidence and experiences. Phenom and her beautiful family are so not a wimpy placeholder; they are embracing my girls as part of their lives. Isn’t that amazing?
Last night I had some mild pain under my armpit where the cancerous lymph node is. At the time, I thought to myself: “Well, lymph node, you can hurt tonight, but you have no idea what is in store for you tomorrow! Go Away!” I didn’t think about it any more after that. Today I saw Nurse Practitioner Rockstar in the exam room. As we do every week, she assessed the physical presence of the tumor and the enlarged lymph node. Breast cancer is unique from other cancers because there are (some) physical observations that are possible. Today, it took us a minute or so to find the lymph node. It has shrunk so much that it is suddenly hard to find. Mind you, this exam took place before I had chemo today. I see God confirming that He is working, cancer is melting; He has me in the palm of His hand.
This is more good news: more shrinking cancer. It is still a long journey ahead, but today I have less cancer than I did yesterday. Cue more frolicking and toss in a happy dance.
Phew, okay. Now I need a nap. I’ll let chemo take over now and frolic in my veins while I rest.
Doing a happy dance here on my sofa, just for you! Go Chemo, GO!! Kill that cancer! Rest Jen, rest. Let the chemo work, let your body focus its energy on winning the battle.
God is good, all the time!
I am so thrilled for your realization that your kiddos are thriving with their new care. I love that you are able to trust this responsibility to Phenom. I don’t know Phenom, but I am pretty certain that she is on the receiving end of this new norm as well. It may feel like she is doing you a favor, but I would not be surprised if she is feeling all kinds of blessed by her time caring for your girls. I am not taking any credit away from Phenom, but as a care taker for my entire adult life, I know how special it is to be the non-whimpy placeholder. It’s win/win all the way around.
And running before and after chemo? Inspiration, you are such a rock star. God bless you my friend.
GO CHEMO GO. Praise the Living Lord for your shrinking tumor and the profound blessings surrounding you. I wish I could be there to cut your lawn and take your girls to the park. Sending you all the love you can handle from the pacific coast. xoxo
That’s such great news about the lymph node. And I just wanted to say how inspiring your blog is. Thank you.
Jen, we met at church the morning you shared and later shaved your head. I was also at the she and I event. God is so proud of you. He knew you before all the cancer became known to you and He knew you would be faithful and run to Him…I picture Him putting you on a stage and handing you a megaphone. You are reaching so far beyond your usual sphere of influence and are building His kingdom radically. It’s beautiful. Keep on fighting. You mentioned wanting roses for your yard…I would strongly recommend Delhi flower and garden. They are just off Kemper Rd near Tri County. They categorize their roses by type of bloom, color, and if it’s important to you–by the type of fragrance. We have 5 rose bushes in our front yard, and all of them have come from Delhi. I love being able to cut them and bring them inside…and my 3 yr old son always asks me to put some in his room too. 😉 be blessed dear Jen…God is so proud of you. Keep sharing your journey. In the meantime, I’m agreeing with you for that “hairy scary prayer”.
Marvelous news Jen…… Rest well while you fight and rebuild your strength for the next round. We’re so encouraged. If God is for us who ( what) can be against us.
I’m doing a happy dance for you! Go Chemo!
Hi Jen! I am doing a happy dance with you today. I told Maryann yesterday that I had a moment this week when I tried to remember having no hair and I really can’t remember. What I do remember is all the love I felt and all the gratfullness I felt and still feel. I look for opportunities to pay it forward because I couldn’t possibly acknowledge all the love that was sent my way. And I thank God everyday for holding me in the palm of His hand. I love that. I will be praying for you and your family in the next few days that God will send His special angels to take care of you and your beautiful children and husband! I am sure some of them come in human form!! Love to you!
Rest sweet lady ~ Prayers to you, your family & everyone that loves you. Your friends sound wonderful ~ it is great to hear you have so much help ~ Sounds like everyone is on a 1st Place Team 🙂
i am doing a happy dance with you. we don’t know each other but i have been following your blog and you are truly an inspiration. your positive energy and outlook is contagious. i am praying for you and your family. i am also hoping that chemo is kicking some cancer ass today for you!!
There is so much evidence in your life that God certainly does have you in the palm of his hand! Keep up the good fight. You ARE on the winning team!!
Haven’t checked in for a few posts here, but I’m happy to hear that miracles are present, and Cancer is shrinking! I also picked up on that nugget of information that is not important in the slightest, but did you say Miami and broomball? As in Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and might you have played broomball there?! I am a Miami grad, Class of 1998, and played broomball my sophomore year! If this at all sounds familiar, I am even more honored to be praying for a fellow MU grad!!! Sending continued prayers!
Woo hoo! Go God and Go Team Chemo!
Seems like there are a few Miami grads here praying for Jen! Class of 1988 and I played broomball once. 🙂
Praising God with you, Jen!