Tag Archives: healing

Boys, cancer, Family, Parenting

Be In the Light In The Darkness

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On Sunday night, I drove in tears to the hospital with the full moon as my guide. Even though I wanted desperately to see how my mom was doing, I stopped by the side of the road to admire the beautiful full moon.

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Today, I had the extreme privilege of driving mom home from the hospital in the beautiful full sun.

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It was an excruciating week, but one where God’s light was so evident.
– we ended up back on the Women’s and Children’s hospital ward. Mom knew all the nurses but one.
– Dr. Daniels is back on mom’s case as her gynocologist. She hasn’t gone on maternity leave yet so we are grateful.
– Mom finally got her diagnosis yesterday. It is stage 3 ovarian.
– my sister, M, was here for a visit on the weekend and was instrumental in getting mom to the hospital. She is a force! She was able to stay until late Monday night.
– Mom had a blood transfusion while she was in the hospital and is getting stronger.
– Mom’s pain is finally under control
– Mom does not have an infection from the surgery
– Mom is eating

As I reflect on these past four days, I am amazed at how I have seen God working. On Sunday morning, I felt God gave me a new word to explore. Can you guess the word? Light! We also started a new bedtime prayer (Genesis1:16)with the boys: God made two great lights–the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.

Do you see a theme? I love how God works. I am holding onto His light because this sure is a dark and painful time for my mama, my family and our friends.

Mom on Sunday:

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Mom today:

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Mom is suppose to have chemotherapy #4 on Monday. We will see what unfolds! In His hands we rest and wait.

cancer, Family

Be Let Loose From the Hospital

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Mom was discharged from the hospital this morning. She checked off all the boxes on the list:
– no more oxygen
– oral pain medication
– pee
– poo
– walking around
– eating

How are you doing with these today?

I am realizing on my own healing journey that I need my mind to check in with my body. I have one strong, stubborn, determined mind!

Mom is safely tucked into her hotel room for the next few days. They hope to make the four hundred and forty kilometre trek home on Monday.

Rest well mom! Heal well. May God continue to hold you in the palm of His hand.

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Boys, cancer, Family

Be Going for a Walk

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I have managed to gain over twenty pounds in the last three months. Quite a feat as this is approximately how much I gained during my nine months of pregnancy. And no I am not pregnant this time around for those wondering folks.

I am happy to say that mom’s weight has stabilized in the last two days. She also ate pizza with us tonight. We had to replace the tomato sauce with pesto and she gobbled it all up. (Tomato is hard on her mouth, esophagus, stomach.)

After dinner, mom rested while we played downstairs. Then JC convinced Nana to go out for a walk. No sooner did I have my shoes on then mom and JC were at the end of the road and into the field overlooking the lake.

Beautiful.
Peaceful.
Incredibly inspiring.
Going for a walk.

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Papa and his OC.

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Did we hear a snake? Nope just a quail.

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Super fast CC is hard to get a photo of these days.

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Now, if my mom can get off the couch to go for a walk, I know that I can at least do that as well. Thanks for the continual inspiration mom.

Family

Be Walking To The Winter Garden

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Yesterday, in between vomit sessions mom took two walks outside. She is one determined lady.

It was the first time she was outside in 11 days. Being inside is a rarity for our bike riding, green thumb, paddle boarding, hiking and walking mom.

Here are mom and dad heading into the winter garden. This is an outside garden between the new tower and the old part of the hospital.

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We sat outside for about twenty minutes enjoying a warm wind and even a few drops of rain on our faces.

cancer, Family

Be Sick With Chemo

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I was one of those kids that vomited a lot. We were never sure why but it would just sneak up on me in the evening and whammy vomit city

I have many ‘fond’ memories of my hair being held back, a cold cloth on my neck or my forehead and either a bucket or toilet in front of my face. Usually my dad was by my side as mom would be vomiting with me if she was in the room.

Now my mom is very sick from the double dose of chemotherapy she received on Monday. Very sick!

Today mid vomit, mom quipped, “Joanna, you are doing really well with all this!”

Sexy Neck and I had a good laugh at the two vomit-phobes weathering this together.

Mama, anything for you! Even cleaning up vomit.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

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An empty vomit bucket – love the cardboard!