She Is Brave

 I keep telling my Mom just how brave she is. I don't think she realizes it. I think she doubts herself. My Dad's journey keeps creeping in. When you don't want it to. She thinks of everything he went through. And she gets scared. I get it. 

But with all her injuries. All the set backs. All the pain. My Mom is pushing forward. Yesterday was the first time, I saw her super anxious and not in full control. It was tough. And I was struggling with that. 

Because anyone that knows my Mom, knows how strong she is. She is fierce! The kind of lady that you don't want to fight with. I don't remember her falling apart when my Dad was sick. We all had that initial shock. Cried. And then picked up the pieces to help him on his journey.

Yesterday we couldn't calm my Mom down after her MRI. She's had them before. But something was different yesterday. And today, she needed a Lumbar Puncture. It's not anxiety before the procedure. So much as it's post-scan/test. And the anxiety isn't even about waiting on results. It's about the procedure. 

Today they needed to see if she could lay on her stomach or right side. And we were struggling. The techs downstairs kept calling. My Mom was in so much pain. But she was trying. Eventually the doctor made the decision to just send her downstairs. Let that team, take a go at it. So we'd stop tiring her out.

They ordered transport. And we prayed. It also happened that a priest had come by earlier. To pray, bring us communion, and to anoint her. So we prayed some more. I asked various people to pray. And right now, they are downstairs.

But my Mom is so brave. She needs this test to confirm the type of cancer that is present. And so they know how to move forward. I know my Mom was scared. I saw the shaking hands. The silent tears that escaped her eyes. And I heard it in her voice. But when her tech walked in the room, she told her, "Let's do this."

My strong Mom is out there being strong. She's so brave. And she's a fighter. Boy is she a fighter! Please keep her in your prayers. I don't normally document these things on here. But I want you to know, my Mom is brave. And we're going to fight this fight together. 

As a caregiver, I might cry. Like today. In the stairwell. Because my Mom was in so much pain. And trying to be brave. Not asking for meds. I might cry, when the doctor says something. And I'm so grateful we have to wear these masks. That absorb all my silent tears. That I hope I'm hiding...but they're probably falling anyway. 

I've been trying to practice some self care. Even here at the hospital. Sunrise walks around the hospital. Visiting the little bunnies in the garden...2 or 3 times a day. Running up and down 6 flights of stairs...4 times. At least twice a day. Little things. Taking a few minutes to shower. Also allowing myself to feel things as they're happening. Even if I cry in the stairwell. I'm not ashamed. I know this is hard. I know we have a long road. And I know I'm only human. I just hope...I'm half as brave as my Mom. 💜

Sometimes We Crack

To be honest, I thought I was going to meltdown today. The Hospitalist came in. Had a very serious look on his face. And told me to sit down. He had some serious things to talk about. I literally thought I was going to throw up. 

It's hard going through another Cancer Journey. Having the history with my Dad can be good and bad. It prepares us for what's next. But then...we sort of know what's coming next. It's like having Cancer PTSD. Is that a thing? 

So there is this spot on the base of my Mom's head. Where your head sits on your spine. She's going to need a Lumbar Puncture. My Mom is so anxious about everything. And doesn't want to talk about anything. It makes me nervous. And she doesn't seem 100% after yesterday. So I pray everything is going to be OK.

There is still no concrete reason for such a high white blood count. The oncologist and the doctor that performed the bone marrow biopsy both told us her cancer is accelerating. But not active enough to be concerned. But Dr. Iggy gets me all nervous.

Tells me it's the cancer. And there is probably a lymphoma along with her 2 leukemias. Her brain bleed looks to be improving. As do her kidneys. But there is just so much. And then I look across the courtyard...and remember it hasn't yet been 2 years...since she almost died. Here. In the ICU.

I know how precious life is. I've watched my Dad as he crossed over. I've watched my Mom fight...for nearly 5 years now. I know...anything can happen. But it's a lot to bare. All by myself. Especially when my Mom's anxiety was so high. The MRI here...just totally struck something in her. And last night was so rough. Her anxiety after Dr. Iggy's visit got worse. And the anticipation of another test...has her near the edge.

Her oncologist came to visit her. He calmly explains the lumbar puncture to her. Tries to reassure her. He gets down to her level. To really talk to her. Look her in the eyes. It's so reassuring to her. It calms me down. Because I know he really does care.

After he left, my Mom was doing a bit better. But still super anxious. Then the nurse and I tried to get her to lay on her side. Trying to get her to her stomach. The nerves got worse. Her pain got worse. Dr. Iggy said she had to have this test. Emotions were high.

I told the nurse I was going to the bathroom. In reality, I sat in the stairwell and cried. And that's OK. Sometimes you have to let the feelings out. You need to just feel what is going on. I like to do it away from my Mom. So she doesn't see when I'm struggling. I want her to lean on me.

It's just been an emotional day. Soon we'll try again. And see if she can get on her belly. For the 30 minutes they'll need her to. She is so strong. I know she can do it. And because I know she can do it...I know I can remain strong for her. Because honestly, she doesn't really have anyone else to lean on. So I have to be strong. 💜