Enough about doctors... How is Mom feeling?

On the down side: Mom is overwhelmed, wants to get the treatment started and the feeding tubes hurts! With all that she is also struggling with constipation-NO FUN! She is concerned with going out in public without her teeth. The doctors say that by week three of radiation, she will not able to wear her teeth until weeks after the end of the radiation treatment. She is also worried about losing her independence if she becomes too tired to drive herself to the temple with her gang, visit Bev at the nursing home or sneak out for diet coke and candy. The unknown is very difficult to deal with.

On the upside: Mom has recovered from the tonsil surgery extremely well. She is surprised that didn't hurt more. Glad to be off soft foods. She is grateful for having such a large family with so much support and love. Having the grandchildren around keeps her smiling and very entertained. She says "people think I am crazy for enjoying my grandchildren so much but I surely do." When I asked her what else I should write, she says she is doing okay and "I'm tough."

Having gone through cancer treatment myself I can relate to the fear and anxiety. I was lucky that my treatment of chemotherapy and radiation were at separate times. Combining them as Mom will adds a completely different level of complexity in order to coordinate schedules and maintain self-health during such a stressful time for both Mom and Mishawn's family.

To help mom's treatment schedule and to coordinate Mishawn's family schedules I have created an online calendar where you can sign up to do things such as:

• Accompany Mom to treatment - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursday, and every other Friday
• Help with Abrielle as Mishawn goes to doctor appointments
• Pick up the girls from school and watch them when needed
• Bring in meals Mondays and Fridays
• Hang out with Mom while Mishawn and Jared work to maintain the day to day tasks
• Take mom for outings
• Host monthly family dinners (for our sibblings, to keep this going)
• see calendar for other ways to help

Go the link on the left side of this blog titled Carol's Treatment and how you can help. Or click here http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/613179/ - please sign up as you can.