This is a picture of my mom and dad on what I’m guessing is our first sailboat, many years ago… I say first sailboat because the one I remember the most was a C&C and it wasn’t white… it had cool purple and gold striped curtains that my mom made out of a canvas like material. I loved those curtains. This post is dedicated to my mom, Sheila, who was diagnosed with breast cancer March 18, 2011. She has gone through surgery, chemo and radiation. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF RADIATION. Thank God. The entire ordeal isn’t quite over, there is still an infusion once every three weeks until April 2012, but the daily trips an hour a way end today. I thank God every day that the doctors found the “area of concern”, that she was sent by her doctor (thank you Tom!) to Dr. Wesen and her group. They have been unbelievable. I thank my sister and my dad for going with my mom to each and every appointment (either one or the other) and to make it a “fun” time by having lunch out, and running errands. My mom’s neighbors and friends have been so supportive and I am more than grateful for that. It’s so hard to live far away when you can’t get this all off your mind. All of her doctors have been amazing. Fred and I both went with her to chemo which was really something. It’s shocking to see how many people cancer affects. Is it in our water? The air? Ugh, it’s gotta be something because the place is full. Always. Damn. From very very young, to very very old, there is no one who is safe. So y’all do what you can to stay healthy. Walk or run. Exercise however you can for as long as you can. Lay off the bad food, eat more good food and pray. And to everyone around you who it affects, do what you can for them. Be a supportive ear, bring some tasty foods or drinks (coconut water is what my mom swears got her through (it hydrates you better than anything else) and greek yogurt (with all the protein…). Drop off some books or magazines, a flower, something happy and anything that shows you care.
YOU MADE IT MOM! I love you! And am so thrilled that this is behind you… may you only see smooth sailing ahead!
xoxo me
Catch you back here tomorrow!
ARTFOODHOME.COM 
From a perspective of having never gone through a cancer situation personally… although mom went through it with her mother many years ago… it was handled differently back then. Mom and I were just talking yesterday about the very first doctor appt when we got the details of the cancer. It was frightening and overwhelming but we kept our sense of humor laughing about anything we could get our hands on. We took good notes and our plan was to compare them during lunch after the appt. When we arrived at the restaurant, we both looked at each other and said “No notes”. We’ve had enough for now. You can only take so much at a time. We had a delightful lunch not talking about the details of the monster. We’ve handled the whole situation just like that. When you can take it, you take it and when you can’t you don’t. Mom has been so incredibly inspirational to us and has given us a gift that is so very priceless… the gift of coping with humor and grace. I honestly feel that if I were diagnosed today, I could handle it with dignity and I didn’t feel that way before. I always thought if it happens to me, I’ll freak out. Also, when you see just how many people go through this, it’s astrounding. There’s strength in numbers. You can’t say “why me?” because too many people have some type of cancer to deal with. It’s mind set. It’s survival via happiness. It’s awesome to have that ability. Thanks Mom!! We love you!
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AWESOME Bridget, I couldn’t have said it better myself! To any of you out there who have just received a scary diagnosis. Keep the faith, keep your sense of humor… don’t be afraid to let friends help, you’ll make it through!
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Just read your very beautiful messages from my beautiful daughters…I was lucky to have you and your families with such support every day and we can look back now on how we all dealt with it and realize God is clearly with us. I had it easy with a wonderful husband there every day too. Thank you all I am so proud of you all. Love mom
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Hi Barbara:
I’m so happy for you, your mom, and the rest of your family that the chemo is over and brighter days are ahead. I’ve wondered so often about your mom so I’m glad to hear that all is going well.
I agree that walking with a loved one through a life-threatening illness is a lesson in patience, love, faith, humor and mindfulness. It is difficult being so far away…seems we feel better when we can help in person.
Best wishes & take care all,
Tracy (Herbst) Wills
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THANK YOU Tracy! My mom has been such an inspiration! I think I’ll start calling her GRACE! she has definitely shown a lot of grace throughout this process! Thanks again…,
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