Sunday, November 13, 2011

“How’s Your Mom?”

This weekend was our first show since I wrote the story announcing my mom’s lymphoma.  We have been overwhelmed by the support from all of you – we are grateful for your e-mails, notes, cards (Mom has read every one) and especially your prayers.  But I never considered what might happen once I saw some of you in person.

It started Thursday morning during setup, and continued all through the show during the weekend – a single question, repeated over and over . . .

How’s Your Mom?”

Vendors walked up to me – customers greeted me as I passed out coupons in the line before the show started – and again when they were checking out in our booth.  Again, I am overwhelmed and grateful.

Here’s an update – Mom is doing well.  She had her second chemo treatment nine days ago and still hasn’t had the first bit of nausea.  Her white count dropped to a dangerously low level about two weeks after her first treatment, so she was “quarantined” at home except for doctor appointments until it came back up.  The second treatment was cut back a little in hopes that her white count will stay higher.

The lump is gone . . . and so is her hair.  But she has an assortment of doo rags that I think look really attractive.  And I have noticed that her personality is back – Mom is usually very bright and cheery, but for the past couple of months she has looked so tired.  I think part of it was worry, and part of it was the cancer affecting more of her than just her neck.

Mom

I snuck this picture at the doctor’s office as she was getting her bloodwork done a couple of days before the second chemo treatment.  It’s not the most flattering shot (the front view really looked like she was wearing a hat), but I wanted a picture to text to my brother and I wasn’t sure she was ready to pose.  Someday soon, I’ll try to do better.

Again, thanks to all of you – this is truly an amazing community.

5 comments:

  1. Greg, I am so glad to hear your Mom is doing well and that her lump is gone right now, hope things continue going well. I love hearing about your dog Zoe too. yes it looks like you stayed very busy.. How did the convention in Michigan go?

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  2. so glad she is doing so well. thanks for updating us, this is a real or virtual communitee.

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  3. I think your mom looks wonderful and what a bonus that she hasn't been nauseous. Prayers still winging their way to your family for her complete recovery. The Great Physician will help her through this.

    Loved your roofing story. We had ours done about 5 years ago and one of the grandsons wanted to help the roofer so he could make some extra money. He was up there maybe 3 minutes, lost his footing, and fell off the roof into some bushes. Thankfully he wasn't hurt. I wish I still bounced when I fall. LOL

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  4. Glad to see your mom and to hear things are going well. Will she be staying in Ohio this winter? Blessings to all of you.

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  5. So sorry that I missed the show this weekend. Seeing your enthusiasm is always a highlight of attending.

    I so appreciate you sharing the story about you mom. It has been a month of cancer at our church with too many people being affected. I add your mom to my prayer list knowing that God has endowed many doctors with the brilliance to work miracles on His behalf.

    Your family's willingness to share this difficult time is an inspiration. It is far too frequent that we choose to suffer in silence rather than to be open. I hope your positive experiences will encourage others. Blessings to you, your mother and your family!

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