Chemo session #6 was easily the best one so far. Teresa has been feeling more energetic than usual, to the point where she spends more time up and around than reclining in bed. Her projects include knitting a sweater and cleaning up the kitchen periodically. This week, Teresa even ironed a few shirts! John was delighted to see some of his favourite garments back in the closet and ready for action.
Keeping the next generation nice and warm
Mom’s recent energy spurt may have more to do with her new grandchild than anything else. Sophia Claire joined her parents Christine and Mark Hartwick on Friday, January 18. Now really, is there anything more energizing to a grandparent than a new grandchild? And such a cutie!
Mom with baby
Teresa’s planned weekend pass on January 26-27 fell through, unfortunately, since daughter Marian and her husband Lee had to postpone their visit from Ottawa. Maybe this is for the best, since now Teresa can conserve her energy for next week’s chemo treatment. It’s always tempting for patients to start acting healthier than they actually are, especially after a couple of “good” weeks.
So if Teresa is starting to feel better, can she receive visitors? Teresa certainly appreciates your generous and kind spirits, and is touched by any efforts to contact her. If you’d like to visit Teresa, please call in advance (905-456-7757) and make arrangements with her. Please keep in mind that Teresa is still quite weak overall, and tires quickly. Also, if you have a cold or the flu, it’s best to wait until you’re over it.
Here’s a question for all you blog readers:
In your experience, what are the best things to say when speaking with a cancer patient? Most adults these days have at least one friend or family member who’s battling some type of cancer. The various cancers range from those with a high degree of recovery to those with a high degree of mortality. What tone should the conversation take?
If you have an opinion, please leave a comment where indicated below or e-mail me at jcmolendyk@rogers.com . We’ll summarize the discussion in a future post.
Here’s a question for all you blog readers:
In your experience, what are the best things to say when speaking with a cancer patient? Most adults these days have at least one friend or family member who’s battling some type of cancer. The various cancers range from those with a high degree of recovery to those with a high degree of mortality. What tone should the conversation take?
If you have an opinion, please leave a comment where indicated below or e-mail me at jcmolendyk@rogers.com . We’ll summarize the discussion in a future post.
1 comment:
We went through cancer/chemo with our son, and I still don't know what to say. I think more important is to be there for them, to empathize, to support, to let them know you love them and are praying for them. And then be sure you do it. Not having gone through actual cancer myself I can't imagine how it feels so I don't even try to pretend to understand. I simply can't do it. No "I know how you feel" nonsense. I don't know how they feel!
But I do know how it feels when one's child faces possible death first. It's not a very nice feeling when parents face the prospect of outliving their children. We thank and praise God that our child recovered.
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