Laughter and Strength

 Mom always told me that my grandfather , Afi as referenced in Icelandic , often told jokes and filled each room he was in with laughter.    She referred to  her mother was one of the strongest women she has ever known. 

We are digging deep during this phase in our journey to fill the room with laughter as we know she thrives when laughter is present.  It is hard not to be utterly consumed by cancer.   Everything about it, the mass amount of doctors, appointments, tests, pills, tubes.. all of it is overwhelming.   How do you find laughter during this time.?  I don't know the answer to that question but we are trying like hell to make it happen.     By giving her laughter  we are trying to capture her father,  our  Afi for her.

Her mother, my Amma,  I struggle to find  the strength she had , but mom has that covered.  Mom is the strongest person I know.   With that my mother has become her mother.   I worry that she suffers in silence , but we push ahead.     During this time mom sleeps often.   If you ask Dr. Google some of the side effects of Chemotherapy fatigue is one of the main ones.  Other side effects include weight loss, hair loss, and lethargy.   All of these we are embarking on.     However, every day I am amazed by her strength.  I hope even one day I come close to being  as strong as my mother as she has embodied the characteristics of her mother. 

We met with the Radiologist today August 31st.   The results of the PET scan were presented to us. Mom's cancer is called Limited Small Cell Lung Cancer. (SCLC)   The PET scan did not show any presence  of cancer in other locations of the body other than the lung and the clavicle nodules.   This is good news.     This is news that made us all happy, so very happy.  This news will give to a restful nights sleep for the first time since August 9th and the courage and hope to push forward. 

The treatment approach is going to be  continued chemotherapy in combination with radiation.  The radiation will  be for 33 days , Monday thru Friday with a duration of 15 minutes each session.    The main side effect is a sore esophagus.   There is no additional medication that is required during the treatments.      Chemotherapy will continue to run 3 consecutive days , with 12 day break (still maintaining radiation treatment during the time off from Chemotherapy) . There are 5 cycles of chemotherapy scheduled thus far. 

September 12th is the start of the dual treatment cycle . Until then we rest up, get some good calories in and find our laughter. 

What can you do.... send mom a card, a letter, something that reminds her of Iceland, perhaps some Lopi to  entice her to knit.  Her address is 4627 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.    Keep her in your thoughts each and every day.

“Inhale, exhale, it is well, it is well. All of this is a part of the story you will tell.” – Morgan Harper Nichols