When the pandemic hit, I was busy going breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I was busy trying to hold it together for my family. My house looked like a tornado hit it and I spent a lot of time resting.
Each of my children have coped different with my diagnosis and treatment. It's interesting to see how each of them handle the news.
My youngest, is ever ready with my "fwo-up" bucket. Fortunately, after finding the right medication, I did not have nausea. I had wicked headaches that were cleared up with a prescription medication. On my treatment days she would sit and color on the bed next to me while I napped.
My third born also hovered on the bed. He and the youngest had an unspoken agreement that I was never to be left alone. So they would take turns, each one sitting with me while I napped. While the youngest would sit and color quietly, the 9 yo sat reading at the foot of the bed. Whenever I opened my eyes I would see one of them standing guard.
My oldest daughter spent her time helping her younger siblings. She took them out for walks around the neighborhood, helped with homework, or assisted me if I needed anything. She has a nurturing nature and I am so blessed to have her. Often, she was the one that made sure that the two youngest attended their distance learning in the spring.
Unbeknownst to me, my oldest child was coping by writing. He kept it from me while he develop his stories and created a website. For the last 4-5 months he has been busily tapping away at his keyboard developing characters. When he was ready to share his work, he was already knee deep in several stories. I could not have been more impressed. As a fellow writer, I am incredibly proud of him and all that he has done. As his mama, I am beyond tickled that he is following in my footsteps, surpassing me, and already a better writer than I could ever hope to be.
He had a harder time assisting around the house and spent his time buried in his work and the worlds that he created. We all cope differently.
I've finally had a chance to read some of his pieces. If you are looking for something new to read, check out his work on: https://edgeofstory.com
You won't be disappointed.
As for me, I've turned the corner on my treatment. I'm going to less appointments. I've finished chemo and radiation and now go in only every 3 weeks for Herceptin. That will continue for about another year. I've also started taking tamoxifen, a drug that will hopefully prevent developing breast cancer again. I get to take that drug for about 5-10 years. So far, I've responded well to treatment.
I've continued my own writing. You can find more of my recent work on Medium. Check it out, if you haven't already. I'll post links to specific articles in future posts.
In the meantime, be well and happy reading!
