Candy went to chemo today. Wasn't that nice of her to take my place?
I have been thinking and thinking about uplifting/encouraging ideas for posts for this week, but it just didn't happen. First, there was problem with the Wifi. By the time it was even close to working, my Benadryl bag kicked in, and I was OUT for 2 hours!!! Then, when I woke up, I was surrounded by people who wanted to talk. It was like being on an airplane next to tons of people with whom you have many things in common, and everyone was sharing their stories. One gentleman was on his 3rd cancer diagnosis. A 77-year-old lady next to me had breast cancer before, but was only receiving iron treatments now to keep up her energy. Another woman was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2012, had it come back in her bones and did radiation to control it, and now it's back in even more places, so she is also on her 3rd cancer diagnosis/treatment plan. Her mother also had 3 cancer diagnosis, and is still alive! I enjoyed hearing the stories of others and being uplifted and encouraged by their outlooks, their survivor spirits, and their ability to continue to fight and work and take steps everyday to be a little better and a little closer to a more healthy life.
That is my uplifting/encouraging advice for today. We need to be a little more real about our "stuff" in life and find people we can talk to and relate to. No one has the exact same story, but we can all be uplifted by understanding that we are never alone. Everyone is going through something difficult at any point in life. It could be illness--physical, mental, or emotional. It could be difficult children. It could be loss--of loved ones, jobs, homes, physical/mental abilities. There are thousands of trials and even more ways that they effect us as unique spirits and individuals with unique lives. And we can lift each other and comfort each other by listening and finding common ground and giving support to those around us.
First, come to understand that part of why we endure difficulties is to learn to give thanks to "God, even the Father our our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation." (see 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Once we gain that faith, it teaches us to take it a step further in helping others: "...that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Corinthians 1:4). Knowing that Christ suffered for all our trials, sins, fears, pains, and afflictions allows us to "take his yoke" and never be alone. It also allows us to become angels on earth for others as we lift them in their times of weakness. "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." (2 Cor 1:5) Abound means to exist in abundance, to be plentiful, thick, flowing, not in short supply. As we come to understand that Christ has suffered for all, and many of those sufferings abound in us, or are in large supply in our lives and in the lives of others, we can have consolation through our Savior and me of comfort and give consolation to others. (Relief, compassion, cheer, encouragement, support, sympathy, solace; Help a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.) If we can learn those two points--that our Savior suffered for us that we might gain a testimony and follow him, and that we can use that knowledge and experience to comfort others through their trials, this world would be a much better place.
Kick it to Cancer Kicks this week:
My treatments took a full 6-6 1/2 hours today. They added an additional nausea medicine, since I was sick last time. I also remembered to take pictures of the Elasto-Gel mitts and booties I wear when they Taxotere is administered, which help to cut down circulation to my hands and feet, helping to prevent neuropathy and nail problems. It's COLD, but for good cause.
These Cancer Kicks look a bit different!
Another round down, and only 4 more to go. We got this! And, you can get through whatever "stuff" you have going on in your life, too. There are lots of things that are hard, but you are stronger, braver, kinder, and more loved than you know.
No comments:
Post a Comment