Wednesday morning I had knee surgery. A surgery I've been putting off for about a month now. And honestly all day Wednesday, and most of yesterday, I sat looking at my knee, then looking at my crutches, wondering- why does this hurt if the laparoscopic incisions are so very small and why does this hurt more than BEFORE surgery?
Needless to say, it's day three and it feels much better already.
But I learned something- something that I thought I already knew, but now have an even greater appreciation for- my Mom is an absolute rock star.
You don't realize how much help you will truly need when you are faced with walking only with crutches- for example, how do I fill up a cup of water from the kitchen and bring it to the living room? Mom.
Or, how do I make dinner and sit down at the table to eat? Mom.
The examples go on and on.
I can't even begin to describe what an incredible caregiver she has been to Dad throughout his battle- she's compassionate, caring, and patient. She gives her love and her time without ever asking for anything in return. And she goes above and beyond to make life comfortable.
She's a rock star.
And Dad. Well, Dad is not far behind on this "rock star" status, as he's been home with me since Wednesday. He fills up water cups for me while Mom is at work, helps me make my plate for lunch, and checks on me constantly throughout the day.
They are both such a great team- they balance each other and bring out the absolute best in one another.
And Mom does this all while working full time. And Dad does this all while on chemotherapy this week.
Rock Stars.
Dad's chemotherapy seems to be a LITTLE bit better this week- and we aren't sure if it's due to the good MRI we received this week, Dad B-12 shots we started on, or the fact that he is so very distracted with my recovery- but regardless, it's been a good week for Dad. We are so very thankful!
It was wonderful to be able to go into surgery knowing that Dad's MRI was in fact stable, that it showed no changes and we could keep going on our current treatment course- talk about a decrease in stress and anxiety for me!
31.5 months post diagnosis is so very rare- as those who make it 3 years with Glioblastoma are considered "long term" survivors. We do not take these 31.5 months with Dad lightly- we take these months and praise God for the time we've been given- the QUALITY time we've been given. And we take these 31.5 months and think back to the countless friends and family who have encouraged us, prayed for us, and supported us throughout it all.
From phone calls, text messages, meals, snacks (LOTS of snacks!), and flowers being send my way- I can honestly say that I have the best friends and family anyone could ask for.
Maybe it takes something like a little knee surgery to really see first hand the type of caregiver Mom is to Dad, but I'm so glad that I get to see first hand what Dad sees in Mom- a compassionate, caring and absolute wonderful person who does so much for others, and expects very little in return.
Asking for continued prayers as Dad continues to fight through this week with determination and faith. Thank you all for supporting us on this journey, and thank you for helping us BTHO Brain Cancer!
Well done on taking the leap and getting the surgery done so soon. I know all too well how it is when you are forced to move around with crutches. My wife really had to look after me during my surgery. Your parents are rock stars, they deserve the applause. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, very inspirational, thanks.
ReplyDeleteJarrett Ransom @ Dr Wade Faerber