Carin' for Karen

Karen tells us how crappy chemo is, and we tell her how uncrappy she is.

Friday, December 02, 2005

Living

A few of you have recently started asking me what’s going on since I haven’t written in a while. I am sorry about that. I didn’t realize how long it has been since I last made an entry in my blog. I have thought about writing, but I just couldn’t think of anything worth writing.

I have been busy, but I didn’t think any of it was worthy of telling. What have I been doing? Living. I just realized that the things that I thought weren’t important enough to write about are the very things that make up life. It is so wonderful to be living, and even though I try not to take it for granted any more, I realize that I must or I wouldn’t have dismissed what I have been doing as unworthy of reporting.

I have been feeling well for the most part. The chemo treatments only make me feel badly for about 5 days out of the 21 day cycle. Even on the sick days I go on with my life. I have been laughing, shopping, visiting, listening, talking, cooking, praying, seeing, loving, learning, studying, reading, singing, reflecting, walking . . .

I am not doing anything earth shattering, just living my normal life which, when I think about it, at this point in my cancer journey, is a fantastic thing to say.

November has been a great month. I spent a beautiful weekend at the beach. The weather was perfect and I was surrounded by friends, food and fellowship. The following weekend I had my chemo treatment, but a friend had a surprise 50th birthday party that night that I couldn’t miss. Attending this celebration refocused my attention on the importance of everyday happenings that make up life. The kids came home for a couple of weekends in November which was a great delight to this new empty-nester mom.

I have learned not to lie around and think about how lousy I feel after a chemo treatment. Instead I go out and do what I would normally would do and try to ignore the aches and nausea. It is real therapy to go on with life regardless of how you feel. It reminds me of the verse that says, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11).

I have a chemo treatment this morning in about 2 hours from now. If I don’t write again for a while, don’t worry about me. Just remember I am busy living.

2 Comments:

  • At 11:16 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey Karen,

    I appreciate you updating your blog. I check it often to see how you are doing and it is great to hear that you are doing well and staying busy. I pray for you often that God will continue to strengthen you. I also pray that He continues to reveal Himself to you and that you remain strong in Him. I hope that things go as well as possible with your treament today. I look forward to hearing more from you soon.

    In Christ,
    Tim Stutts

     
  • At 5:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Karen,
    Just wanted to say hello and that we are still praying for you and your family and think of you often.
    May the Lord continue to strengthen you.

     

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