Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Emerging

Like a butterfly departing from its cocoon, so am I breaking free from the illness that characterizes my treatment week. The last two days I have been cautiously resuming my life and it feels great.

I am now settling comfortably into a pattern of life. It goes pretty much like this: 7 days of sleeping and just barely functioning, 7 days of "ramping up" to semi-regular activities like helping with homework and driving again (with plenty of rest and naps thrown in between activities), and 7 days of feeling almost completely normal with regular energy levels and lots of enthusiasm for all the things I did not get done during the prior 14 days. Then I begin all over again.

This is not so bad. I can definitely do this. To be quite honest, sleeping is not a terrible curse for a mother of seven who hardly ever gets enough under normal circumstances. Similarly, nausea is a really good diet plan for someone who has been meaning to drop the baby weight for about three pregnancies now.

Treatment weeks bring friends and family close, and this I treasure. Our guest room has hardly been empty since my diagnosis and I love it. I am being wrapped up in love and care from those around me so that I really can rest and I really can take my time ramping up to normal again. I am so blessed by this all.

I have been trying very hard to go to mass every day, as receiving communion is, in my view, medicinal as well as spiritually uplifting. In the bible, those who simply touched Jesus' cloak in faith were healed immediately, so how can meeting him in the Eucharist each day fail to assist in my healing?

I have found it difficult to get out of the house and to mass during treatment weeks. This problem has been solved beautifully for me, as Jay has now been trained as a Eucharistic Minister who brings communion to the sick specifically so he can bring me communion on days I cannot go. This is a beautiful thing for us both and I am so thankful to those at our church who supported us in making this happen.

Among other things I am grateful for is the fact that I am able to continue to cantor two out of three Sundays. When this first began I was fearful that I would be too ill to sing anymore at all, but as it is turning out I really can make it happen on the two "off" weeks. Yay!

So, there it is, life as I will experience it for the indefinite future. I am grateful for each day, and it shows in how I am spending my time. (I can't remember the last time I played so many board games with my kids!) Each day is clearer and more precious to me. The mundane is not so much anymore, and this is a really good lesson to learn, for anyone.

10 comments:

Jen Savard said...

Then I guess it's a good thing we got all those new board games for Christmas!!!! By the way, how does the playroom look? :)Also thought you would like to know Jeff put you on the prayer list at his campus youth group so now you have the Mustangs 4 Christ all praying for you! Public schools in Texas, ya gotta lovem'!
Love you and miss terribly.

Annie Bizzi said...

Music to my ears--Thank you Lord!

Sarah McCormick said...

Dear Suzanne,
SO glad to hear you are feeling better and getting back on track. This can only get better for you . You are my inspiration!!! Take care friend!
Your prayer warriors wont let you down. Lots of love and prayers on the way!!!!!!!!!!
Sarah McCormick

Unknown said...

As usual, you continue to amaze and inspire me! I'm glad you have some days when you can do the things you love and be with those who are so important to you. Much love, Kristin

antonia said...

God bless.
I got another letter from my Carmelite nun friend today and she said that her and her sisters are all still praying for you.
As am I.

God bless
xxxx

Kerry said...

thank you for keeping us updated! your outlook is amazing.
praying for you regularly!

Anonymous said...

Saying lots of prayers and thinking of you.
Maura

Dawn said...

To be quite honest, sleeping is not a terrible curse for a mother of seven who hardly ever gets enough under normal circumstances. Similarly, nausea is a really good diet plan for someone who has been meaning to drop the baby weight for about three pregnancies now.

Good job finding the silver lining!

Anonymous said...

So, So glad to hear from you. Checking every day. I will now optimistically wait every few weeks for the beautiful butterfly to shead it's cocoon! Love, Tracey

anna lisa said...

When life gives you lemons...Make Margaritas!!!!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Love,

Anna Lisa