I Believe in Yesterday. Today Was Another Story.

I was somewhat productive yesterday. When I woke up, my mom and sister were here collecting dirty laundry and folding and putting away clean laundry. I was inspired to get up and help them out. My sister has been quite remarkable in her dedication to serving my family. As I previously discussed, she has finished my bedroom, watched Taddy several times, folded many loads of laundry, brought freezer meals, and sent her husband over to do some handy manning. When we were at the temple together the same day I learned of my diagnosis, Heather told me she'd been praying to find out what direction God wanted her life to take now that her kids were growing up and leaving home. She said she'd been discouraged, because she hadn't had a definite answer to those prayers, but she believes now that the reason for the delayed answer is because she needed to have the flexibility and time to help me through this cancer treatment. I can tell you she has wholeheartedly embraced that duty. And yes, I know what a blessing she is to me!
After getting up and moving around I was feeling well enough to get some things done. I cleaned the kitchen, put some laundry away and sucked up some leaves in the yard with the Shop Vac even! I even went to a movie (Coraline) and dinner with my in-laws and the kids. I loved the movie! I was so engrossed I forgot I had cancer for a few hours. It was very artistic, with a very strong animation style and an interesting plot. You should go if you haven't.
When we returned from dinner Heather was at my house again! This time she brought several of her kids with her and they were trimming bushes and doing a spring clean-up of our entire yard. That's what prompted me to get that Shop Vac out--I helped a little with the finishing touches. She and my mom had also purchased clothes for Kate, Hunter, and Parker, and a variety of beverages for me since I have to drink so many glasses of water each day to flush out all these meds.
Unfortunately I kept busy enough that I forgot to keep up with my anti-nausea medicines, so come late evening I was feeling a little weak and weepy--like I felt a lot of Thursday. I have evidence now that the meds actually do something! Rachel came to my aid and made sure I caught up and then sweetly helped me up to bed, and the nausea was much better in the morning, but in its place was a nasty cold with lots of nose running and sneezing.
So I've been much less energetic today and have achieved very little other than watching a few basketball games and napping in a warm snugly blanket with Tadman and Kate.
Greg was well enough to go to work for part of the day, the kids all went to the Y, and Tadman got a few rides in daddy's "huck" (truck), so everyone was active and doing but me.
Even though I've been down physically today I have really enjoyed the time with my family. Tadman is adorable and so much fun, Kate did a fashion show for me, Parker gave me lots of hugs and kisses, and Hunter was my guy for drinks and medicines and anything else I needed. Rachel took the day off for a change and enjoyed shopping and friends, but has been a calming presence ever since she returned home.
As I approach the end of my first week of cancer treatment here are my observations. Yes, the treatment will at times be hard, and sometimes very hard, but it's nice to have a reason to cut the non-essentials of life, to spend more time with my family, to say "no" without guilt or second thought, to let people help. I feel so much closer to so many people already, and I think that's a great side effect. I'm enjoying your comments about my blog and I'm glad my friends are reading it. I'm filled with gratitude for your prayers and support.