Monday was chemo and radiation days. Those are my days to drive because we don’t want to tax any of our friends into sitting through the long days. On Monday we left the house at 5:30am and got back home at about 5pm. That did include a stop for groceries and a stop at the thrift store…but that makes for a long day even without the stops. Besides, Kramer talks to the doctors on that day and we can discuss problems if there are any.
This week there were problems. Swallowing and the feeling of heartburn were the new “fun” feature. The doctor said…”Ya, those typically come into play about now”. UGH. Kramer has been trying to defy all of the predicted problems but that’s just not happening. He takes that a little bit hard. He’s always been a VERY strong man and like most of us, he thought his physical strength and his higher pain tolerance could power him through some of these symptoms but sadly, chemo doesn’t work that way. Chemo can take the toughest of people and put them in the recliner for a few days. Kramer never expected that he’d be one of them.
The doctor said “We have meds for this….no worry.” And so Kramer added two more pills and now a liquid medicine for this new symptom. He, a person who previously didn’t take a lot of medication, is suddenly on pill overload. We had to buy him a pill organizer last week. It’s simply too hard to keep track of it all.
So what do I do on Mondays while he’s taking in chemo…I stitch. To pass the time and make it a little more fun I “make up little games”. On this day, my goal was to try to finish up my little cross stitch piece for the month.
The first day of chemo I was able to get the border almost done.
The next week I finished the border and then I did the tree, words and the green grass.
At the start of Monday’s chemo day I needed to do all of the putzy stuff. The red flowers, white flowers the blue, the fish and the sheep.
Chemo days are a series of appointments. We start in the waiting room…then a blood draw…then waiting room…then doctor..then waiting..then the infusion process starts.
That is even a lot of starts and stops. First premeds…then anti nausea meds the one med and then another med. So I played a game….could I do a certain section or a certain color in the amount of time we had to wait. That was going so well…then we got to the infusion room. I was about here.
Time to start in on ecru and the sheep.
This was my view. Kramer is so blessed with the ability to sleep through much of this.
I was happily stitching along and then before I knew it, chemo was over. Next stop radiation. I stitched and stitched like a mad woman trying to finish the piece. It’s so nice to feel like I accomplished something on chemo days so crazily I stitched ignoring my phone and everything else and I finished!!
I am thrilled!! The last stitch went in with about 5 minutes to spare.
Next week I start this one…. “Faith”
I am so impressed with myself. I’ve been stitching along on these meeting my goal of one a month. I have FOUR finished now. Next week’s goal will be to get as far as I can on the border. I always start with the border first.
It’s silly to play games and race the clock but sometimes it’s the little things that get us through the big things.
Prayers continue for Kramer, you and your family. Having walked in Kramer’s boots eight years ago, I understand what he is feeling and it is not easy. It is so wonderful that he has you, your family and friends supporting him through this journey. God bless you!
What a perfect set of stitching to help you get through this difficult time.
Peace be with you all through this.
Good thoughts to y’all, my husband and I went thru this last and this year.
Can you explain sometime how you start the cross stitch on what looks like linen? I love to cross stitch, but have never worked on the small count fabric. Thanks!
I think it is wonderful that you are concentrated on Peace and Faith. These little stitches will carry you thru now and remind you of how strong Kramer is. My prayers are with you and your family.
Congrats on finishing your stitching. That’s a perfect way to pass the time. Wishing you and Kramer Peace and Comfort. Hugs!
Whatever works, I say. Peace!
These are so pretty! What a neat stitcher. These are the little things that help us get through
I’d say that’s one of the best mind games I’ve ever! Keep on truckin’. My best to all of the Kramer’s.
Oh my such a beautiful expression of peace even though you had to stitch like crazy to get done. Congratulations on making your goals. Our prayers for you all.
Kramer’s physical strength and youth (yes!) are helping him so much right now. His body is getting hit hard over and over and he continues making it through the days and weeks of this fight that is like no other. You are all so strong and in so many ways. Out here we’ll all just keep praying!
Thinking of you and your family! Your cross stitch is super adorable! Will you make pillows? Wall hanging? Let us know
Games are what most of us use to get thru life, at least I do. Play away! Love the little heart in the sheep’s wool.
Chemo takes down the best of us. When my son was taking all his pills I had them lined up on the counter, numbered them and made a chart as to what time something was given and when the next dose was due. Of course with childcare kids there you can’t keep them out like that. Definitely hard to keep track of them. Great that you are keeping yourself occupied with the cross-stitch. Doing something creative also is good for the soul. When I was out and about Saturday and looked at the linen (I’ve only used Aida cloth in the past) I couldn’t see how to use it. It sure looks lovely though. If I get back at it I will start with Aida cloth again.
Hang in there and keep stitching
You do such a great job on your embroidery. They look so nice. Good luck to you hubby and his treatments
I’m so glad that you are able to go on those “long” treatment days. It can be hard for the patient to remember everything they are told or wish to ask. I continue to pray for his continues strength to fight on and stay healthy in the process. Safe travels Jo and I love your stitchery.
How lovely to have your mind focused on “Peace” as you stitched your way through the appointments.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3.
Prayers coming your way. Everyone does this differently so just hold on and one day at a time.
I don’t know if Kramer has lost his taste yet but, when my daughter was going through radiation and chemo she said “mom I can’t taste my food.” We were told by a nurse not to cook anything in a metal container because it puts more of a metallic taste in your mouth. Cook everything in Corning Ware. So we went out and bought a few sets of it. Also to help with the taste, suck on lemon drop candies. It seemed to help. So I’m sending you this email to tell you what worked for us. I hope when Kramer has that problem it helps him to. Just remember, Jesus is wrapping His arms around Kramer to keep him safe and to show Kramer of Jesus’ strength to help Kramer persevere throw this ordeal. And to show Kramer that he is loved by our Lord and Savior.
I love your cross stitch projects, Jo! I challenge myself, also. I can open a pkg often w/ quilting or cross stitch supplies enclosed or magazine or book if I complete some house work, mostly vacuuming ~ great motivation! I admire how you & Kramer are handling his cancer & treatments! Keeping your family in my prayers. Sending hugs!
I remember chemo days with my daughter – no fun but I also stitched my way thru as well. One little nugget that helped us as the process moved on was to “eat white” after chemo – i.e. applesauce, mashed potatoes, vanilla pudding, pasta with butter or white sauce- chicken- milk gravy. It helped my daughter keep her food in and her numbers up so we could get thru the process. We missed few treatment dates when we started this. Praying for all of you to feel God’s hands around you.
love your cross stitch pieces. What a great way to pass the time and have something so pretty to show for it. Prayers for your family continue. So glad Gannon is doing better. Your family is strong and will continue to be so with God’s blessing. Stay strong.