Taylor Swift’s lucky number is 13. Kylie got through weeks 13 and 14!
As you know, these past few months have been a whirlwind.
In the process, I’ve found myself coming to a place of betterment.
I’ll admit that there probably isn’t a single day that goes by without me thinking a small thought of what if it comes back and kills her?
Due to the fragility of living with a spouse that has cancer, I’ve grown to become more compassionate and to value life more. I’ve learned to analyze if I’m doing what I want. I am learning to be more present and put my phone down when I don’t need it. Say yes to experiences and service and to helping others. And I’m learning to say yes to letting people serve me.
We’ve also become less stressed about things in general, surprisingly. Sure, there are times when I feel overwhelmed, and that’s ok. But the stress of things impacts me (and Kylie) less. For example, some changes have happened at my work that have led Kylie and I to talk about some “what ifs”. What if I get laid off? What if I don’t have a job for some time? Sure, it’s hard and stressful, but nothing will compare to the feelings of going through cancer, especially the difficult moments like those when we waited for the diagnosis. Most importantly, we know that God will support us and everything will be okay somehow.
The other day, I had to do something at church and take care of a Tommy at the same time Willie had an accident in his class. It was stressful, but I just took it as it came, knowing that everything would be okay. Monica grabbed Tommy, and I took Willie to look for spare pants in the car. We couldn’t find any undies, so he was a pull up boy, haha. All of this is to say that it is easier now to be in the situation, whatever it may be, and to be calm.
It goes back to what I’m learning from my life coach, something Kylie is already a natural at. Circumstances don’t create feelings; thoughts do. If I’m having a stressful day, it’s not because I work full time and am a full time parent and help my wife out. I feel stressed because of what my thoughts are telling me about the situation.
No matter what, things always work out with God.
Thankfully, Kylie has had 2 full weeks without a doctor appointment! She told me she was so happy she could cry. The first week without a doctor appointment, she rested some more and slowly got more energy back. It does seem like it’s hard for her to go up the stairs without being winded a bit. Maybe her hemoglobin is dropping again.
During the second week, the week before the Red Devil (Doxyrubicin) strikes again, she and some friends went on a girls’ trip. She got everything laid out and ready to go. I came upstairs to the “office” in the closet, to work, and on the ground saw all these clothes laid out with shoes for each one and wigs for each outfit. Kind of weird seeing wigs with each outfit. The packing and the clothes and shoes are no surprise, usually, she brings more shoes than what I think is needed. Then again, I only pack one or two pairs, haha.
Kiki, Kyies mom came to help us out that first week after the Red devil. During week 13. It was so good to have her here to help with the kids. Kylie was still lying and resting a lot during that week. Kristi was able to help us do all the things and keep the flow moving in the home as I worked. She was also so patient with me as I asked her lots of questions about her Marigolds show she and Kylie watched. Haha.
Not much happened that week; I was just resting and gaining energy.
Kristi was only here for a few short days, but it was so great to have her here.
Then, we spent the weekend by ourselves and pretty much rested and relaxed. We went to the Shivelys’ house for dinner on Sunday. Oh, and I had a game night playing Dungeons and Dragons with a group of friends on Saturday. Emmie went to a cute little mermaid birthday party on Saturday.
On Monday, my mom came into town. She is here for two weeks. I went to pick her up, and on the way home, I told her all about the plans for the next two weeks. The first week will be mostly normal; Kylie will rest more than if she didn’t have cancer, but she has also been able to do things here and there. The 2nd week, though, will be vastly different. After Kylie has chemo, she will be sleeping most days for about 3-4 days.
Kylie went on a fun girls’ trip with her friends here. Kylie had a really great time in Charleston, South Carolina. This city was voted a top city to visit in the USA, so we feel blessed to live pretty close to it. She and her friends did a carriage ride, went shopping, ran around the hotel, and even managed to talk to us through our Ring cameras as we put Tommy to bed. Haha. We love traveling, so being able to go somewhere with friends during treatment is a good thing for her.
While Kylie was gone, Grandma and Emmie made cookies. Emmie had an early birthday present of Sand delivered. A big truck drove into the backyard and dumped 2 tons of sand into the sandbox. 2 tons is a lot, but inside that huge dump truck, it looked so small. The kids loved playing in this.
Willie and Emmie got sick, and that’s okay. They are better now.
We went to Croft State Park and found out there are 47 state parks in South Carolina! It’s going to be so fun to visit all of them.
We also planted a garden with some help from the Brights in our ward. We want to grow vegetables and fruit. We are starting small this year and then will expand as it works out.
After Kylie got home, we had a birthday party to go to on Saturday and a dinner at a friend’s house. I also had a church training that I went to Saturday morning.
It’s been a busy couple of weeks, and it’s been so nice not to have any doctor appointments and to see Kylie gain some energy back. Just thinking about the next treatment brings her to tears because her body feels so bad afterward, but only 3 left!
She’s beating this thanks to the doctors, nurses, God, and all of you.
#kyliebeatscancer