Thursday, August 28, 2014

10 Things I Would Tell Someone Who Has to Face A Cancer Challenge

Recently my brother-in-law encouraged me to document ten things, items of advice, that I would give to someone who has to face this cancer challenge.  Here are ten that I thought of today.  
1) Have a doctor buddy-someone who goes to all your appointments and is the designated listener.  Everything is so overwhelming and it is easy to shut down.  Having another ear and someone who can ask questions is so helpful.  
2) It is okay to have help.  Even though you won’t want to admit that you need it, you do.  3) Bandannas are the best.  Scarves are pretty but heavy.  Wigs itch when your hair is falling out and growing back.  A light weight bandanna is best.
 4) The Internet can be your friend but it can also scare you to death.  Everybody is different and reacts differently to the treatments.  Just because something happened to someone else doesn’t mean it will happen to you.  Just wait and see.
 5) If you feel like you need to take a nap, you need to take a nap. Just do it.  Getting enough rest is crucial in helping you recover. 
6) Your eyelashes will fall out but they will grow back too.  Mine are better than ever! 
 7) Be prepared to talk about it where ever you are.  Just face it, people are curious and they want to know.  It is part of the way they deal with it.  Just have a positive attitude and know that you will be asked about it. Sometimes you just want to do or talk about something else.  Have a friend come watch a movie with you or talk to your husband or children. 
 8) Drink lots of water.  Water was really the only thing that tasted good.  I did not like any flavor whatsoever in my water.  Diet Coke still tasted good but it had to be plain, no mix-ins.  Staying hydrated helps you feel better.  Drink!
 9) “Chemo-brain” does exist.  It is actually post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment or short term memory loss.  Embrace it, if you can’t remember someone’s name or something you read, say it’s chemo-brain. It is part of the fatigue you will experience. 
And last 10)The doctor says that if you exercise and eat right you will do better with chemo.  They are right but you won’t feel like it.  You will crave things and want to eat them.  Mine was Quarter Pounders with Cheese-YUM!  Just do it but not every meal.  Exercising doesn’t have to be complicated.  You will be exhausted and you won’t feel like it, especially if you work too.  A simple walk does wonders.

The cure has been hard and expensive but I will survive and see many more years with my family.  I have had so much support and care from all kinds of people.  My husband and children have been so amazing and have taken care of me.  Robbie and his friends wear pink once a week to school. My sisters cooked for us and spent time with me, which I loved.  Live wElle Foundation paid for my wigs.  People have brought meals, quilts, scarves, money, or just come and visited with me.  I am consistently reminded about how good people are. 

My grandmother passed away at age 78 from Leukemia, her fourth type of cancer.  She went through surgeries, chemo twice, and radiation. She was brave and strong and determined to handle things well.  She said, “I have to deal with it but I can choose to deal with it poorly or deal with it well.  I chose to deal with it well.”  I didn’t choose cancer but I did choose how I was going to deal with it.  Like my grandma, I chose to deal with it well. 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Summer Vacation

This is a branch from a Sequoia.  We are at Big Tree State Park in California.

Inside a fallen Sequoia.

Yosemite

Yosemite

San Francisco

James enjoyed the food!

Lombard Street, the Wharf, Sour Dough Bread Factory, Graces Cathedral

Alcatraz was a highlight of our trip.  It was very interesting.

Fort Pointe and the Golden Gate Bridge

See no evil, say no evil, hear no evil!
We spent a relaxing and fun week in Yosemite, Angel's Camp, and San Francisco.  We saw some amazing things and learned a lot.  Here are some highlights of the trip!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

It Is Time For Another Update!

One of my favorites!

Goof Off

March-Robbie received the Priesthood!

Bear Lake

All You Can Eat Snow Crab at Bear Lake




Our farewell to Maggie!  We will miss her.

Some play games and visit, others nap!

The stitches, which he popped open yesterday and they aren't looking so good!

Prom! 2012  Check out the heels.  Today her legs hurt, I wonder why!

Sadly, I haven't blogged for a while.  I wanted Austin to see some pictures so I decided I needed to update.  Here are some highlights of life at the Ewell's since February.  We have had stitches, prom, graduation pictures, a sad loss, vacation/USU business, and just some beautiful flowers blooming in our yard.  Enjoy!

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Updates






I wanted to post some of the fabulous pictures from my dad's and James' dad's birthday parties but I don't have the pictures yet from my dad's and I didn't take any pictures at James's dad's.  Both parties were tons of fun.  I will post the pictures when I can.  McKenzie got a new dress for Sweetheart's.  Grandma had to do some major altering but here it is with her cute date.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Can you believe it? I am updating my blog!!

Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein
It has been a long time! The last time I posted was after one of Robbie's first football games.  His team lost only three games, two during regular play and then their final playoff game.  They came in second in his age group.  This fall has been a busy one.  James and I, with the help of my sisters, hosted a big Halloween party.  James and I went to West Yellowstone to celebrate 22 years of marriage.  We had a great time and Yellowstone is one of our favorite places.  This last weekend we took Robbie to New Mexico.  James was consulting a friend on some marketing ideas for his business and Robbie and I went along for the ride.  We stayed in a beautiful place but it was off season and there wasn't much to do.  We did stop at Mesa Verde National Park and Four Corners on the way home. Here are some picture updates as well. 

I could of reached out of the window and touched this bison if I wanted to.  I didn't!

We saw a ton of swans and geese!


The view from our deck in Red River, New Mexico

The Rio Grande

Mesa Verde

Robbie's favorite part of the whole trip.  We definitely will go back!

Robbie in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado at the same time!

Football!  A little blurry but he is number 56!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Are You Ready For Some Football?


Even though the weather is hot and summer still lingers, football season in our small town has begun.  Robbie is playing tackle football this year.  It will be a new experience for him.  He has enjoyed it so far.  He really loves his equipment.  The day we got it he wore it around the house all evening.  I know there are some of you who may be disappointed by the Payson green but he is proud as can be.  Can't wait to see his first game!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Happy 18th Birthday!










On Wednesday it was McKenzie's 18th birthday!  We celebrated with my parents, Anna, Nate, and Claire in Park City!  I didn't bring my camera but here are a few pictures of McKenzie through the years.