For months, my mother was heralded as the poster child for chemotherapy. Her spunk always brought a smile to the nurses and oncologists. We felt so fortunate that she was relatively free of side effects, attributing her success to acupuncture and medical marijuana.
But after my mother’s eighth chemotherapy treatment she quickly began to deteriorate. The deadly cocktail finally took a toll and was ravaging her body. She had several falls and needed to walk with a cane, and even then had problems getting around. She was audibly grimacing in pain and it was hard for me to watch her rapid descent. Before the cancer, she was going to the gym seven days a week, and now she couldn’t even walk on her own. Several times, her blood count was down and we had to skip or alter treatments.
Last week, my mother confided in me if she had to endure another chemotherapy treatment, she felt she would die from the pain. I suggested she discontinue her chemotherapy after ten treatments, and we met with the oncologist to discuss her options. In the waiting room, I surveyed all the patients, each at different stages of their treatment. Patients in wheelchairs and walkers, overweight, emaciated and bald. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and it was a racially diverse crowd, including other Vietnamese patients with medical interpreters. Some people were alone and my heart squeezed as I imagined their isolation during this challenging process. The oncologists agreed with my mother’s decision to end her chemotherapy early, and I felt like skipping home.
Easter was three days later. And miraculously, my mother was able to walk unassisted on the third day!
Seven months ago, I received news of my mother’s cancer diagnosis while in Greece. I’m so thankful I could return to Seattle to help my mother and be surrounded by supportive friends and family. Tomorrow, we are headed to Harmony Hill (www.harmonyhill.org), a cancer retreat center in Hood Canal, for the next stage in her healing journey.
Sucking the Marrow from Life 
Good to hear that she did a turn around Anne – most of all that she used her voice and stopped what was hurting her (with you by her side I am sure made a difference). We wish your mother a good recovery!
Kayleen, Thanks so much to you and Dana for all your support. We had a great Mother’s Day walking in the Arboretum. She gets stronger every day! xo
Sending all my positive energy to your mother & you. Thinking of your family from far away. Take care~
Denise, we are feeling the love from Taiwan! Hope to see you soon in Asia or North America!
Annie, Glad to hear the latest positive development in your mom’s treatment and recovery. That chemo is strong poison and we are lucky that it is available and helps people. My mom got very sick and nearly died as a result of chemotherapy, and I learned a lot about how individual each person’s cancer treatment can be. Best wishes as you go forward!
Love, Maria
Maria, it’s been amazing to learn and gain support from all my friend’s journeys with cancer. Thanks for everything and hope to see you soon. xo
Annie, you are my she-ro! You are a beacon of light, no matter where in the world you happen to be hanging your hat! Sending good vibes to your awesome mom. xoxo, Nisha
Nisha, Thanks for always being a great cheerleader! See you next month!
Thank you for the update on your lives… I’m with Nisha — you are a light in the world, Annie. Enjoy the journey with your mother and my prayers for her full recovery. Susan xx
Susan, My thanks to you for all your support. Hope to see you soon in Southeast Asia or Australia! xo
Annie,
What a wonderful present for you and your Mom! It shows the power of faith and positive thinking. Joan has a friend of her father who is now 97. She got a MRSA infection when she was in the hopsital for a checkup of her heart. She was in and out of the hospital and nursing home until we were able to finally get her home. We almost had to kidnap her as the hospital did not want to release her but wanted to keep sending her back to the nursing home and make sure the cash kept flowing. She lost her hip to the infection and after getting her back to her apartment after three long years( she paid rent every month as she had faith), she stopped taking all the meds and is doing fine. That was two years ago!
Love,
Dad
Dad, we are so lucky to have excellent health care in Seattle! Hugs to you and Joan!
Hey Annie, I’m glad to hear your mother is doing better. Sending good thoughts your way. Remember to take care of yourself, too, while you’re taking care of your mom.
Vu, I’m not getting 3-4 massages a week like in Southeast Asia, and have to be satisfied with bi-monthly trips to the Korean Spa 😉