5 Ways to Recover From What Ails You

Ah, here I was rejoicing in spring, glorying in new life and warm breezes.  And then BOOM, from out of nowhere, my health went south.  In a matter of hours.

Maybe I flung those windows open too soon?  Whatever. 

What to do when you end up under the weather?

1.  Call the doctor.
I ain't no hero.  It took me more than three decades to find a decent primary care doc.  You bet that if I need some meds, I'm on the phone.  This guy saw me in an hour.  You just can't do better than that.

2.  Fill the fridge.
I mustered up my energy and headed to the market for some fresh fruits and crisp veggies.  A big ol' chicken for the crockpot.  Lots of juice.  And then stopped by the local Chinese restaurant for THE ultimate comfort food - a quart of steaming hot, flavor-packed wonton soup.

3.  Buy pansies.
They were gorgeous, they beckoned, their cheerful purple and yellow faces made me smile, they were on sale.  Need I say more?

4.  Cancel life. 
Everything gets put on hold.  I can't think of a single soul interested in my germs, my sneezing, my wadded up tissues.  I'm staying in, drinking gallons of water, and keeping my misery to myself.

5.  Veg out.
These are those rare moments when you have full permission to do nothing.  To lay on the sofa ensconced in your favorite quilt and sleep the afternoon away.  To leaf through a magazine or space out in front of old episodes of Call the Midwife.  Or write a few lines about getting your health back.

 

This post is in honor of those special ladies in my life who are dealing with major health issues.  My puny ailments don't hold a candle to the seriousness of what you're experiencing.  You know who you are.  And you know I'm praying for you.

 

Hugs.

 

recovering with Nancy  *  Laura  *  Kristen  *  Holley

 

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Grateful . . . Amidst 'Shock, Horror, and Depression'

I'm no stranger to women navigating their way through life-threatening illness. You might remember Kristen, who recently went home to be with Jesus.  And my sister Marilyn and friend Sharon who continue to live life fully ... and their way-too-funny tales of their chemo-baldness uncovered for all the world to see. These women and countless others are heroes to me. 

I recently re-connected with a dear woman from another time, another place.  I had always relished our conversations together 'cause she's quite perceptive, very smart, and has a wonderful sense of humor.  In her email, she shared her new blog with me.  It's not a mommy blog or a decorating blog or anything frivolous or cutesy.  She's writing about the recent discovery that she has Relapsing Polychondritis, a very rare auto-immune disease with no known cause ... or cure.  Bottom line?  Her immune system is attacking and destroying the cartilage in her body. 

Her writing is candid and straight-forward.  With honesty and startling wisdom, this girl is 'rotating between shock, horror, and depression while trying to ignore the all-consuming fear.' 

This week, she considered what thankfulness looks like in the midst of so much bad news.  With her permission, I am honored to share her anonymous journey with you.  In the spirit of this season of gratitude, all I can say is that if you're in the habit of whining or complaining about all things insignificant, this will put a stop to that.  I promise.  And it will remind you, once again, that we are all fading, day by day.  Some of us just seem to be doing so more rapidly than others.

In this post, she muses about her kids, her diagnosis, the process of losing her hearing, and the business trip that takes her away from her husband ...

'In all things, I am supposed to give thanks. I am as yet unable to give thanks for my disease. I hate it and would give it back if I could. 

I am thankful though, for many things that surround my disease ...' {finish reading here}.

P.S.  Would you be so kind as to add this new friend to your prayer list?  We would be most grateful ...

> photo by HaoJan

 



A Note From My Sister

Marilyn, October 2010

Linda,

When I was having treatment you gave me a devotional book called Journey Into Day (meditations for new cancer patients) by Rusty Freeman. I told you then that it was really good and I got around 1/2 way through it and put it down. We must have had company around that time because I recently found it in a paper bag of piles of papers that I had put in my closet!! I started reading the book where he starts talking about the end of treatment, remission, etc. It is excellent and definitely the best book for new cancer patients - (not sure if it is good for people who are terminal). It is written by a pastor who has had cancer two times.

I'm thinking of buying a bunch and bringing them to the oncology treatment waiting rooms - I know the one at Beth Israel they take all kinds of books - and I'm also thinking of giving some to the oncology chaplains office. So, thanks for passing it along - I think you got it from one of your friends.

Guess it is good we were cleaning out a closet!
Marilyn

Thank you to those who still ask for my sister.  She continues to forge ahead ... and in a monthly cancer support group, she's now impacting the lives of other women.

Linda

Please Be Aware ...

September is

OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Be aware and ...

1.  Know the symptoms (they often whisper.)

2.  Get the resources to educate yourself.

3.  Find support if you've been diagnosed.

4.  Donate funds if you can.

5.  Be a sensitive friend/family member. 
* 5 things that people with cancer want you to know. 

* Practical ways to reach out. 

* What people with cancer need to hear.

* Unwelcome and painful words, phrases, and questions to avoid.

+ How to Talk to a Friend with Cancer

+ 18 Ways to Comfort a Sick Friend

In honor of all those women in my life who've been fighting cancer - you know you've got my love and deepest respect
~ Linda ~

Showing You Care

Not quite sure what to do when serious illness strikes someone in your world?

Afraid of doing the wrong thing ... or putting your foot in your mouth?

Here's some good, basic Do's and Don'ts to help you navigate the often difficult road when someone you know becomes seriously ill.

Trust me, sooner or later it will happen ...

Don't be afraid to be a blessing!
Linda

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity"
- Proverbs 17:17.

" ... afraid yet filled with joy ..."

Barry summed it up best this afternoon when he wrote, "we find ourselves afraid, yet filled with joy {Matthew 28: 8}.

Here's why ...

Please join people from all over in praying at 9:30 am on Monday morning as the all-day surgery begins.

We'll keep you posted ...

At Peace ~
Linda

"You will keep in perfect peace she whose mind is steadfast, because she trusts in You"
- Isaiah 26:3.

Caring Bridge

Jenn just set up a Caring Bridge site for Lydia ...

and there were 70 hits in the first hour.

We're enveloped in love and support and prayer. And we're so thankful that we're not walking this path alone. God has been so good to have given us a world-wide community.

Linda

"Carry each other's burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ"

- Galatians 6:2.

"Lydia was fabulous ..."

- Jenn & Lydia, clowning around in February -

AN EVENING UPDATE FROM JENN

"We just got home from an exhausting day at Hopkins.. The day went well. Lydia was fabulous with everything they put her through. Her surgeon seems very optimistic about the surgery. He does not believe that the tumor is attached to anything so the hope is that he should be able to remove the whole thing.

Her surgery is set for Monday (the 5th) at 9:30. We were told the surgery would take 'a long time, all day,' but he would not give us an estimate of exactly how long. She will be in the PICU overnight, then if she's stable, she will be moved to the children's floor the next day.

They are expecting her to be in the hospital for 5 days, then 2 weeks recovery at home. After the tumor is removed, they will have it tested so we know exactly what we're dealing with and if further treatment will be necessary. As of right now, he does not believe that it is cancer.

We're mentally and physically exhausted but also at peace. God has been so good to us, giving strength for each step along the way. Our friends here have really pulled together around us.

Please continue to pray and feel free to pass this along to as many prayer warriors as you know!

Lydia Needs Your Prayers Today

Today's the day when Lydia goes to Johns Hopkins for the MRI. It took time to get this lined up because she needs an anesthesiologist for the procedure.

After the test, Jenn and Barry will be meeting with the surgeon to find out all the details about the brain tumor and discuss the surgery that she'll be having next Monday.

And then she'll go through all the hospital pre-op that's necessary.

Please pray! For all the fearful uncertainties that she will encounter today. For Jenn and Barry as they talk with the surgeon. And for the medical team that's being put in place. And yes, for the rest of the family as we wait. And wonder. And hope. And have our faith stretched a bit
more.

Linda

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors"
~ James 1:2-3 (The Message).

"Beautiful Great-Aunt Marilyn" Suggested ...

The grandkids call my sister "Beautiful Great-Aunt Marilyn"! She's worked with lots of children and their families in crisis, and encouraged Jenn to get some books from the library to help prepare Lydia (Katie and Andrew, too) for her hospital stay ...

What resources do you know of for hospital-bound children and their siblings?
Linda

Prayers for Lydia

- After her visit with the pediatric neurosurgeon, Lydia's life-long dream comes true ... being in a real life art show -

Thank you to all those who've prayed at home ... and during your support groups and workshops and Bible Studies. Thank you to all those who've emailed, blogged, phoned, and have gotten your prayer chains in motion. People around the world are praying, and I am confident that God is hearing every word and seeing every tear.

This prayer from a local Celebrate Recovery leader arrived in my inbox this morning.

We are deeply thankful for your love and support ...
and His ~
Linda

"Heavenly Father, You are Lydia's Creator, and You know every cell within her head. Please put your loving finger on that growth and melt it away like a little lump of snow. Please free Lydia of headaches. All will know that it is our mighty God who has done this miraculous thing!

You say we do not have because we do not ask ---- well, may our petitions for this child echo around Your throne! May You be amazed at our faith, just as You were amazed by the Syrophoenician woman's faith, because we dare to ask You to accomplish what is impossible for man to do.

Gently pour out Your healing power on Lydia, please.
Thank You! Amen."

My Lyds

Our oldest granddaughter, Lydia, is a 6 1/2 year old, bright ray of energetic, creative, enthusiastic, sweet sunshine.

Yesterday we found out that she has a brain tumor. It's located in the center of her brain. It is operable and the plan is to do surgery within the next month.

So, with our daughter Jenn's permission, I bring our family to you, my worldwide Creekside family.

God has allowed this crisis into our lives. We know we are not created to walk alone. As you've read so often on this blog, we've been created to walk in community.

And so we are asking you to walk with us through this valley.
Would you please pray with us and for us? And ask your praying friends to do the same?

On My Knees ~ Linda

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble"
- Psalm 46:1.

Battling Cancer

There are 4 very special women in my life fighting cancer these days. They join other men and women who've done battle with this insidious disease that I've been privileged to know and love and counsel along the way.

I'm touched and inspired by their courage and tenacity. The conversations we've had are soul-searching and deep. They weep and grapple and wrestle. They make their peace with God. They make me reconsider what's really important.

Loved ones and medical professionals begin to rally round. They're usually joined by others that you never expected to show up. Times of crisis remind us how absolutely essential it is to have a support team surrounding you - not only during medical crises, but in healthy seasons, too.

We just weren't designed to go it alone.

As in any challenge, there are some very real and valid emotions that swirl and churn inside that must be acknowledged and handled well in order to do more than survive.

To thrive. To grow.

And that's true for those who've been diagnosed ... and for those who walk beside them.

5 Tips for Staying Sane with Cancer arrived in my inbox this morning. And I'll add one more thing. If you've ever connected with your Creator, if you've ever needed Him ... it's now.

Pour out your heart to Him, the only One who truly understands your terror and pain. The anger and anxiety. The powerlessness and sadness. He's not afraid of your emotions. He's got big shoulders and tender arms and a heart of compassion that weeps with you. And He promises never to leave you. Never to forsake you.

Life happens. The unexpected and uninvited arrive. Things change. But God stays the same. And He's not going anywhere. He loves you too much.

Linda

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid"
- John 14:27.

Isn't It Time?

Something happened a long time ago. Truth be told, you probably can't remember the details. But the resulting disconnect, severed ties, and estrangement has left a tender wound that has never quite healed.

Isn't it time to begin the journey toward forgiveness? To take the path of re-connection? We only have so much energy given to us each day. Do you really want to expend what little you have on resentment, regret, anger, hurt, and bitterness?

I've spent the last four days working with families where terminal illness has hit home. I am in awe of their determination to live well. My admiration for them knows no bounds. These incredible, courageous men and women have reminded me again about the importance of loving connections. The power of spoken affirmation and appreciation. Cherishing the simplest of joys ... and creating priceless memories that will impact the next generation.

There's simply no time to waste on stupid pride or nursing useless, foolish grudges. Most of them have figured out that looking backwards and wringing their hands at what might have been is a colossal waste of valuable energy. There's no time for regrets. Every moment received is a gift of priceless value. And they know it.

So, please read on to discover how a health crisis can force us to evaluate what's really of value. And then make the choice to take that first difficult step toward the healing of old wounds. No - you probably won't forget, but it is possible, by God's grace and strength, to begin the journey toward forgiveness.

Let's face it, we really have no idea of what tomorrow will bring ...

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you"
- Colossians 3:13.

Forgiven ~
Linda

Fight It

Join with others in helping The Breast Cancer Site reach its daily quota of donating at least one free mammogram to an underprivileged woman - low income, inner city, and minority women whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click the pink window in the middle that says Click Here to Give - it's FREE!

This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors and advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammograms in exchange for advertising.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. If detected early, the 5 year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogrm. The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their 40s and older have mammograms every 1 - 2 years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.

Be sure to add this site to your favorites and click on every day ... before you check out the Creekside blog!

Joining you in fighting ~

Linda

Giving & Receiving Support

A great resource has crossed my desk in recent days, due to the medical challenges facing one of the women I met during the recent Inheritance of Hope retreat. Care Pages provides a great link between families in medical crisis and their circle of supporters. You are able to create an on-line community where people can check in to see how their loved ones are doing. Easy to navigate, with privacy safeguards, this site allows the family to leave up to the minute updates online instead of spending valuable energy making phone calls, sending numerous emails, and telling the same story over and over again. A great venue to give and receive emotional and spiritual support.

If you're in a medical crisis, or are in the community of someone who is, do check out this innovative service.

Appreciating Technology ~

Linda