Caregiver

     With the treatments building up, the side effects are increasing as well.  Amy is noticeably more tired and is spending more time down than up.  She hasn't lost her spunk and can still manage quite well.  I don't see her entering any 5k runs in the near future, but we weren't exactly following the Army's "Fit to Fight" work out plan when we started this treatment. 
     Heading into our 6th treatment, we enlisted the help of our first born to guide Amy through yet another eventful trip through Cancerland.  Our oldest is 15 yrs old and was blessed with his mommas eyes. 


Mother and Son

 A light shade of blue that show a hint of green with the color change of a dark green shirt.  Amy's eyes are hazel, but can darken green or blue with a clothing change as well.  For me and our younger son, it's plain vanilla brown.  Of course, neither of our boys have the nice blood shot red in the whites that I've been sporting as of late.  That keeps me in the running for joining the cast of Twilight or True Blood, assuming they've lifted the age and weight requirement...I can dream.
     The tasks of keeping up with chemo are plenty and, thankfully, our boys have done a respectable job of picking up the slack that we've incurred with the side effects of treatment.  With so much stress and pain caused with this illness, it would be a shame to overlook the blessings we do have.  Two boys that are quickly developing into young men are definitely top of our list.  Our little one is finding his way with his Boy Scout troop and young enough where hanging on his mom is still cool.  And Anthony is filling in my shoes and learning about a different role that most kids seldom see; the role of Caregiver. 
     The role of Caregiver in cancer is a complicated task.  Involving communication, knowledge, trust, and maturity - things teenagers are still learning and developing.  In treatment you rely on your Caregiver to make some decisions for you while you focus on the chemo.  Fluids, blood pressure, and allergic reactions to the meds are some of the things the nurse checks on; but you, the Caregiver, spend most of your time managing and watching.  A very grown up task for such a young heart.


      My sweet pink soldier was in very capable hands.  Anthony performed his duties with ease.  Reading to his mom from his World Geography book.  Just the comfort of him being there was a measurable impact that made the difference with her session.  I can't be at every single treatment with my shift-working schedule and knowing that my son can manage this task is a true blessing.  What will he take from this experience?  A sense of compassion and sensitivity for those dealing with the stresses of cancer, the understanding of what takes place at a cancer center, or maybe just the satisfaction of knowing that he was there when his mother needed him. 
     While a mother's love for her children may be fierce, loyal, protective, and self-sacrificing, the love those children share can be equally measured.  We are very grateful to be blessed with our boys who love their mother and will step into roles, normally not meant for them, when needed.  We are a family whose primary caregiver is hurting.  To offer love, compassion, and open arms is worthy of praise.  On this day, our oldest son displayed an unwavering resolve to support his mother and our family.  Today, he was our Caregiver.


Anthony in laughter

    

1Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.