First Day of Chemo

Today a dear loved one started chemotherapy. When I heard the news of her breast cancer diagnosis, it broke my heart. She is such an amazing woman and inspires me everyday. She is giving, loving and kind. Now she is afraid..

Cancer is a beast and chemo is often one of the treatments offered. She will need chemo for 12 weeks, followed by surgery. The doctors want to shrink the tumor before proceeding to hopefully less-invasive surgery. We just hope and pray for the best results.

Since my own cancer journey just a few years ago, I know the fear she is feeling. My treatment plan did not involve chemo, but I know how this strong woman is suddenly wondering what her future holds. I know she has unanswered questions that weight on her mind. Will I have bad side effects from the chemo? Will I lose all my hair? Will the chemo shrink the tumor? Will I have bad nausea? On and on...

And yes...even will I die?? So many unanswered questions and during chemo you simply don't have all the answers. You are just afraid. You are forced to live in the now and do your best with what you have been given. But you are scared and often do not show your true emotions. You are more afraid then most of your loved ones or friends ever see.

I will be there for my loved one whenever she needs me and I will listen to her voice, her perspective and what SHE needs. This is her journey and I will love her to the moon and back through it all..

Today I think of my loved one and send her my heart in a few typed words. I love you today, tomorrow and everyday thereafter. You are not alone...