I just want to reassure everyone who visits the blog daily - no news means I was just taking a break from posting this blog - nothing else!
Today we had a 2 hour appointment at Madrona with Dr. Rubin and the chemo nurses. They were able to squeeze us in for the first chemo treatment this Friday. It will be a five hour session, receiving two drugs.
We are both quite sobered, and sad, about the journey ahead. Joanne has been through chemo before and is accessing memories of that experience. I was an oncology nurse for years so I know what we're facing. We both feel better emotionally when we focus on the present and what is right in front of us. When our thoughts wander to the road ahead - the rest of this year with another major surgery and then more chemo, it feels overwhelming and scary. I know the physician has to tell us all the worse case scenarios, but in many ways, it is not helpful. So, it's one day at a time and the kite strings we are holding onto are Joanne's amazing ability to heal and the belief that she will sail through the chemo process. We are pointing our boat downstream and going with the flow. . .
Janet & Joanne
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23 comments:
J&J,
I'm onboard, with oar in hand. Know that you are loved and prayed for. I'm with you wherever the journey takes you.
In a canoe, I love to watch the ripples of water dripping from the end of the paddle as it rises, ready to take it's next bite out of the bay. Regardless of uncertainty of your voyage, there is always beauty along the way. I have faith that you will find it.
Love,
Nancy Kennell
It's GOOD to go with the flow! That way you save energy and time for all the wonders that are ahead of you.
You're so blessed to have so many people who love you and who want to help when you are feeling afraid and overwhelmed. You're in my thoughts constantly. Smile Joanne -
Janet, We didn't get to connect on
Sunday but It was good to see your presence at Bobbi's installation.
We know the journey is difficult and that you can't see around the bend. So, with all who love you we hold the faith that you will be given what you need in each step, each breath, each day. And we hold the faith you are guided, blessed and wrapped in love in each moment.
Our Love to you both,
Jennifer and Bob
Yo Buddy:
While you are doing Chemo, I know one of the best ways to support you is to get my Usana business rockin and rollin. My goal is to help you become an Emerald and of course, that will support me in my goal of becoming gold. I figure if Dr. Christine Northrup just became Emerald - so should you.
So to all of us Usana folks - let's enroll - it's the classic win/win.
Love,
Kathleen
Your Buddy!
Joanne and Janet,
In addition to all the other love and healing heading your way my little (yet powerful) family is sending more from the East side of the state!
You both are in our thoughts, and often!
Monique, Nick and Miranda
P.S.
Joanne, you are always with me when I'm digging in my garden- which has been often lately.
Hugs,
Monique
OK, this is now your marathon...a long, tough, journey...I'm with you every step and an entire community of support is ready to assist you.
And now, a fable.
There was a Pacific island people who needed to choose a new king and one of the tests was how the new ruler would deal with the ocean that surrounded the island. The first man who wanted to be the new king ran into the waves and thrashed about, trying to push the waves away from the shore...he soon tired and gave up, admitting defeat. The second man built enormous walls to protect the beach from the waves, but the tides came up and in and waves smashed the walls, and this man too, admitted defeat.
The third man studied the waves for a long time, then found a piece of long, flat, wood. He paddled out in the waves upon the piece of wood and used the action and power of the waves to ride the waves, carving beautiful arcs in the water.
The people thought he was very clever and elected him king.
Sometimes you can't overpower it, you have to use all your skills and smarts to ride it out. We're alongside you for the long road ahead.
Peace,Love
Jerry Horner
Jan and Joanne,
I am so glad you are doing this blog because I am thinking of you every day and wanting to be connected to you on this journey, but not to intrude with calls or e-mails. I heard yet another story today of someone who is thriving and healthy after a similar ordeal, Joanne, that you are facing. I hope it will give you some strength in the days ahead to know that so many people are pulling for you - include me in the throng.
Kathleen learned
Hi Joanne and Janet,
Yes, I would agree . . . trips to your blog provide a tangible connection to you both, a dwelling spot, an electronic circle and meeting place. Yes, we practice our patience (as Mother Hens, in Sharon's words previously) and continue our prayers, filled with hope and love, and trust. God is surely working miracles in and through you both, and within all of us, interwoven as we are in this fabric of life.
Zander sings Karen's ditty, and his voice is Angelic. I've not heard his voice so melodic and gentle, and wavering, as it does, at the end of the lines, and I smile, imagining your faces if you heard him, too.
As for chemo and its unrelenting force to seek the good in every moment, I would ask, Is there any prayer, thought, affirmation that you would like us to hold along with you as you begin Friday? You know, one that can tranform the experience into one of bliss if we all focus really hard with you? We'll hold vigil with you as per your wishes . . .
All of us would like to comfort you, hold you, and wipe your brow as you go through this. I, too, have been hearing story after story of people beating ovarian cancer since this journey began, and I figure that's becauase you're also going to send 'em packin'. The unfortunate part is the "when?" We all have to let go of when and focus on trust. "When" was yesterday already, right?
May each now moment remind you of the Miracle you are, and how this trivial human experience is, dwarfed by your Brilliant Soul--- powerfully rich with golden Energy and Light.
hugs and love,
Tess and ZBug
Ace & Janet --
As someone we know and love once said, "When it comes to the school of life, you two are already black belts."
This one's more like aikido -- go with the flow....
With much love from 37,000 feet,
Ace
Hi Janet and Joanne...
We're paddling downstream with you all the way...tons of love from the both of...
Mara and Natalie
In the words of Peter Mayer
God is a river, not just a stone
God is a wild, raging rapids
And a slow, meandering flow
God is a deep and narrow passage
And a peaceful, sandy shoal
God is the river, swimmer
So let go
In the River with you, Jennifer Yocum
I know that chemo is not the way that you would probably just love to spend your time on any given day, but you are in wonderful hands at Madrona, Joanne. They are the greatest folks ever! As your body receives the chemo cocktail, perhaps you may wish to visualize the fluids flowing rapidly through your body and just zapping the heck out of any remaining cancer cells...here a zap, there a zap, everywhere a zap zap...... As the cancer cells are zapped out, may positive energy, peace and strength flow in as you take this part of your journey.
Hugs to both the Js,
Etta
Dear Joanne and Janet,
I'm glad that you're home... Thank you so much for these updates and for letting us share in your journey. I continue to know that you are filled with healing light and love, Joanne. I know that the love and powerful, positive thoughts of all of us are beaming into you 24/7. You are held in so much love. We are with you as you take the next step.
Love,
Cathy
Joanne and Janet,
We walk with you today and are with you at Madrona. Think we'll all fit like in Seattle? Hmmph. We'll make it happen ;-).
Big hugs and hearts full. Let us know if you hear any good jokes while you're out. Love Tess and Z
Hey gals,
So good to talk with you on Sunday and to hear your voices. We are with you on this journey and are available anytime day or night.
Our love and hugs,
C&S
In the darkness there is always light. The light of lovers, the light of friends, the light of family. All the universe shines for your grace. You will always journey in light and love.
J & J:
Like the others, I'm with you more than you know.
Joanne, Dr. Rubin is a terrific doc and and an overall swell guy. He's been taking excellent care of my husband, and he'll take excellent care of you. And, hey - the nurses at the infusion center give a new meaning to dedicated. If you must go through this, there are worse places to be. How wonderful that you are surrounded by so many friends who love you. Life is good - let the healing begin!
Lorna McGowan-Smith
Ace & Janet,
I'm vibing you today from 6 different states. You're both in my thoughts and prayers as I hop from place to place, thankful you're in my life. Let the medicine work its magic....
Oodles of light and gobs of love,
Ace
Joanne,
Just had a rockin' and rollin' ENW board meeting last night. Tina is the new president, and everyone is excited, inspired, and working on every possible level to let ENW be all it can be .
In essence, all I can say is WOW! I'm in awe of what you have helped to create and nurture. Thanks!
Steve Hindman
Dearest Jo,
Dan & I are akways thinking of you, you are so dear to us. Barbara Hollender and several Reke healers are doing a group session for you. I hope you can feel the healing and the love.
Always,
Dan & Nanc
Janet and Joanne, thank you for keeping the blog, so we can read how you're doing--you are in our thoughts every day.
much love, Ruth and Bob
Hi Joanne and Janet,
The evening sky is brightening again with brilliant light. Z's just off with his Dad. And, I to sit a dog. Beforehand, however, I've been inspired to send a note of sorts, and as I peered for the source, I found this upon opening "The Seeds of Greatness Treasury" by Denis Waitley (apologies, can't get it to underline text):
"Going Full Circle"
Just when they all cheer you, and when you're at your best
That's when fate steps in to really put you to the test
Just when you feel certain you're going to win it all
Something you couldn't see causes you to fall
Just when they start thinking that you'll never win the race
You head right up the mountain with that look upon your face
And something deep inside you gives you courage to succeed
And you find the strength to rally in your darkest hour of need
You've got to bear down when the others all forsake you
You've got to have faith in your heart where it can take you
You go full circle and turn yourself around
Going Full Circle, and make your life rebound
You go full circle and try it once again
Going Full Circle and win!
After I'd read it and was delighted with it, I saw Denis wrote it as a tribute to Lance Armstrong. He's sure "been there and done it" on all counts. Keep his inspiration with you.
Big hugs,
Tess and Z
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