First of all, I am SO SO happy that I got to get out of the house and stop by the Children’s Hospital party on Friday. It took me about 20 outfit changes to find clothes that somewhat fit, but as it turns out I could have gone in sweats and still had a fantastic time seeing people that I really missed. This was a pretty tough week at chemo, and having a couple of hours to feel somewhat normal again and socialize was really wonderful. I might have over-exhausted myself just a little, but I think it was completely worth it.
The only photo taken! |
In talking to people that I haven’t seen in a while, I noticed that it might be kind of confusing for friends to figure out how to best support me during this difficult time. A lot of people mentioned wanting to give me “space”, which is very thoughtful, and I think many people just don’t know what to say or how to say it. So how about I make it easy for everyone and just tell you what’s helpful, yea?
Here are things I love:
1. Emails or facebook messages. I’m missing out on so much that’s going on at work and in your lives, so please feel free to write and tell me how you are and how your day went. What’s the latest gossip? Any fun winter plans? Maybe I’ll be having a bad day and I won’t be able to respond, but it always makes me happy to hear from my friends. An empty inbox is a sad inbox.
2. Cards/packages. I am keeping a collection of all the get-well cards that I’ve been receiving. They go up on my wall right across from my bed and it is so encouraging to look at them when I’m down. I guarantee that if you drop me a card in the mail it will make my day. There’s nothing better than receiving NON-medical-bill-related envelopes!
3. Follow my blog, friend me on facebook. I don’t think it’s lame that we haven’t talked for five years and now you’re back in my life again, I think that’s AWESOME!!! One of the best and most unexpected things to come out of this mess is the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. It’s really touching, actually, when someone completely unexpected shows support.
Things that are not-quite as helpful:
1. Phone calls. I am so in-and-out of doctors appointments and hospital visits and naps and everything that it’s very hard to catch me at a good time to talk on the phone, and frankly it can be a bit draining. Most of my phone calls are medical-related or from CVS regarding a prescription, and that is okay with me.
2. Sending food. Up until last week, this was amazing and delicious! Unfortunately, now I have to be very careful with what I eat and how it is prepared, so food gifts and restaurant outings are complicated.
I hope that makes things easier for all of you guys. What I’ve really learned from being sick is that when in doubt, any contact is helpful. I know it’s the thought that counts, but if that thought can be written down and conveyed somehow... well, that counts even more! I have such a varied and lovely and wonderful support group of friends and family, I cannot possibly thank you all enough in this post or any other. Now please excuse me for my pre-supper nap.
You look beautiful in that photo! And I love the scarf & the tying technique!
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