De-stressed!

Well, our stress peaked this past weekend! Robin is really not looking forward to surgery (Dec 11th - two weeks from today). She felt it was easier to do chemo and radiation because she was always awake during those treatments and she felt more "in control". Also, with surgery she won't be able to avoid taking pain medication. Pain meds have always make her feel nauseous, weak and dopey - no matter what the doctors have tried prescribing. On top of all that she's worried that surgery will change how her face looks! We joked about asking the doctors if they could throw in a little cosmetic surgery while she's on the table - but what could they do, Robin's beautiful just the way she is! ;)

We are also anxious about the upcoming PET-CT test Wednesday. It will be the first real "test for cancer" since finishing the chemo and radiation treatments. This weekend was the first time we really talked about "what if" something is found. Depending on what shows up it could mean more chemo in the future (ick!). We know that she's received heavy duty treatments but it's hard not to wonder and worry about all the possibilities.

We admitted that in the last few weeks whenever she has had a problem we have each thought to ourselves "is the cancer back". Like last Monday when she threw up lunch, or when she's had a headache, or even when she has had pain in her hip. Talking through all our fears was such a relief - just getting them out in the open seemed to diminish their effect on us!

Our best ways to deal with the stress have been: (1) to have faith that there is a plan for everyone, and so there's no need to be fearful; (2) to focus on living and loving each day (hey - you don't even need cancer to do that!); and (3) taking time to talk about our hopes and fears!

We pray that all is well with you and your loved ones, and we wish you a Happy Holiday Season!

Peace and Love