Life's strange turns...
Just when you think things can't get any worse....
After a summer battle with my lupus I was getting my bearings when i discovered my kid sister (yes, still a kid at 54) had been hiding a breast lump for many months. It began an oddysey of doctors, hospitals and tests until we learned it was an invasive ductal carcinoma and she is triple negative. That group, less than 15% of breast cancers, does not get any of the new targeted treatmenst...only the old chemo and radiation. With here seizure disorder and myriad of meds, everything is much more complicated. She went in on 10/13 for a mastectomy and lymph removal but had blood pressure too low ofr surgery. That began an 8 day stay at the hospital with tests, monitors, drugs, etc. until it was a go on Monday night. She is home now and healing from this stage while we wait for chemo to begin. I take June to all her docs and dispense her meds all the time anyway, but this has taken my entire focus since that day in early September when she revealed her secret. Medical environments are hostile to me and my lupus because of the UV lights, chemicals, etc. so I'm trying hard to stay out of trouble while she needs me. Thank God I live only next door and can be there. I calmly removed the dressings yesterday for her, revealing an angry red zipper of stitches and clamps where her breast was, and only later, in the dark of my own room, did I cry for her. Keeping her spirits up is a major focus.
Doing 14 hours a day at the hospital, my niece brought my mail and I received a card from Lois at 29 gifts. That a stranger I had never met took the time to find a way to send me those wishes was an overwhelming gift of compassion. It was one I needed that day when I was almost at a breaking point waiting for her surgery to get rid of the spreading cancer. In my family I am the caregiver- the strong one- and they think i have it all together. I don't. I just pray and forge ahead, and I gather my strength from hugs from caring friends, the beauty of life and things like a card across the miles from an angel I've never met.
Life is good. It is a gift. As we fight for my sister's life and face the treatments ahead, I look for opportunities each day to give to others other around me, whether the patient in the next bed at the hospital or someone who needs a smile. It is in the giving that we receive! I am truly blessed.
I have not abandoned the challenge! being away from my computer has left me far behind in emails, etc. I have only been keeping everyone updated through Caring Bridge (a free site for people who are ill so everyone can be updated- if you have never seen it, you should!). www.caringbridge.com/visit/junewolentarski
Bless you all for all my ribbons and thoughts and wishes and prayers! I wish they were pink ribbons for now.
October is breast cancer awareness month! Know your bodies and ACT! next month is the Great American Smoke-out to quit smoking! My sister would not listen and quit the habit...until now. There's no turning back the clock now. Quit while you can!
I'll be bcak when I can. keep my space warm!
Comment
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Comment by Duchess on December 3, 2010 at 3:40am -
Hope this message isnt late.May God be with you through this trying time.Am sending you my love and blessing.Duchess
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Comment by Deb~ Community Manager on November 10, 2010 at 6:26am -
Thinking of you and your family Julie~
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Comment by Kriston on November 5, 2010 at 5:01pm -
Prayers for you and your sister. Julie, you are one of the angels...
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Comment by Adine on November 3, 2010 at 9:47pm -
I am sending your sister and you my prayers!
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Comment by vgourmet on November 1, 2010 at 10:58am -
Hi Julie - I am new to 29gifts (I'm on day 6) and just read your blog. I know how hard it is to deal with hospitals and doctors, as I was the caregiver for my mom when she was sick. She had Lupus, and several cancers. I also know how hard it is to stay strong when you don't feel like it. I was not dealing with my own illness at the time though (only stress) and can only imagine how hard this is for you. I will keep both you and my sister in my thoughts and prayers!
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Comment by The Flamingo Room on October 23, 2010 at 1:17pm -
Thinking of you and your family. Sending healing, peaceful thoughts.
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Comment by Deb~ Community Manager on October 23, 2010 at 12:01pm
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I am so sorry for all you are going through. I will pray for all and please take care. Know our arms and hearts are open and full of love for you~ The light will burn bright for you Dear Julie. Love you~
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Comment by Lois55 wwt on October 23, 2010 at 10:27am -
Julie, I am so sorry about all that your family is being challenged with. We knew here something was amiss when we didn't see your pretty face and words of wit and wisdom grace our pages. I told Deb I was going to send you a card to check on you..little did i know the horrible health issues you all were facing. You and your sister are in my prayers and thoughts...You are loved here....please take care..xoxoxoxo
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Comment by Melissa Hedine-Tootle on October 23, 2010 at 10:23am -
Sending prayers and thoughts to you and your sister. My grandmother died of breat cancer when I was 6, so I don't remember much of her. I would love to send you and your sister a card. Please email me your address.
melissastamps2@hotmail.com you can also check out my Blog:
www.mommystampincreations.blogspot.com
Thanks and prayers
Melissa Tootle
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Comment by Mary Johnson on October 23, 2010 at 9:42am -
Julie - sending my prayers and positive vibes for your sister to get over this 'bump in the road', as my brother-n-law called his successful bout with cancer, and for angels to continue to lift you up as caregiver. I'm the primary caregiver in our family, too, and I understand completely what you're going through. I'm so glad you're there for your sister.
Take your time. We'll leave the light on for you. :-)
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