How many times do we go through our day asking people the simple question, “How are you?” Most of the time, we just respond, “Fine. Thanks. How are you?”
I’ve been thinking about that so much lately. Standing in line at Fred Meyer a few days after finding out I had cancer . . . how do you answer when the cashier asks you how you are doing? I just answered, “OK.” I was OK. It was true. But how else do you respond to that question from a stranger? “Oh, not good. I’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer. How are you?” Umm . . .
We have no idea what is going on in the lives of those around us. As I walked out of the store that day, no one looking at me knew the diagnosis I had just been given. And I had no idea what was going on in any of those strangers lives either.
Since my diagnosis and announcement, so many others have opened up to me about struggles that they are going through. Honestly, without this “announcement”, I would never have never known these struggles, and never known how to pray for them and encourage them. What a blessing it is to pray alongside other believers, some of whom I’ve never even met in person.
So for the truth about how I am doing today . . .
Day 4 with chemo in my body and doing well. I woke up at 4 again, but was able to go back to sleep until about 6. I decided to not take the nausea medicine today and have had no problems!! The aches from yesterday are gone. The slight headache I’ve had since Chemo started is gone. I woke up feeling a bit rested, but as the day goes on, am very tired. My upper body is sore to the touch, but thankful the achiness of my bones is gone today. I’ve been able to do a few things around the house, which I am thankful for. But mostly I’ve sat down and rested as my body starts to fight off this cancer!
I’ve spent time reading, napping and watching Tom and girls sword fight with balloon swords. I’ve talked to our parents on the phone and texted back and forth with friends and family. I worked on my weekly Bible Study and spent time in prayer. Grateful for another day . . .
Update 8:05 pm – the skin on my upper body is all of a sudden very tender to the touch. Please pray Tylenol will help with that and that I can sleep. Thanks!
Praying for you right now Jennifer. Sleep well!
Will be praying you can sleep well tonight and hope to see you tomorrow….maybe!? =)
It bring new meaning to this, doesn’t it:
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. I Cor 1:4
I have been specifically praying that your body not feel the typical effects of chemo while you’re fighting this…your post was encouraging to read. Still praying for you!!
And sometimes I respond with,”I’ve had better days!”
Praying for you Jennifer throughout today too.
Jennifer,
Usually, when people would as me how I was while going through chemo, my answer would depend on who was asking. I never found that going down my laundry list of complaints made me feel any better, but if the asker was a friend or colleague, I would try to answer honestly because they really did want to know. When I was going through chemo, I worked part time with a job-share partner. She knew me very well and noticed that on particularly bad days I would answer the question with a slightly ironic “never better.” My “never better” became a code phrase for “it has not been a good day – I’ll spare you the details.”
That makes sense. 🙂 It just feels funny to me when strangers ask that question as we all do.
Prayers for strength and comfort continue for you and Tom and the girls.