Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Wendy's progress

When I meet a friend these days, as soon as they've asked how I am, they want to know about Wendy.  And I'm guessing that you'd also like an update. 

Wendy is doing OK. She has to have six chemotherapy treatments three weeks apart, and she'll be having her fourth tomorrow. For the first week after she's had her treatment she feels terrible, and spends a lot of time in bed. After the last treatment, she went to sleep on a Friday and woke up on Sunday. During the second and third weeks after the chemo she feels pretty awful, needs to rest, but is fit enough to be up and about and to teach her yoga classes. 

Her matter-of-fact approach to the awfulness that is cancer and its treatment is an inspiration; and she's willing to answer questions from anyone honestly. She lost her hair, couldn't find a wig she liked and is happier to be bald than to wear a headscarf. This is her on her birthday last month:





In May she will have three solid weeks of radiotherapy and I am going to stay and act as family backstop. It's a long haul for all of them, but they are getting through, and Wendy says that it gives her strength to know that people all over the world are rooting for her. So, thank you my lovely, warm-hearted regular readers.



10 comments:

ndenim said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!! Rooting big time. Hugs all from Oh USA

ana said...

People in Australia are thinking healing thoughts and sending virtual hugs Having your loved mother in law flying in for May must be a tonic she is savouring already. And the girls will be so excited. Imagine that you are planning your book bag for them already. Xox

Sue Hepworth said...

Thank you, Peggy and Ana. That's so kind. I have passed it on to the woman who matters.

Anonymous said...

We're here and definitely rooting, even your silent readers. All power to you, Wendy.

Sue Hepworth said...

Thank you, silent reader.

lyn said...

Thanks for the update, Sue. Please give Wendy my best wishes, I hope the rest of her treatment goes as smoothly & successfully as possible. I'm sure the whole family are counting the days until you arrive.

Sue Hepworth said...

I'll tell her, Lyn. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

While you plan to fly there our lovely neighbour of 25 years Maggie , waits the visit of her daughter and grandchildren from America as Maggie is in week 2 of her second of 6 chemo treatments for breast cancer too. Some her hair fell out last week so she had the rest cut off and now wears a hat (though she has a wig which we haven't seen yet.) We text, we pick up shopping and offer lifts, we value life a bit more tenderly and celebrate the medical advances that give hope, we quietly rage at the pain and upset this all causes and we live purposefully with what we have, for what else can we do? Sending love and prayers, Jenetta

Sue Hepworth said...

"we value life a bit more tenderly and celebrate the medical advances that give hope, we quietly rage at the pain and upset this all causes and we live purposefully with what we have, for what else can we do?"
That's beautiful, Jenetta.
I wish Maggie endurance, courage, and health.

Anonymous said...

Thank you all. I really appreciate all the lovely thoughts and support. I feel it and often remind myself how many people have got my back when I'm feeling down.