mini-goals

taraHK
taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member

As many of you know, I am basically on palliative care now -- no more chemo. I am still having some radiation, for pain relief, otherwise medication for pain relief.

My GOAL was to make it out to Edinburgh on July 4 for my eldest son's graduation from the University of Edinburgh. Well, I didn't make it -- decided the trip would be too strenuous (my energy levels are not high). BUT, my sister flew out from the States to be with me that week -- and we were able to watch the ceremony via streaming video! I learned a lot about goals -- it's important to have them -- for me, very motivating. But, not necessarily to fulfill them as originally planned...There are many ways to celebrate! And my graduating son was here a week later.

Both of my sons are with me this summer - in fact, till about Christmas. For the youngest, this means pausing university for one year. But that was his choice, and I promised to honour it. I am delighted to have them both with me for this period of time -- what a treat. I did ask my onc about prognosis the other day. Bit of a guessing game, of course, but it's looking like 3-5 months. So I'm doubly glad the boys are here -- what a blessing. 

My next goal is to celebrate my youngest son's 21st birthday, which is looking do-able (19 Oct).

Meanwhile, I'm still able to go out for the occasional lunch, book club, church -- interspersed with lots of naps! 

So - here's to setting goals, and changing the focus of them when necessary!

Tara

Comments

  • johnnybegood
    johnnybegood Member Posts: 1,117 Member
    hi tara

    so nice to see you its been awhile.dont know if you remember me  i am now stage 4 that happend in 2011 i see you are a 10 year survivor that is great.your idea of setting goals is great but i tend to try just to live day to day as lookng to far ahead gets me depressed.i will be on chemo for life i am innoperable now to many spots in both lungs,i guess for me some of my goals would be to see my first grandchild,my daughter has been married for almost a year and they are no way ready to have a baby.so when God says they are ready for that journey in life then it will happen.another goal for me is to start working with my 4 year old mare would love to train her for halter class shows but i am not strong enough to do that type of training and i definately cant pay someone to do it for me.so see i just live one day at a time and one event at a time and thank God for everyday He gives me.so nice to see you posting take care and just keep setting those small goals for your self and just enjoy them when they are achieved....Godbless...johnnybegood

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    I always find your posts so inspiring, Tara.

    I realize that is kind of a cliche, but it's really true.  You've been at this for a long time, and yet you still seem to find the bright moments in life.  Even for the most upbeat person in the world that can't be easy, and I greatly admire you for your ability to do that.

    I hope you have a wonderful summer with your boys!

     

    Wishing you long days and peaceful nights (to steal a phrase from Stephen King)~AA

  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    Sending Hugs!!!!!

    Tara,

    You are by far one of the bravest people I have met on this board.  You have been an inspiration to all of us who battled this horrible disease. I am so happy that you were able to watch your son graduate.  I hope you find peace in the coming days. I am sending hugs and prayers and I hope you reach all your goals. I have been wondering how you were doing. Wish your son a happy birthday from me.  I want you to know that your were soooo helpful in my decision for the ostomy.  I havent looked back. I am holding back tears.

    In friendship,  Maureen

     

  • pepebcn
    pepebcn Member Posts: 6,331 Member
    Moesimo said:

    Sending Hugs!!!!!

    Tara,

    You are by far one of the bravest people I have met on this board.  You have been an inspiration to all of us who battled this horrible disease. I am so happy that you were able to watch your son graduate.  I hope you find peace in the coming days. I am sending hugs and prayers and I hope you reach all your goals. I have been wondering how you were doing. Wish your son a happy birthday from me.  I want you to know that your were soooo helpful in my decision for the ostomy.  I havent looked back. I am holding back tears.

    In friendship,  Maureen

     

    Love and hugs my Jeanne of Arc !
    Best From Spain!
  • Bee bee
    Bee bee Member Posts: 27
    pepebcn said:

    Love and hugs my Jeanne of Arc !
    Best From Spain!

    I'm so glad you are able to

    I'm so glad you are able to have quality time with your sons. I think your brave and peaceful outlook will help them immensely during this time. 

    Keep setting those goals! They help me from getting too focused on cancer. 

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    Here Here

    My glass of milk is raised and a Here Here has been said for you obtaining your goals.  I'm so glad you got to watch your son graduate by the streaming video, isn't technology grand?

    how wonderful your sons will be with you, you deserve that wonderful treat.

    I'm hoping your pain is taken care of by the pain medications remain that it remains that way.

    So here's to your goals being met, and you are so darn brave and upbeat.  My heart is with you.

    Winter Marie

  • marbleotis
    marbleotis Member Posts: 720 Member
    Tara

    Tara,

     

    You may think they are mini goals, but they are major because they make you feel better and inspire us all.

    To me that's major!!!

    You continue to inspire. 

  • marbleotis
    marbleotis Member Posts: 720 Member
     

     

  • steveandnat
    steveandnat Member Posts: 886
    I'm with you

    Havining mini goals is so good. Some of them can cabe verso simple...like pulling weeds from my garden.  Others can be much bigger and larger like celebrate my mothers birthday in October.  You are such an inspiration to everyone.  I pray for you and all of us that have to go throu this cancer ordeal!  Jeff

  • myd
    myd Member Posts: 40
    mini-goals

    Tara, I hope you keep achieving your mini-goals.  May God bless you and help you reach them.  Peace

    myd

  • Maxiecat
    Maxiecat Member Posts: 544 Member
    Tara... You are an amazing

    Tara... You are an amazing person...your attitude and positive outlook really is inspiring!  I found that setting little mini goals for myself has actually helped me get through this last year.  My children are only 11 and 12... But I had set the goal of seeing my youngest graduate from elementary school ... 5th grade.... And my son making the little league all stars team.  Now that I have had good news from my surgeon... I am setting new goals.... I am making Christmas stockings for my children...I hope to have them done in time for this Christmas.  I also have long term goalls...my children are still young...I want to see them graduate from high school, go to college, and then settle into their lives.  Will I get to see that...only God knows...but those are my goals and my dreams...and this cancer can't take that away from me.

     

    alex

  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    Maxiecat said:

    Tara... You are an amazing

    Tara... You are an amazing person...your attitude and positive outlook really is inspiring!  I found that setting little mini goals for myself has actually helped me get through this last year.  My children are only 11 and 12... But I had set the goal of seeing my youngest graduate from elementary school ... 5th grade.... And my son making the little league all stars team.  Now that I have had good news from my surgeon... I am setting new goals.... I am making Christmas stockings for my children...I hope to have them done in time for this Christmas.  I also have long term goalls...my children are still young...I want to see them graduate from high school, go to college, and then settle into their lives.  Will I get to see that...only God knows...but those are my goals and my dreams...and this cancer can't take that away from me.

     

    alex

    So nice to hear from you.  

    So nice to hear from you.    Keep on fighting through food and attitudit they may give us more time.  Big hug!  Praying for a miracle.