Quietly Reflective....

chenheart
chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
Hello, my Kindred Spirits! Though I have been remiss in wishing you a Happy Birthday, commenting on your vacation plans,hair growth ( or lack thereof) treatment plans and ESPECIALLY in welcoming the new ones to the club they never wanted to join~ it certainly isn't because I am ignoring any of you! I still come to CSN every single day, and some days more than once to read and catch up with the lives of all of us. I simply don't have time to write as much as I would like!

My life has suddenly become unexpectedy busy~ busier than usual, if that even seems possible! In addition to doing battle with the Beast, which though going well still trips me up and reminds me that things are not 100% with me. I spent a few hours in the ER last week..I have a cough which wants to hang on, and some vertigo..a battery of tests was run, and of course the ER doctor wanted to rule out blood clots. So far, so good. I see my oncologist in 3 weeks to see how I am doing otherwise~ Reggie and I ( like a lot of you) live our lives packing everything we can in to 3 month intervals~as long as the meds are working, we are so thankful and in a celebratory mood!

On the non health front~ that is what is keeping me extra busy! Reggie's daughter and her b/f ( a young man Reggie and I REALLY like and admire) broke up. They have an 18 month old daughter together, and of course we are over the moon about her. The b/f now lives with us, and we have the baby 4 days a week. Both parents work the graveyard shift, so Reggie and I are now pretty much full time taking care of a baby!!! Can you spell TIRED?! LOL I know that this is happening al over the country, with myriad families...but I would be less than honest if I didn't say it takes a toll on us emotionally and physically. Reggie and I both laugh though that we are probably in the minority by having the ex Boyfriend move in! He is an amazing hands on Dad~ never shying away from diaper changing, bath giving, etc ...a blessing indeed.

I used to be on the forefront here at CSN~ and I am distressed that I can't be here so often , and honestly feel that I have abandoned you! Just what I need, right? Add guilt to my life! LOL I just wanted to check in and let you know that I am indeed here, quietly reflective. I send courage, strength and empathy to the latest warriors who find their way here~ as you have no doubt already seen, a more suportive, kind and informed group of sisters and brothers you will never find!
To my long time friends~ keep fighting the fight! I gain strength from your triumphs, and commiserate with you on the less than stellar days we all experience. You all fill my days and most especially my ♥

So, Happy Birthday to you! Congratulations on finishing Treatment! Have a wonderful vacation!
Happy Cancerversary! Fill in the blanks and know that you have my love, support and fellow-feeling!

Hugs,
Chen♥...and no, I am not going to go back and edit and correct the spelling~no time! :-)
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Comments

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    Thank you for your update and checking-in
    Wow,
    Life is going on. As I said in my PM I have been thinking about you and sending positive thoughts.
    Hugs
    New Flower
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    Congrats to YOU!
    Yes, the "parenting" duties are tough but I know you guys are doing a great job. Taking care of a toddler certainly doesn't leave any time to worry about yourself. Have fun and enjoy the baby.

    Keeping you in thought,

    Sylvia
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159

    Thank you for your update and checking-in
    Wow,
    Life is going on. As I said in my PM I have been thinking about you and sending positive thoughts.
    Hugs
    New Flower

    Thanks, New Flower! I did
    Thanks, New Flower! I did indeed get your PM; thanks for thinking of me! I think of you too!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    sea60 said:

    Congrats to YOU!
    Yes, the "parenting" duties are tough but I know you guys are doing a great job. Taking care of a toddler certainly doesn't leave any time to worry about yourself. Have fun and enjoy the baby.

    Keeping you in thought,

    Sylvia

    Thanks, Sylvia...I am
    Thanks, Sylvia...I am getting used to the idea that Reggie and I had to scrap our plans to go to Europe this summer ( yes, we truly were...) but maybe another season, right? Sigh...

    We adore the baby, and I love having time to teach and nurture her; it is what I do best!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    Chen, you came in just under the wire -
    I was giving to til today to post and then I was going to PM. Well, no wonder you haven't posted - little ones can sure tire you out.

    I can perfectly understand the living arrangements. Sometimes things just work out that way.

    Hope you feel stronger each day.

    Sue
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    sbmly53 said:

    Chen, you came in just under the wire -
    I was giving to til today to post and then I was going to PM. Well, no wonder you haven't posted - little ones can sure tire you out.

    I can perfectly understand the living arrangements. Sometimes things just work out that way.

    Hope you feel stronger each day.

    Sue

    Chen,
    So good to hear from

    Chen,
    So good to hear from you. I know you are always with us even if you don't have time to write! Wishing you all the best with the baby, yes we can get tired, but like you said, so worth it.

    I hope your health issues improve, I'm sorry that you are going through that right now.

    Sending lots of love and hugs.........and most of all some extra energy!

    Love,
    Wanda
  • lizzie17
    lizzie17 Member Posts: 548
    glad that you posted
    Having that little one around is sure a wonderful experience! I have always said they keep us young, and young at heart. Still waiting for grandchildren myself, and will love to hear about some of your times together!!

    My prayers are with you.
  • EveningStar2
    EveningStar2 Member Posts: 491 Member
    Thanks
    for the update. We worry ;-)

    I understand on the grandbaby. Mine is 6 and I would walk through fire for that child. Thankfully, I haven't had to. Just take care of yourself, those toddlers take *a lot* of energy!

    Maureen
  • Hippiechick58
    Hippiechick58 Member Posts: 320

    Thanks
    for the update. We worry ;-)

    I understand on the grandbaby. Mine is 6 and I would walk through fire for that child. Thankfully, I haven't had to. Just take care of yourself, those toddlers take *a lot* of energy!

    Maureen

    You are an incredible
    You are an incredible multitasker! With all that you are going through on the CA front, now you get to use your "Mommy skills" as well! Kudos to you for being such a supportive parent! Your spirit is felt even when you are not physically here. Remember to take care of number one and enjoy that bundle of joy!

    Be Well,
    Dianne
  • BlownAway60
    BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
    Chen,
    You are and have

    Chen,

    You are and have always been an insperation to me.

    "Live your life." That is what I have gotten from you.

    Hugs to you.

    Donna
  • sausageroll
    sausageroll Member Posts: 415

    Chen,
    You are and have

    Chen,

    You are and have always been an insperation to me.

    "Live your life." That is what I have gotten from you.

    Hugs to you.

    Donna

    Your life is busy!!!!
    Chen, as always it is great to hear from you and as always you are putting others before you. Thanks for updating us. I'll be thinking of you!!
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member

    Your life is busy!!!!
    Chen, as always it is great to hear from you and as always you are putting others before you. Thanks for updating us. I'll be thinking of you!!

    Claudia
    I've always thought you were amazing ... but your latest post proves it beyond a doubt. I'm sure you are extremely upset that Reggie's daughter and her boyfriend broke up ... but then for you and Reggie to welcome the boyfriend into your home is truly amazing. I hope he knows how lucky he is to have such wonderful grandparents for his little daughter. I'm sure she is a joy ... but I also know suddenly having a baby in the house to help raise can be totally exhausting ...emotionally and physically. I don't know how you do it.

    We do miss hearing from you ... but knowing you still "check in" and will keep us posted on how you are doing ... when you have time ... that's all we ask for. We know alot of your CSN time is now taken up with a wonderful little grandaughter. Just please, please ... take care of yourself too!

    love,
    teena
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    Chen, I don't know how you
    Chen, I don't know how you had time to even check in! There is nothing in the world like an 18 month old to bring you total joy and laughter, but also to drain your energy...lol. Give her a big hug from Aunt C.C. And check in when you can (because we miss you terribly), but we all understand. I am very jealous, by the way, as we spent Easter with Katherine and her 3 grandkittens. Some how, not the same ;-)
  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077

    Chen, I don't know how you
    Chen, I don't know how you had time to even check in! There is nothing in the world like an 18 month old to bring you total joy and laughter, but also to drain your energy...lol. Give her a big hug from Aunt C.C. And check in when you can (because we miss you terribly), but we all understand. I am very jealous, by the way, as we spent Easter with Katherine and her 3 grandkittens. Some how, not the same ;-)

    Hey Chen~♥
    ~Is it time for an "IV Coffee drip"???? Hugz to you, and everlasting energy and some rest too!!
    Melanie
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159

    Hey Chen~♥
    ~Is it time for an "IV Coffee drip"???? Hugz to you, and everlasting energy and some rest too!!
    Melanie

    I love my CSN friends!!! :-)
    Thank you everyone for understanding why I am not able to check in quite as often~ and yes, an IV drip would be just about perfect about now! :-) I have also been considering doing one more bit of volunteering...I figure with the extra 28 or so seconds I have available to me in the day, I might as well use them! I will let you know if and when this other opportunity pans out!

    Love yo all, Kindred Spirits!
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159

    Your life is busy!!!!
    Chen, as always it is great to hear from you and as always you are putting others before you. Thanks for updating us. I'll be thinking of you!!

    Sausageroll!!! How wonderful
    Sausageroll!!! How wonderful to see you here! You keep pretty busy yourself, I dare say!
    I hope all of your adventures have been overwhelming in the best way!

    Hugs,
    Chen
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    tgf said:

    Claudia
    I've always thought you were amazing ... but your latest post proves it beyond a doubt. I'm sure you are extremely upset that Reggie's daughter and her boyfriend broke up ... but then for you and Reggie to welcome the boyfriend into your home is truly amazing. I hope he knows how lucky he is to have such wonderful grandparents for his little daughter. I'm sure she is a joy ... but I also know suddenly having a baby in the house to help raise can be totally exhausting ...emotionally and physically. I don't know how you do it.

    We do miss hearing from you ... but knowing you still "check in" and will keep us posted on how you are doing ... when you have time ... that's all we ask for. We know alot of your CSN time is now taken up with a wonderful little grandaughter. Just please, please ... take care of yourself too!

    love,
    teena

    Let me just say I love you,
    Let me just say I love you, teena! You say the nicest things, and give me the boost I need...thank you!
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    How anyone can be quietly
    How anyone can be quietly reflective with a toddler is beyond me, I didn't think there was any time for reflection. But there is nothing like rediscovering the world beside a toddler who is just discovering the world for the first time. Enjoy it.

    Hugs,

    Linda
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
    Chenheart
    I have been where you are except it was the couple and the baby. Don't ever apologize for giving your grandchild what might be the best boost to thier development and mental health. They are forming a lot of neurotransmitters in thier brain at this age. The more built by being around extra adults the better off the child will be.
    Take care of yourself too. I am sure Reggie will let you know when you are not doing so as he wants to keep you around. An experinced parent along with the learning parent was often the case before the industrial revolution. Relatives lived with other relatives or at least within close proximity of one another. Hence the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child." Involved granparents can build many coping skills in the lives of their grandchildren.
  • aysemari
    aysemari Member Posts: 1,596 Member
    What a big sacrifice you made
    trading europe for baby.. LOL But I am sure it is very rewarding. I love little wormy babies (:
    It's nice to see that a chunky little baby is keeping you away and not something else. By nature
    of these board when someone is MIA, we start to worry.

    I hope your cough is not too bothersome and that the baby is not tiring you too, too much. You
    and Reggie are so amazing to do this for his daughter.

    Give that little worm a squeeze from me and keep us posted from time to time.

    Love,
    Ayse