Not Alone...

The first day I was diagnosed, I ended up on the floor praying to God  to help me keep my heart open and accept the lessons I'm meant to learn along the way...right away I could see a glaring one...I am not alone (kind of a creepy feeling when you are on your bathroom floor in the dark. haha. kidding).

I've never actually felt alone. I have always been grateful for our amazing friends and family, but I have never been one to often ask for help. I don't like to be a bother and my friends and family have a lot going on in their own lives! I've always thought of myself as a helper. I've been fortunate and service helps me to feel grateful for my blessings.

Other people need help. Other people have cancer. Whoops...lesson learned.

So, I'm tough and we are going to be okay, but I know that I cannot do all of this by myself. So many of you awesome people are asking us how you can help (I know, I've been in your shoes...what do you say, what can you do?).

First, positive thoughts and prayers. People say this all the time...we appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I'm telling you, we really do. I can feel the positive energy. I can feel weights being lifted from my shoulders. I know that all of you are with us...and here to lean on and boost us up too!

A friend recently introduced us to a site that organizes family's needs and allows friends and family to sign up to help out with those specific needs. For surgery recovery, we think food and visits will be of the most help (and depending how well I know you, I might have a special list of things around the house you can help me out with when you visit! Soon I will have an army of minions dusting my blinds and folding my laundry...haha! Asking for help may not be that bad after all...)

So, we created a care calendar for those of you who want to know how to help.

http://carecalendar.org/logon/164851

 

CALENDAR ID   :   164851

SECURITY CODE :   2366

 Before you read our food requests and think I'm a total weirdo...my disclaimer...nutrition is an important part of cancer recovery and my family has been so supportive of my crazy health and wellness ventures this last year that have led me to the paleo-ish diet (I'm still working on J's ice cream addiction). Besides having cancer (haha), I'm the healthiest I've been in a really long time...maybe even ever:

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-to-the-primal-eating-plan/#axzz2jOg8mAVn

Turns out this diet including some other traditional diet pieces are exactly what are recommended for cancer recovery. Talk about feeling comforted that you are on the right path. Unknowingly, I've been gearing up for this big WIN and my poor husband and kid are along for the breadless ride with me :) I truly believe that it's one of the things that I am in control of in this and I also believe that every choice I make of what I put in my body can make me better faster!

Surgery is on for 11/5 at 12:30 pm. Will be there super early in the morning for nuclear medication in the radiology department as part of preparation for the lymph node assessment, then some other tests (all on a very hungry tummy!) and 6 hrs later at 12:30, will be off to lala land :)  I will be catching up on my rest and request no visitors at the hospital or the first few days at home. Would love to see you all after 11/10...especially those of you who like to entertain 2 year olds :)

Please sign up for updates on the top of our blog page for surgery updates. Jonathon will have lots on his plate and may not be able to text or call everyone.

Love you all!! Thank you so much for all you do!
Jenn