Welcome one and all to Chippers Journey,

As written in the previous blog of August 7, 2012, the authors of this blog will continue to update you about Karen's status and will include some helpful insights in dealing/coping/understanding the issues associated with cancer.  We will also try to keep the humor in our writings.  That old adage, "Laughter is the best medicine" definitely helped Karen and her family coped with her cancer.  Of course, Karen's hearty laughter was somewhat limited as the cancer had attacked her lungs as well as many other parts of her anatomy.  Being the "iron horse" that she is, she didn't let her limited lung capacity dampen her laughter especially at the infusion center, the doctor's office or in her home.    

Well for the update, Karen is slowly improving.  She is losing the "cue ball" look, as her hair is coming back on her head as well as the rest of her body.  Which means, she'll have to start purchasing the necessary hair removal products again.  Karen was hoping her hair growth wouldn't happen until the end of the year.  Karen is back to riding her stationary bike and doing arm exercises on a daily basis.  She still has the neuropathy in her hands, but it is slowly improving.  Her fingernails, however, are not growing back as fast as her hair.  Karen is scheduled for her next Xgeva shot on Friday (08/31) and will have her port cleaned as well as the necessary blood tests.  She will see her oncologist on the following Wed.  Hopefully, all will go well for her.  In the meantime, Karen and the rest of her siblings are planning a 90th birthday celebration for their Mom, who will turn 90 in Sept.
Happy 90th Birthday, Mom.  We all love you.

Now we can change the subject.  Are there any lessons to be learned when someone you know and love is diagnosed with cancer?  The answer is a resounding yes, but the hard part is figuring out what the lesson to be learned is.  To start off with, when Karen received the news that she had Stage 4 breast cancer and underwent the different medical tests, she truly believed she had been hit by the imaginary "Mack truck."  However, first and foremost, Karen found her inner peace and ability to cope with her diagnosis with her daily prayers to God and the tremendous support she received from family members and friends.  Additionally, for those of you unsure what you can do initially for the individual who has cancer, the first priority on your list of helpful items should be prayers.  With all the prayers said, Karen was able to carry this cross as well as other issues that came her way.  Like they say, prayers are indeed powerful.   In addition to prayers, Karen's mom related, "When dealing with a life changing event, besides prayers, a good night sleep is also necessary."  Mom's words of wisdom are so true as tomorrow definitely brings a new and refreshing perspective to the various life's trials we have or will encounter.  Thank you for reading this blog and may the good Lord bless you and your family today and tomorrow. 

Tip of the blog:  As one of my angelic friend, please share your beautiful smile with someone today.