Odds are you know someone going through cancer. I thought it might be helpful to give a little insight from one who is currently in the midst of the adventure.
Part of the joyous journey was losing my hair. Emotionally that was the hardest. Finally, after seven months, it’s starting to grow back. So far it is black and silver and straight. It looks a lot like Bill Belichick’s only not as good. His bangs are longer than mine so I must confess to having bang envy. And my eyebrows are coming in all willy-nilly so I use an eyebrow pencil to give a little definition. It’s harder than you’d think. Sometimes I end up with angry eyes and have to start over, unless of course I’m having a bad day. If I get them too high I come off looking terribly confused. It’s a great look and often accurate.
When I was first diagnosed back in May, my biggest fear was losing flopsy and mopsy. Many women have bravely endured that ordeal plus gone through painful reconstructive surgery. Thankfully that was not part of my journey. The surgeon did however have to go under my armpit and into the breast to remove a good many lymph nodes as well as the cancerous tumor. Surgery was followed up with radiation. I took thirty treatments where the sun has never shined. My underarm, back and other delicate parts were scorched either brick red or deep chocolate brown; but only on one side. That’s a great look too for a former curly red-headed white chick.
One of the young ladies who administered the radiation commented on my burns. “Poor thing! And you didn’t even get to go anywhere fun to get that ‘sunburn.’” I laughed as I considered it. “If I ever come home from a trip with a sunburn like this I’m gonna have some explaining to do!”
Eating is still very tricky even though my last big chemo cocktail was in September. Frankly when they said cocktail I was expecting a better party. But it turned out to be not that much fun. Four months later I still can’t quite shake the nausea. Stuff I used to love like coffee and chocolate, tastes really funky. That’s when my confused eyebrows come in handy.
The upside of all this has been the wonderful care and kindness of so many people. By their example I’m learning to be more compassionate. I tend to be a little hard-hearted. One of my daughters explained to me that I have a very strong “Baloney Meter,” as in I don’t put up with a lot of whining. Apparently God is trying to change that about me; because now when someone says they’re going through something hard I actually stop to listen and at least pretend to care.
Something else my journey has taught is that the best gift is a one word email, card, or Facebook message which simply says “Praying.” There were times I was so low that I begged God for a mercy killing. So when you don’t know what to do for your suffering friend, just pray. It may seem small but really it’s the most thoughtful gift you can give.
The cancer journey is not for the faint of heart. But with the prayers of friends, the love of God and a little humor, maybe I’ll live to tell about it.
I may need a very special set of eyebrows for that glorious day.
Love you and miss you honey. Always praying my friend.
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Oh Vickie! I miss you too! Thanks so much for the prayers!
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Prayers. I also pray that should I ever face any of these battles I show the grace and humility that you and aunt Dianne have shone. A inspiration to me
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How encouraging Kathy. Thank you so much sweet cuz!
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Great words of wisdom and humor!! I think about you often. ❤❤❤
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Thanks Glenda! Hope you’re doing well!
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I love you, Lynna and I am praying for you. You have been a tremendous blessing to me the past 30 years. I am so glad God allowed our paths to cross.
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So sweet Terresa! I saw your grandson [Tricia’s] at CiCi’s the other night. He looks just like Tricia and it brought back happy memories of her and Hannah being best buds when they were little. So glad we’re still part of each other’s lives.
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You certainly can give the cancer experience a humorous tone. I was just wondering if your hair was growing back…then you posted the answer. James’ hair came back dark, a little coarse and a little wavy. Big difference for him. It did, however, return to his normal color later. He did enjoy a season of dark and handsome though😀I pray for you an a few others going through cancer on a daily basis. You are an inspiration to us all. Hope this experience is just a memory soon. Cannot wait to see how God uses the experience in your life to help others going through the same thing. Love you!
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James was always handsome and matched well with his pretty wife, even if she was hanging over the side of boat! I’ll never forget his gentle care for you that day so long ago. Just like David! Love you too my friend. Thanks so very much for your prayers!
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So glad that you’ve come through all the difficult times and hope they are behind you for good. On this, your birthday, party hardy!!
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Hey, at this point my idea of a party is a nice long nap! =) Hope you are doing well my friend!
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Love you Lynna! Happy Birthday sweet lady! Prayers!
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Yay for prayers! Much love to you too dear Sandy!
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Well said Lynna! Your message is always informative and uplifting. Your journey definitely adds hope to those on their own journey and leaves something that others will remember should life lead them on this journey. You keep it real.
On Feb 9, 2017 7:07 AM, “Lynna’s Wonderful Life” wrote:
> Lynna Clark posted: “Odds are you know someone going through cancer. I > thought it might be helpful to give a little insight from one who is > currently in the midst of the adventure. Part of the joyous journey was > losing my hair. Emotionally that was the hardest. Finally, afte” >
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Real is the BEST compliment ever! Thank you so very much dear Judy! You’re such a blessing to me and so many others. Thank you for all you do!
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Oh Lynna Prayers for you and eyebrows! daughter
Michelle would paint on some new ones I just know. It’s what she does , Can we call her?
Love to you !
Your friend , mary
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Oh Lynna….when I first met you & saw that curly red hair I knew you were a fighter. You proved me right! You may have lost the hair (that is now coming back) but you never lost that fighting spirit. I am one of your prayer warriors praying you through the battles. Know that you are never alone in the fight. ❤🙏🏻😘
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Thank you dear Joyce! I really appreciate all those prayers! God bless you!
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Lynna, you are such a blessing to all of us. You add humor and truth to such a bad situation. You are always in my prayers. Love you bunches!.
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Thank you my friend! Love you lots like… you know. =)
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Praying for you and btw Happy ‘late’ birthday!
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Hi Lynna,
I learned about your cancer last year from Teressa. I have since read many of your posts after which I always whispered a prayer for you and your family. I know many of the feelings you and David have experienced. You have been a great testimony for Christ through all of this. I pray His very best for you.
Marianne
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Great to hear from you Marianne! Thank you so very much for all your prayers. Hope you’re doing well!
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