Beautiful’s journey with the harsh Chemotherapy has almost come to end. We have 1 Week left (then 9 months of much milder chemo – every three weeks). It also means the theme of this week is ‘1’. Beautiful decided she wanted to write this week’s post so I will be turning the keyboard over to her after the update.
Chemotherapy builds and each week the effect is progressively more pronounced. The effects that people feel vary, but her in her case, we have seen some consistent trends. She is tired, nauseous and she has neuropathy, all of which have been more pronounced. Throughout her treatment she usually had a couple of days where she felt like normal (or closer to normal than the others), but not this week. She has been tired all week. The neuropathy has also been worse. Friday she woke up and was unable to move her thumbs. That improved over the weekend, but we expect it to be a little more severe for this last dose. Despite her physical ailments, her spirits have remained in a fantastic place. Once she was able to accept this “curveball” from the Lord, she has embraced it as her journey to better serve. That spirit has remained and become stronger throughout. I have been blessed to be here, in the front row, for it all. We look forward to the end of her treatment, but we also know that our lives will forever be transformed by this path. We are excited to see where the Lord will take us from here.
Beautiful Takes Over
This post of ONE is dedicated to MY number ONE. My FIRST husband and my seven children’s Daddy. First, I have to say up front I am NOT an eloquent writer like my husband, so here you have it. ALSO a huge disclaimer I HAVE chemo brain and it is a real thing, so read with understanding and patience knowing that I am not fully here (in mind). 
Here is an example of chemo brain. . . I was talking with a friend the other day and I was trying to say the name of a horse. I couldn’t remember the name, so I could only describe him with adjectives. Fortunately, she does not have chemo brain was able to finally figure out who I was talking about. Yes, this has been my life for a long time now. I sometimes feel like I am on a game show trying to figure out the words to complete a puzzle, but I am only trying to say a sentence. So reader be aware.
First, I want to give glory to God for giving me such a dedicated husband that has been here for not only me, but our children too. He has taken on pretty much the household chores and keeping the house running. It truly has been a journey for him too, and he has done this without complaining, and even joyfully. I have to admit we have really had a different perspective in life, as to what are the major things and what are things that can slide a little. It has been so freeing to not have to stress about the little things and REALLY put priorities into perspective. I have to admit that this journey has been a great time of growing for all of our family, but especially for John and I.
I look forward to the Tuesday mornings we go off to chemo together. He gets just as spoiled by the nurses at chemo as I do. They have all grown to love John too. I mean who would turn away a warm blanket, sweet or salty treats and drinks offered numerous times throughout the day by the nurses. OK he has never taken them up on the warm blankets, but you can guess they know his favorite snacks and will go digging to make sure they have his favorites on hand for him each week.
One of the best things about having a husband that understands is being able to just go lay down and take a nap ANYTIME you need one. Sometimes it is just for a short time and other times I am out for the day or night. I used to struggle with needing to do this and needing to take care of my family at the same time but I was always lovingly reminded that MY job is to rest and heal and to listen to my body. THAT is a husband who loves his wife. I do love my naps, but I look forward to the day when I am blessed with the energy I once had to take care of my family. I DO think it will take some time for all of the energy to come back. I think I will take it slow to just make sure. Remember, I DO love my naps. As we come to a close of this part of our chemo and start on our new chemo journey I want to say THANK YOU to my loving, caring, entertaining and most of all understanding husband. We could not have made it this far without you. May God bless you ten fold.
I LOVE YOU JOHN GUYER
Seven on Earth 