Monday, February 22, 2016

Life is Amazing

I am in the throes of planning Quinn's FIFTH birthday party, by which I mean I'm browsing Pinterest to see if there's a chance in Hades I could pull off a Star Wars cake (or cupcakes), or if I'm better off ordering them from a professional. I can bake, but pastry decoration is a whole other level of domesticity that I do not possess. Also, do Quinn and his friends really need "Yoda Soda"? Or light sabers made of frosting-dipped pretzel sticks? Who am I kidding???

I'm also trying to make sure he's signed up for the right soccer camps but not too many because I don't want to overdo it. I'm still pretty sure we're over-doing it. And every preschool mom I know is debating kindergartens right now, figuring out where our children have been waitlisted or accepted, attending "meet-the-teachers events," waiting to be interviewed (yes, interviewed), determining which environment will be the best fit for our kiddos, and wondering WHEN THE HECK KINDERGARTEN GOT MORE COMPLICATED THAN CHOOSING A COLLEGE.

In the midst of this beautifully normal life, I've been scheduling doctor's visits -- scans next month, the follow-up with my oncologist, and another for me with my dermatologist last week for something on my elbow, the biopsy of which came back as "needing treatment," although not cancerous. It turns out it probably just needs some steroid cream, but I'll have a follow-up in 3-4 weeks to be sure. 

Because more doctors were what was missing from my life. 

A photo posted by LAYLA GRAYCE (@laylagrayce) on


So I'm worrying (just a little) about my elbow, which I should have more info about at the end of this week, wondering whether our puppy is getting enough exercise, trying to teach Quinn about eating the RAINBOW, and occasionally it hits me how lucky I am to be able to worry about things that are not cancer. (Side note: the rainbow thing is legitimately working. He tried red bell peppers, purple sweet potatoes, cauliflower tots, and ants on a celery log and only balked at the red pepper.)

"I LOVE sweet potatoes!" even came out of my son's almost-5-year-old mouth. Parenting for the win.

***

Last week, I finished reading Room, about a 19-year-old woman who is abducted and locked in a room. (The film has been nominated for a few Academy Awards). The woman is repeatedly raped by her abductor, gets pregnant, and has a little boy, who is five years old as he narrates the story. This room and his mom (and the occasional visit from their captor) are all of the world he's ever known. It is a story about how they manage, and eventually how they escape. But more than that, it is about the love between a mom and her son and how that carries them through, how it saves them both.

This book hit my emotions like a ton of bricks, and I can't recommend it enough if you have a five-year-old (or nearly there) in your life. They're pretty special people, and I'm pretty sure their love could save the world. So maybe there will be homemade light sabers at Quinn's party after all.

12 comments:

  1. Glad life is normal! Glad too--at least it seems--that the new puppy has not made you a crazy lady.

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    1. Oh, sometimes I'm a crazy lady (and I'm not sure I can blame the pup!) XO

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  2. Hey Jen, hope you're doing well. I appreciate your sentiments. Bring on the mundane. The ordinary. The boring of day-to-day life. The kernel is to luxuriate in our lives' every day minutiae. It is amaze. Once we're sick we'd trade anything to live in that seemingly uneventful space. It's worth more than money can buy. I'm awaiting being sent for tests that I know in my heart of hearts will confirm the dreaded recurrence of a cancer dx I was handed back in 2007. I can't help but feel fortunate to have had such good health since finishing treatment in August of 2008 - my paralysis since 2011 notwithstanding. That's another story. I fainted and regained consciousness two days later being told I'd probably never walk again. My spinal cord was compromised. But I still feel lucky to be here. And I still feel well despite a nagging discomfort in my back that remains undiagnosed following an x-ray and MRI. I have been advised by an online consult to push my GP to send me for proper imaging - a PET/bone scan. So, that's where I'm at. I had a mammogram last month on my remaining breast. They called to say they had issues with my dense breast tissue, and asked I return for an ultrasound. The tests found nothing remarkable. But they insist I return in 6 months. Oh joy. Anyhoo, I'm glad you're in a happy place. Stay there. Much love to you Jen. Quinn is beyond adorable. xo

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    1. Oh, Denise, what a LOT to contend with. I hope they get to the bottom of your discomfort soon. Please keep me posted. Lots of love and healing thoughts heading your way. XO

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  3. I'm so excited for you being here for Quinn to celebrate his birthday! I strongly recommend that you let professionals do as much of the labor as possible and just enjoy the special day. I'd recommend this wether you were mets or the standard by which health is measured. It just makes life more relaxed when you take the stress out of the equation and enjoy it more. I wish someone would have told me this 23 yrs ago, I'd have made way fewer barbie cakes, and had a lot more fun with my kids! Have a great time with your kiddo. Keep us posted about that funky elbow.

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    1. I appreciated this advice so much, and took it to heart. My husband's grad student made the cake, and the trampoline place did all the decorations. I just had to show up and take pictures. Thank you!

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  4. Aw. Enjoy the big 5 with your family! I love the way you describe 5 year olds. My youngest is 5 and gives the best hugs. If I could preserve her at this sweet, funny stage forever, I would.

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    1. Oh, wait until my next post. It's all about the tantrums. But yes, they are magic most of the time. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

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  5. That is such a sweet picture of your son and doggy. Thank you for recommending "Room". I took my guy out for his birthday this month and part of our 'date' was to watch the movie at the theater but he got sick and we had to come home. I've heard great things about it so we are planning to watch it soon. I am sorry about the elbow. I hope it heals quickly.

    Happy Birthday to your little one. Remember to let others help you plan his birthday. And enjoy! xx

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    1. Thanks, Rebecca! I still haven't seen the movie. Maybe once it's available on iTunes. I think Zootopia is more our speed right now!

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