rachel2000's Cancer Blog
September 24, 2009
I’m OK. Still alive. No Hodgkin’s symptoms have cropped up, so hopefully that means the Lenalidomide is working(?). The tumors are still there, although they seem slightly smaller- hard to tell. This is definitely not like the other chemotherapies I’ve had, which either achieved results right away or not at all. I’ve got various scans coming up in two weeks. I’ll give you a better picture of what’s going on then.
This week I am having a serious battle with negativity; I get bored when I feel better. I have been jobless for more than a year now. Someone likened this experience to the movie “Groundhogs Day” before, and that’s pretty accurate. I’ve been searching for volunteer positions to keep my brain from turning to mush. This has proven harder than you’d think. It might be that businesses and organizations have had to drop volunteer coordinators due to budget cuts, but of seven places I’ve applied, one has responded. That said, I will be working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. At first I was worried about over-identifying myself with cancer, but LLS has supported me, it’s a cause I‘m passionate about, and I just plain need something to do!
Don’t get me wrong; it’s great to report to everyone that I’ve had a boring few weeks. I hope to have many, many boring weeks if it means I‘m feeling good! LLS is deciding which department I’ll be a good fit for right now. I should hear from them next week. The wait is hard, but I am a master of patience. I‘m just gonna be a little cranky until I can start doing something.
I’m sending energetic thoughts to everyone, and I hope this note finds you all happy and feeling better.
I know how you feel, jobless is not only hard on the pocketbook but much more difficult on your brain functioning. You have the experience firsthand I don’t think it was an accident that the only one that contacted you was LLS. Although I am five years cancer free, my family is very protective about me being around others because my immune system is supposed to be so shot. My calling is at a intermediate school and who knows better how to stay germ free than a cancer patient? I am sure you will be very happy in your new “job”. Peace, Sharron
Posted on I do not know what the situation is but I do have a kid your age. :)
I know animal shelters and humane society often need animal petters. Yes, they need peopel to pet the animals ot help socialize them. My daughter did this couple years ago wiht a client she helped care for.
prrrrrrrrrrrr
Good thoughts! Hope you get unbored soon! That is misery. I love to be busy . I stay home but I work hard and homeschool two kids. can not stand too much free time.
BARB R
Hi Rachel,
I am glad you are bored and looking for things to do. I am Terry’s sort of aunt Debbie. He can explain. You have been in our prayers here and hoping for a cure. Every day is a gift and I am so grateful you are having some good ones to enjoy. A lot of people need someone to handle phones and appointments. They are low energy physically and you don’t have to be exposed to someone’s germs.
Good to hear your good news
Blessings
Debbie
Dear Rachel;
I’m sure glad it’s boredom you are suffering from and not bad side effects from chemo. Yes there are plenty of places to volunteer. I actually love my vol. job at my hospital. I check in the daily surgery patients. I just love it but I do wear gloves, because I am always handling their medical cards, that look like they came across an ocean frigate. And of course I am always making anyone who is coughing, wear a mask. I hate it when you see them sitting and coughing and you feel “oh no I’m going to catch what they have”. Yes if you are bored there is nothing like human contact to brighten the soul. Hopefully you find a spot in the organization that seems to want you.
Good luck. And keep up your bright spirits.
Hey Rachel,
I enjoyed getting to meet you & Terry at iPraise in Sullivan.
God sure has been laying you on my heart a lot lately so I though I would check in and say hello. My children and I are working on a special surprise for you. We’ll include a little something for Terry so he doesn’t feel left out = ) Mike & Donna have promised to deliver it for us when they see you. I know things are really tough right now and from your post I can see your feeling down. We’re praying for you hon… God can take the most awful things and make something amazing come out of them. You can totally trust Him when all else fails. I would love to chat with you sometime, Donna & Mike know how to reach me. I hope you like what were sending. Be strong and take it ALL to Him, He’s always there.
Sherri
Thanks for your support - 
