jenny's belly

Pedicures

I went back to Dana Farber for fluids and an IV version of Zofran today (great stuff, better than pill version because it's three times as strong, wheee!) but I'm hopeful I'll be able to cancel friday's appointment. I don't have much of a spine though so if my mother tells me to go, I'm going without a fight.

When I was in Dana Farber last week I saw two nuns, one in the chemo chair and one in the guest chair. I'm not sure why I thought maybe nuns don't get cancer, but it took me back a bit. These were not black-habit nuns either, they appeared more franciscan to me as they had natural fabrics in earth-like colors and their belts were hand-knotted ropes which swept the floor when they walked. They were in good spirits though the lady receiving chemo was either a bit forgetful or had a nice case of chemobrain.

Anyway, it really gave me pause.

Speaking of drugs, I'm feeling sooooo much better. I even ventured out today to a non-hospital location! My mom and I got pedicures (mine was really, really needed and borderline embarrasing). Mom was telling the lady giving her a pedicure that no, she isn't working anymore because she's been taking care of her sick daughter. She described it very quickly, just left it at stomach cancer and said we were out today because it was a beautiful day and I was feeling okay. Maybe a half an hour later, a woman who had been there the whole time got up to leave, and she hoped that my mother didn't take it the wrong way, but felt my mom could use a little gift. And she paid for my mother's pedicure. I really think it took everything in my mom not to burst into tears. She was just barely holding it together. "How did you know?" "I could hear you telling Rose over there. You deserve it." Just a complete stranger doing an act of kindness for my mom. How very sweet! Thanks again whoever you are!

I try to do little things for my parents but it's tough being drugged up and unable to do the things I want to do. I've taken them out for breakfast and bought pizza and found a book my dad likes and a pretty ornament for my mom... I've gotten over my panic of "I'll never be able to repay X for Y." I look at it that I will definitely give along the line of my life, and when someone deserves to have a pedicure paid for, or a flat tire fixed, or whatever the case may be...that will be me picking up the check. :)

And yes, I was going to pay for my mom's pedicure. :)

(Note to Aunt Jo, I'm eating popcorn right now!)

posted by Jen at 3:03 PM