Friday, June 13, 2014

The Home-stretch

It may seem as though I have dropped off the face of the earth, but if you follow me on Twitter or Facebook then you already know that isn't true. What is, is that I seem to be hanging onto the edge by my fingertips! (or, at least, that's what it feels like.)

My father, who we will give the name of Cowboy to, was recently diagnosed with cancer. His doctors are optimistic that they caught it in time. It has been my job of getting him to all his doctor appointments and radiation treatments, which has not been an easy task: Cowboy, who is as tough as an ox, is not one of those who willingly go to doctors. No, he was brought up to believe that the only reason you go to a doctor is to die. It hasn't helped that also during this time he has also been hospitalized three times with serious heart issues ... to say I am stressed is a bit of an understatement.

Fortunately, I crochet. Crochet is great for reducing stress! And I had decided at the very beginning of his treatments that I would crochet at every. single. treatment. and. doctor. visit. until I had 42 chemo caps completed. (I decided to make 42 caps based upon the number of radiation treatments he was to go through; then bumped it up to 45.)  At this time I have 45 completed with a new goal to round off the number at 50.  Each cap I've crocheted has helped keep me calm and focused, and now that we're in the home-stretch of his treatments I can only hope for the best that all these treatments will work, keeping Cowboy around to see many, many more sunsets!
Labeling Chemo Caps with Care Instructions

In the meantime, the Radiation department staff has asked if I would consider donating my chemo caps to them as their department is often overlooked -- and is in dire need of -- chemo caps.  I said yes.  I will be giving all 50 of my caps to them on the last day Cowboy goes in for treatment.  Fortunately, one of my CGOA Chapter members had some chemo caps ready for donation so I gave them to the Radiation department earlier this week. You'd have thought I was giving out bars of gold; they were so happy!  :)

2 comments:

Haley said...

A handmade gift is better than a bar of gold :o)
So sorry to hear of your dad's battle. I hope the treatments are successful - all the good guys wear white hats!! I will keep you and Cowboy in my thoughts.
Hugs,
Haley

Sheltie Times said...

I've been down that road myself. I wish you and your Dad the best.