Learning to Listen

 Today was my final radiation treatment! Radiation was 5 days a week for 16 days and I am very thankful to be done! The side effects started to hit last week, and the doctor said the radiation toxicity will continue to build over the next week or two, before gettting better. He also said I would be back to normal in 4 - 6 weeks, which is awesome, because I have never been normal! 🤣

As the skin irritation and fatigue have set in, I am learning once again to try and listen to my body. I HATE naps, and so when I say I have been taking daily naps, you should know that it has gotten bad. The current plan is lots of rest to let my body recover, so I can be feeling well enough to provide childcare for my granddaughter by the end of the month. 

Both the cancer diagnosis and the birth of our first grandchild have really made me start to think through how I spend my time. I have deleted some apps and social media platforms, and really limited screen time in general, as I look forward to being fully present for that precious little baby. Once you stop checking your phone constantly, you start to see that everyone else is doing that very thing.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have spent a lot of time in a changing room with other women receiving radiation for cancer. We shared this bond in common, along with sitting in a gown without our cell phones. I quickly discovered that just walking in and saying "Hello" to break the ice led to conversations. While we were going through something similar, many of these women had a more grim prognosis and grueling treatment regimen than I did. 

With my phone in the locker, I was also learning to listen to strangers. It didn't take much effort. I simply greeted each person, listened when they talked, and shared my story and faith as I was able. I hope I was able to make someone's day a little less heavy. A couple of the women seemed to really need some support and encouragement. I am glad I got bolder as the days went on to speak to each person, while being sensitive to any that would not want to be bothered (surprisingly every woman I met was very willing to share their journey).

May I encourage you to put down your phone and look for an opportunity to listen to someone around you today!

Ringing the bell after my last radiation treatment.

Until Next Time~

Shari