Why the Redwood Forest slideshow?

Judy had always loved trees, and in 2008 we spent some time among the California Redwoods. Some of the ingredients in Judy's chemo cocktail were derived from trees (not Redwoods but Yews). We always knew that Judy loved the trees, and the trees got their chance to repay her affection.



Sunday, October 12, 2008

Eat the elephant one bite at a time

Here I am in a hotel in Abilene after working another great BTU Power Pedal in Bryan, with a gazillion racers asking "How's Judy?" Once I rolled into town I called Judy in the hospital, and here's a quick update:

Since having her "central line" yanked out because of the infection Judy has been on an IV--meaning that she no longer gets the TPN, the liquid diet on which she had subsisted for the past two weeks or so. I don't understand all the details, but the gist is: Judy has to start eating on her own, and she has to do it now. When I talked to her, she was trying to work her way through a tiny portion of wheat-something—she said it was as big as a wall! Every bite is an accomplishment. She knows what's at stake, because the sugary TPN doesn't mix well with the IV, which has given her nothing but trouble. She told me that her reward after every tiny bite is a sip of iced water. Texture and taste of whatver she's taking in are off. I told her to use the strategy that we've used so often when things have been overwheleming: Eat the damn elephant one bite at a time, and get rid of the sucker, even if it takes a while. She's such a trooper, and she didn't want me to worry, but I could tell how HUGE of a deal swallowing just one bite was.

As Amy has said on several occasions: Cancer sucks. Those of you who know me know that I'd stick the f-work right after cancer and before the suck. I'd also use all caps, definitely in bold font.

For those of you at the race this weekend in Bryan, thank you for all of your concern and kind words for BOTH of us. Yes, I am out there as the Chief Official, but I am also out there as your fellow community member who is cradled by your collective concern. As you saw this weekend, both can coexist without conflict of interest. Judy and I feel privileged to feel the friendship and love that you extend to both of us.

So, let's root for Judy to eat her porridge and chicken soup!

Jürgen

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah, Judy great going. It was good to here from you on yesterday. My day was on cloud nine after that. By your stripes I am healed.

Anonymous said...

Judy,
Just want to give you a shout out and remind you that many of us are lifting you up in prayer! I would love to run by and see you but I've been fighting off my yearly fall crude so I'll beg off and just tell you that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Also remember to let me know if you need anything!
Love you Juju!
Dorothy B.

MichelleL said...

Hey Judy!

It was so good to hear your voice the other night. You sound so positive and strong. Glad to hear you're getting the elephant down little by little. We loved having Jurgen over the weekend and I have sent pictures to his email of Susie's fabulous cake so you can be proud of your protege. We missed having you but we will see you soon. Keep on biting away at the yucky food-it will make you strong! Hope you go home soon. Lots of hugs,

Michelle

Nana (Deb Stevenson) said...

You are making progress Judy one bite at a time! YEA! I know every step forward is huge for both you and Jurgen! I am so excited that one day soon you will be emailing from home!

Anonymous said...

Hey Juju...just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you....we love you
Wes, Susan, Anna, & Allie

Anonymous said...

Judy,

You may be 5-6 hours away from me here in Ft.Worth, but you are very close in my thoughts.
I just finished reading Jurgen's latest post. I'm pulling for you girl! And I am glad that you have a doc that you trust. That is one of the most important things when it comes to choosing a doc.
I never said it before now, but you were then and most certainly are now an inspiration to me. It was obvious from the first time I met you that you were a force to be reckoned with.
A force that was in a smart, beautiful, wonderful, spitfire, spunky, tiny but larger than life itself package.
You, Jurgen and your docs keep kickin ASS!
We are all right in line behind you!

Marcy Taylor