living and parenting while under going tretment for cancer

Dear redraine555,

I just wanted to wish you a super quick recovery and wish there was indeed an energy booster. I recently watched my brother (and his wife and 9 year old son) go through 7 months of cancer treatment(6months of chemo & 5 weeks of radiation. It's hard and you need to ask for and/or take all the help,love,and support that you can get. The biggest focus is getting better for your beautiful 3 year-old!

My brother was constantly drained, still working 4 days a week full-time, and trying hard to make quality time with his son. Truthfully, in watching him deal with this issue, it was so clear that kids care most about quality of time rather than quantity.

Little things like just cuddling on the couch half awake to a favorite movie, or making gigantic homemade sundaes with my nephew helped even though everything tasted horribly to my brother throughout his treatment. They also listened to music together as they both love music and it required little energy.

Take care of yourself, have family members who tidy up, cook, and play well with your child over and rest. Enjoy watching your child interact with them. Enjoy dreams of getting past this rough time. Maybe even take a few bubble baths together and then nap with him andhis favorite plush toys or have a small pillow fight when you manage a wee bit of energy. Keep in mind that this age group loves just having an audience watch him.

My brother is in remission from early stage 3 lymphoma and now enjoying boating, bikeriding, and guitar jams with my nephew. He still does not have his old energy levels back yet seems to relish living and enjoying his family more than ever. You will be there soon too!