My Caregiver

This is a post that is way past due. I have procrastinated writing it because I knew how difficult it would be for me to adequately express my feelings for Lynn and what she means to me, especially at this time. For over forty years we have traveled the road of life together, sharing all the joys and sorrows that make up this mortal existence. Through it all Lynn has been my rock, my best friend and the love of my life. She is a constant example of love, service and charity in every aspect of her life; at work, at church, and specifically as a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. But I have to say that over the last few months she has really out done herself.

The cancer patient may be the one getting poked, prodded and pumped full of dry cleaning fluid, but it is the Caregiver who is the real hero in this process. My commitment is easy. Dr. Z. “You can go through treatment and possibly live ten or more years, or you can die, the choice is yours”. Let’s see, let me think about this for awhile. The Caregiver, on the other hand is a volunteer job with no pay and terrible benefits. But Lynn, like always, is there for all of us when she is needed.

To a cancer patient your Caregiver is the most important person in your world (not that Lynn wasn’t already, but the world has changed significantly for us in the last six months). In our guidebook provided by the Huntsman it states “A transplant is not possible without the support of Caregivers.” I know this is true because without Lynn I would be toast. As my Caregiver, she provides the following:

24/7 Nurse - taking care of my central line catheter, giving me daily injections, making sure I stay hydrated, tracking my medications, and keeping medical records.

Personal Nutritionist - making sure everything I eat is on the approved list and is properly prepared.

Guardian Angel - protecting me from germs by disinfecting the house, keeping away visitors who are ill, and making sure I am washing my hands properly.

Chauffer - making countless trips to the Huntsman Center.

Emotional Support – Of all the things Lynn does for me this is probably the most important. I’m finding this to be an emotional roller coaster and having her there by my side gives me tremendous comfort and peace.

While Lynn is certainly my Primary Caregiver there are a lot of people who Lynn and I consider Caregivers as well. First of all, our children and their families followed closely by our extended families and our friends. Your gifts, cards, letters, emails, comments on the blog, phone calls and visits give us strength and lift our spirits. Thank you so much for your support, it means so much to us just knowing you are there.

Lynn being a Grandma

Skiing with the girls

Lap quilt made for me by Jennifer and Kelly with inputs from all 9 grandkids