November is National Family Caregivers Month. My Cervivor sister Erica’s husband JR, wrote a beautiful blog post here. Love does conquer all but that doesn’t make it less challenging or painful for caregivers. I won’t pretend to know what it’s like for my caregiving team but my husband, my children, my parents, my brother and my village do more for me than they may ever know.
After my second surgery left me with no bladder or colon, my then fiancé became my nurse. In the hospital, he recorded the Wound Nurse demonstrating bag changes. Then at home,*he* changed my poop and pee bags for months. While I screamed in frustration trying to do it on my own, he just held me and reassured me that I could do it. And eventually I did.
Pete has also sat beside me and held my hand each time my oncologist told us of my reoccurrence and metastasis. We’ve cried together, and apart. It is exhausting and overwhelming for both of us and that’s why I’m so grateful for him.
My children, who each moment provide me with love, are who I fight so hard for. My children may be adults but that does not make this any easier. This caregiving thing wasn’t suppose to happen until I became very old. I want nothing more than to continue to be here with them.
My parents and my brother, along with my chosen village, constantly support me. They are there each time I am hospitalized, they take care of our pets when we cannot, they lend a shoulder to cry on, they summon prayer warriors in my name, they have raised an insane amount of awareness and dollars for causes I care about, they never miss an opportunity to celebrate with me and they love unconditionally.
These people, whose love touches my heart so deeply, are MY HEROES. This life would not be worth fighting for if they were not here. You give selflessly; you are my joy, my peace and my strength.
“When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together.”
cancer avenger 
I started reading your blog recently but I feel like I know you for a long time.Your story is similar to mine and I know that it is more or less similar to other cancer patients’ lives.My family is the only thing which is left with me now.After I got cancer the people associated with me gradually lost the contact with me which was another pain I had.However I still live because of my parents who continued the cancer treatments I was receiving.
I’m so glad you are connecting with my story/posts. Cancer can be so isolating and I know how much it helps to find people who really understand. Thank you so much and I am so glad you are here. #moresunnydays
And I always thought that was my lack of vision that made me think I would never figure out how to take care of my ostomies 🙂
I so very much agree with you that without the caregivers I would not be able to have the quality of life that I have. Bless them all.
Hugs,
Lynne
Carol, you are an AMAZING inspiration for so many people! Your blogs always bring tears to my eyes, and I’m so thankful that you have your Village! Pete, you are such a great guy and a wonderful support to your lovely wife! We love you both 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
At times, we all stand back for a moment, and gaze in awe at the strength we see in you. Truly. An inspiring person.
We are better humans by knowing you, Carol.
Beautiful. Inspirational. You and Pete live in my heart.
God bless you, Carol, and family, as you join together in battle. During the days of the Old Testament in the Bible, the singers went ahead of the warriors in battle and as they praised the Lord. God gave them victory. It reminds me to do the same when times get tough–sing and praise the Lord, and the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I love the photo with the ocean in the background. You are beautiful & an inspiration to everyone.