Posts by ruggedpuma47

Hey everyone... It’s day three since my first round of chemo, and I won't lie, it hasn't been easy. I'm doing my best to push through though.
Hang in there, everyone. Stay strong.

Hannah Williams51 said:ruggedpuma47, hang in there! We're pretty much the same age, and honestly, I have no idea how I’d handle myself if I were in your shoes. You are incredibly brave!

Thanks, Hannah 🙂

I'm terrified, sure, but I am not backing down... I suppose that's what bravery actually looks like, isn't it?
I feel lucky that I'm the one dealing with this monster instead of my kids—God forbid anyone else had to face this. As long as they are safe and sound right here with me, I will do absolutely everything in my power to stay by their side for as long as possible.
There was a day recently where I was in a really dark place mentally, and Angela Wright... she literally pulled me back from the edge with just her words.
My signature is actually a quote she gave me. I can't thank her enough for truly hearing me, for reading between the lines, and for just grabbing me by the collar and dragging me away from the path I was heading down that morning without asking a single unnecessary question.

Amy Torres4 said:Mom is doing better today, thank God. She’s lucid, even if she’s still incredibly weak. Is it okay to let myself hope?

I just caught up on your last post, Amy...

You should absolutely hope—and try to cherish every single good moment while they come. 🙂

Amy Torres4 said:I am truly happy for you all, ruggedpuma47, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. May God grant you health. I’m heading over to my mother's place now; please, just pray to God that she feels better and that I find the strength to handle everything coming my way.

Amy, thanks for the support. 🙂

My family was absolutely pulling their hair out yesterday, all because they were trying to be there for me...
They were attempting to cheer me up with some jokes, but instead, I just broke down in tears—though, honestly, my heart felt so full and happy in that moment..
If I can just make it through today with these remaining lungs of mine—everything feels so tight and constricted, like I can barely catch a breath—then maybe tomorrow will be okay. Then, I can finally go to war with this absolute bastard that forced its way into my life..
Keep your fingers crossed for me. 🙂 🙂

ruggedpuma47, I am genuinely relieved to hear your mom was up and walking. It’s a huge win, just like what the folks over at Mayo Clinic always emphasize regarding recovery
Just hang in there and take it one single step at a time... you have to..

I spent half my day stuck in traffic heading toward Austin today, but I'm finally feeling stable enough. On Monday, I actually start my first round of chemo
Life is such a strange, unpredictable thing... we’re actually looking at this as a positive since it means the treatment is finally starting..🙂 🙂

Amy Torres4 said:Thanks, ruggedpuma47, but honestly? It’s just gut-wrenching. Seeing her actually feel like she might have to leave me and my sister behind... seeing those tears... it's too much. I swear, I think my heart would just stop right then and there.😢

Amy Torres4, honey, life is looking up now that you and your sister are finally on the right track... and honestly? That’s exactly how things ought to be.

My grandmother used to say, "No matter how old you get, once your mother passes away, you're an orphan." Honestly... there’s nothing more to be said than that. It’s just the truth.

Whatever you think might help, just go out there and do it. Pray, cry, scream at the top of your lungs—I don't care. Just do something.
Stick by her side for as long as you can. Just remember—when she’s looking at you, she’s really just staring at the life she wants to lead.
It honestly breaks my heart to see you going through this... seeing how much weight you're carrying and just how much it hurts. But look, you've got to just do what you can, with everything you've got. There isn't exactly a handbook for life's heavy hitters like this one; you can't prepare yourself for these kinds of hits in advance. All we can really do is try to understand one another, offer some advice, lean on each other, and... well, just try our best to provide some comfort when things get dark.

P.S. On my very first day in the recovery room after the lung cancer surgery, they let my kids come by my bedside. I couldn't even get a word out... I just sat there with tears streaming down my face. Later on, my kids told me how incredibly hard it was for them to see me like that. It just breaks your heart.
I couldn't even find the words back then. I just sat there, unable to say a single thing, while the tears kept coming. It wasn't because I was sad, though—it was because I was just so, so incredibly proud of them. Honestly, seeing who they've become... it hits you hard. I felt this overwhelming wave of happiness knowing that they are mine. My kids. Truly mine.

Amy Torres4, it’s time to whip up that legendary lemonade whenever life decides to hand you a basket of lemons...
Look, I’m a mother, and yeah, I’m dealing with my own health issues right now, but honestly? I’m content. I'm actually feeling pretty grateful because, even with everything going on, there are two major headaches I don't have to deal with anymore. My kids are healthy and they're right here by my side. That's what matters.
As long as things stay this way—no matter how much it hurts—it's okay. Just trust me when I say your mom would be right there agreeing with me.
Just dig deep, find whatever strength you have left, and give it everything you've got.
I was a total wreck just yesterday morning, truly broken... but today feels different. I owe Angela Wright a huge thank you for everything she's done.

Hey everyone...
I really don't want cancer to be the only thing happening in my life, so I finally decided to get brave at fifty and sign up for this forum..
If I mess anything up, just blame my youth, alright?🙂
Honestly, I’m looking forward to the connection—the laughs, the rage, and the tears. It's a pretty solid combination if you ask me.