How can it be???? Vanny is 19 years old!
Last Sunday, we celebrated early with a family dinner before the start of chemo week. On Tuesday, September 9th, Vanny opened a few gifts before school. She got a cute little Grub squishy, a character from the Holo Knight game. Also, Jadan got the knight from the game—together, they make delicious eye candy for Subi, who thinks anything stuffed is for her. We also plan to do a little birthday outing after chemo week. Between school and treatment, our schedule is not only back-to-back but exhausting.
Amanda warmly welcomed Jadan during check-in. Once again, he received an inspiring handwritten message: “When you have exhausted all possibilities…Remember this: YOU HAVEN’T!” These words couldn’t have been more appropriate. Feeling powerless to help has been the theme for this week. From Monday to Tuesday, Jadan lost two pounds as a result of being sick. He typically gains weight from fluids, and the steroid increases his appetite, but not this week. After speaking with Jadan’s nurse and in agreement with Jadan, we decided to try a CBD tincture to help with nausea. We’ve had a crash course in Cannabis education from a local business recommended by Jadan’s doctor. The CBD tincture does not include THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces a high or addictive properties. Overall, with the increase in treatment side effects, we are hopeful and grateful that there is another option to help alleviate Jadan’s suffering.
Additional ways in which Jadan is helped through pain through foot massages and healing touch holistic healing modalities offered by Jadan’s nurse. Another nurse suggested he try acupuncture as a way to help with the nausea. Implementing healing art modalities contributes to the mind-body-spirit integrative approach to managing the stress caused by cancer and the treatment. According to the care team, the treatment for Jadan’s cancer is effective, with a full recovery expected. Ensuring Jadan’s mental well-being and emotional well-being will allow for sound decision-making and empower him to fill his thoughts with positivity. As we strive to strengthen his spiritual well-being, “Supplication to God at morn and eve,” which Abdu’l-Bahá states, “is conducive to the joy of hearts, and prayer causes spirituality and fragrance” (Baha’iquotes.com).
Day 2 Art inspired by Beauty
“I beseech Thee, O my God, by Thy Beauty that shineth forth above the horizon of eternity, a Beauty before which, as soon as it revealeth itself, the kingdom of beauty boweth down in worship, magnifying it in ringing tones, to grant that I may die to all that I possess and live to whatsoever belongeth unto Thee. Thou seest me, O my God, holding to Thy Name, the Most Holy, the Most Luminous, the Most Mighty, the Most Great, the Most Exalted, the Most Glorious, and clinging to the hem of the robe to which have clung all in this world and in the world to come.” Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh
Soul Gardening: Jadan's Cancer Journey 