How Precious is Each Day? Chapter 12; Coco's Journey

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Life in the Midst of Cancer, Ovarian Cancer

People were filing in the church. One by one the rows were beginning to fill. There was an audible hum emanating from the sanctuary. Coco knew that the time was drawing nigh.

And she was very much thankful to be alive.

Her daughter Kate was hiding away in the dressing room with her attendants. The veil would soon be in place. She prayed the day would be everything she had hoped for!

The temptation was too enticing. She walked back to see her daughter—one last time. 

As she made her way through the door, she scratched her itchy scalp under the wig. And then looking down at her waist line, she smirked. The dress had probably loosened a tiny amount over the last few weeks since her final fitting. But those were small matters. She would not let those tiny issues ruin this one beautiful moment in eternity.

Why Can't the Bride Give a Toast? Chapter 11; Coco's Journey

By Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor 

The Journey of Ovarian Cancer, Life with Cancer

Just under a hundred people filled the room. She gazed around the banquet hall; all the people Coco loved were here—some coming from as far as a thousand miles away. Her daughter Kate looked exquisitely beautiful in her red and white cocktail dress. And the smile decorating her face—nothing short of genuine—reflecting a glorious version of happiness. She wasn’t certain if she had ever seen her daughter so joyful in all of her days.

The salmon was cooked to perfection. And the dessert—positively decadent. But the blessing? There was no lingering pain or nausea quashing the night. The thought of cancer had passed from the forefront of her brain—even if for a moment.

The Mother-of-the-Bride Dress Fits Just Fine. Chapter 10; Coco's Journey

By Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Beautiful moments in the midst of a trial, Ovarian Cancer

The wedding was just a month away and Coco’s heart pounded joyfully. Her daughter! Getting married! That was so cool...

And then her unrelenting doubts crept in. Could she pull it off? With a little help from her friends—perhaps. She would at least be there that day. Nothing could keep her away—well almost nothing. But what about chemo side effects? She was convinced they could be controlled (well some of them, as she reached up and felt the wig). The aches or pains could be overlooked too—and if not, there would be wine at the reception. But she didn’t want to do too much of that. A clear head was paramount. This would be a day to cherish. The event was within her grasp; and she wanted to savor it like a great Cabernet.

Over the last two trying months, staying involved with the wedding plans had certainly helped maintain some sanity in the midst of the turmoil. But she had required help. There was no way to get this all done by herself. And her daughter Kate had stepped up. The pride she felt about how this little girl had grown up into this beautiful and responsible young woman made her beam. So many of the preparations, and the planning, had been handed over to her—including the final details regarding the wedding ceremony, the photographer, the flowers, her own wedding dress, and even the food at the reception. Kate had run it like a quarterback. But then as Coco thought about it, that had just been inevitable—given the diagnosis—given the fatigue.

How to Meet a Friend (In the Midst of the Storm). Chapter 9; Coco's Journey

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Friends on a Cancer Journey; A Mentor; Ovarian Cancer

This time the parking garage did not trigger a racing heart, or evoke panic, or churn up fear, or create a desire to run—like it had three weeks ago. The chemo suite was not quite as frightening. And the word chemotherapy came attached with prior experience. It was not so unknown. Feeling the elevator surging up, Coco reflected about her CA 125 blood test. It had plummeted, breathing hope into her troubled soul. It made all this seem doable.

Switching gears from wife and mother and friend to patient, she made it over to her chemo bed for the day. She came alone. This day would be a solo act. But that was ok; she was stronger now. Her wig was on. Her prayer partners would be at work and her husband was coming later. It was all good.