What Happens When Mrs. Kravitz Won’t Shut Up? Coco’s Journey; Chapter 19

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Ovarian Cancer; Gossip; Discouragement

Coco laughed thinking about her encounter with the little boy. Honesty is such a beautiful trait—and he possessed it. When she considered her striking appearance, given the baldness, it made her understand where little Phillip was coming from. How many glistening top women were roaming around this neighborhood—sane ones anyway? She was the only one—that she was aware of.

As she replayed the conversation, she turned the next street corner and noticed a woman watering her flowers. She had never seen her before, even though they only lived a few blocks away.  

“Good morning,” Coco said, feeling the shortness of breath. “You have the prettiest flowerbeds.”

“Thank you… They are really pretty this year.” Suddenly the woman stopped, turned her head at a funny angle and said, “Are you ok?”

What Questions Come on the Long Road Back? Coco’s Journey; Chapter 18

By Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Getting back you life, Recovery from Illness

Attempting to tie her shoelaces was somewhat harder now than six months ago. She found the process—well—complicated. It took more concentration and certainly more dexterity than she presently possessed. The numb hands made for some clumsy coordination. But Coco wasn’t daunted, it would get better—she knew that.

Opening the front door, she inhaled deeply, stretched and looked out at the brilliant blue sky. It was a summer day brimming over with life. A small breeze drifted through the trees. It was her new beginning--a great opportunity to start back on what would likely be a long road to recovery. Yet her willingness was powerful. And the desire was great... Though her expectations were realistic.

How Many People Actually Go On Facebook? Coco’s Journey; Chapter 17

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

The Journey of Cancer; When Love Feels Undeserved

The sun peaked in the blinds covering her bedroom window. Her husband had already left, having slipped out to work before six. Morning had arrived. Coco wiped the slumber from her eyes, realizing that she had no scheduled appointments with anyone today. It was time for her—a time to regroup—a time to reflect. 

Yesterday’s conversation with her doctor about remission was still being replayed in her mind. And nothing could wipe the smile from her face. With her robe on, she walked down to grab her morning coffee. As she sipped the Columbian brew, she gazed out the kitchen window, watching the birds on the feeder as they came and went. At one point, a brilliant gold finch sat alone nibbling on breakfast, watching the world go by. She smiled. The morning reminded her of when she was younger and had just returned from college after final exams. Because in those moments, there was a freedom in knowing that all her tests were behind her—just as her cancer test was behind her now. She was still alive—and the future was out there to be discovered.

How Do You Thank God Enough? Coco's Journey; Chapter 16

by Larry Puls  @larrypulsauthor

One Woman's Journey Through Ovarian Cancer

In the elevator accompanied by only her daughter and husband, she leaned over and gave them a deep embrace. It was a wonderful moment of joy that could not be contained. Coco's tight hug symbolized the thankfulness she had for their support during her cancer journey--and for the fact that she had arrived at a place such as this.

Remission. 

The word resonated in her mind. Did the doctor really say that? But as she asked her family to verify it, they both acknowledged it with smiles on their faces. Remission. Such a sweet word, and so coveted. She pinched herself. This was not a dream.

What Do Dreams Look Like at Three AM? Coco's Journey; Chapter 15

By Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

The Cancer Journey; Ovarian Cancer

She was four weeks removed from her final chemotherapy—and hopefully her last. Coco’s appointment was scheduled for 10:15 this morning. In a few hours she would know where she stood with the cancer. The parasite within. 

But there was this long night before the big day. And sleep proved elusive. How could she rest during such a pivotal time as this? And then to make matters worse, a storm swept through at midnight, a lightning show that lit up her walls, casting eerie shadows. Her husband’s heavy breathing reminded her of what deep sleep sounded like—though she couldn’t mimic it for the life of her. He never stirred once, though the ground shook with thunder. How she envied that. But in the end—fatigue overwhelmed her weakened body and she drifted off—at three am. 

A flash of light. 

Then the cold chill followed. There was a mist or a fog hovering over the lights. She found herself in a doctor’s office, but was it hers? She couldn’t recall trekking over here. Yet here she was, in an office, with unfamiliar surroundings, and yet vaguely there was something familiar. She just surmised that this room must be the right place... But it looked so different.

When the Finish Line Seems So Close—And So Far. Chapter 14; Coco’s Journey

By Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Running for Cancer, Remission

Five treatments down and one to go. She could almost taste it. Coco recalled every time the nurse had hooked up that catheter attached to her belly. It was never pleasant. But it was never miserable. It was just an investment—in life. A temporary suffering for a hopeful future. And hope was important to her.

She pulled the car out of her garage and drove to meet her doctor. The azaleas were in bloom and the dogwoods were sprinkling the yards. Spring had arrived. A new beginning—for the world—but was it for her? It was just two days before her last set of treatments. What did the future hold?

“Good morning Dr. Michaels.”

“Good morning Coco. It’s great to see you. I hope you are feeling well.”

“Other than some fatigue and a touch of numbness in my fingertips, it is all good. And I’m hoping you are going to tell me the same?” she said with her eyebrows going up.

Lunch and Learn. Will You Go? Chapter 13; Coco's Journey

by Larry Puls @larrypulsauthor

Ovarian Cancer, End of Life Thoughts

Coco arrived early. A quiet table in the corner. And then dressed in teal, she walked silently through the door. Marcia Covington. A woman she met while receiving chemo. The woman who piqued her interest two months ago in the chemo suite. An ovarian cancer patient like herself. Only further along. A lot further along. A beautiful smile had adorned her face on that initial day, but not now, as she crossed the restaurant. I hope everything is ok. Today, she seemed tired. Was this the same woman she had met two months ago? The eyes said yes. But her face said no.

Before she sat, they hugged. Coco then tiptoed delicately through some opening small talk. She wanted to be sensitive about Marcia's situation. She was losing the battle against cancer. Somehow her intuition could sense that. Marcia had seemed more bubbly on that day in the chemo suite. And her skin had had more color. What had happened in her story, especially the last two months? She had to know.