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.

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.