Posted on by Lana Eberhard

Tenderness

Tenderness (1. gentleness and kindness)

Tenderness, that’s what I feel in my heart recalling saying our final farewell to Peach. He left this world so sweetly and gently. It was a privilege to be his caretaker and friend for the last 14 years. It was hard to say goodbye, but the tenderness of all the wonderful moments we shared lingers and makes my heart heavy. His brother Mango misses him, too. I, we, loved him.

I’m also feeling tenderness for my Dad today. It’s his birthday. He would have turned 99 years old. He passed away 10 years ago, just shy of his 89th birthday. He was a cowboy and proudly said once, many years ago, that he even jogged in cowboy boots. He, too, had cancer and endured oral chemo. Among many other things, he was funny, charismatic, handsome and tender. Happy trails, Dad. Happy Trails.

Life is overflowing with tenderness, especially the tenderness shared by all of you.

Tenderness (2. sensitivity to pain)

And then there is the other side of tenderness that I experience everyday as a cancer patient enduring the side effects of chemotherapy.

Tenderness of my fingers and toes, my constantly and tender runny nose, occasionally (thank goodness) my mouth, and of course the sometimes painful emotions I experience that are typically short lived.

Both of those definitions of tenderness unfold on my monthly visits with Dr. Rugo. I feel deep tenderness for all the caregivers I come in contact with. I feel extremely fortunate to be at UCSF and the kindness and caring they exude. But the painful tenderness I experience is when I’m told the mass isn’t shrinking, but it isn’t growing (as far as we know) either. It’s the pain I feel when my tumor marker continues to increase. It all hurts.

On my last visit on April 13th, I asked how much longer I’d be on Xeloda? The answer was when it stops working or my side effects become too toxic. That was painful to hear. On my next visit on May 17 & 18, I’ll get my quarterly CT scans and that should give us a better perspective on whether any progress has been made.

Until then, I tenderly (the good definition) thank you for all your support. Even when we haven’t spoken or seen each other in a long time, I feel it…all day, every day.

There is nothing as strong as tenderness, And nothing as tender as true strength. —Saint Francis de Sale

17 Replies to “Tenderness”

  1. Love how you weave together your story on tenderness. You are a tender-hearted woman to the core.

    We’re counting on favorable news after your next appt. I wish there was something you could take to alleviate the yucky symptoms you’re experiencing.

    It was so sweet to catch up by phone the other week. Will miss seeing you on the 7th.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I’ve been so emotional since I read this. I wish I was there and could just hug you so tight and we could have a good cry togeather.

    I Love You So Much,

    M ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Dear Lana – you have been in my heart and on my mind all weekend – the words just kept coming “this isn’t fair!” – I continue to be in awe of your attitude and response to the seemingly endless crummy news. It certainly makes me think twice before I feel sorry for myself for ANYTHING. I’m so sad you lost your kitty – I’m sad you’re working your way through what seems an endless battle with cancer – I hope it makes you smile just a little to know you are making the journey for others a much more informed – more guided experience. I kept returning to “God has this” – I just know he does – continued prayers and wishes for a bit of good news for you precious friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. i am so humbled by your post Lana and by all the words thoughts and emotions expressed by others posting here. love you Lana, love you all.

    Liked by 1 person

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