My Trip to See Lauren in Phoenix
1.31.2018
Last week, Conrad and I flew out to Mesa, Arizona to visit my sister during her second week of radiation therapy. I've decided that Phoenix in January is pretty much paradise minus the beach. Not a cloud in the sky and 70 degrees. It reminded me so much of San Diego with all the sunshine and palm trees, that I felt right at home. I honestly did not want to leave! Is it realistic to dream of becoming a sun bird in my thirties?!?
The best part, of course, was getting to spend precious time with Lauren and her two littlest hooligans. I cherish those few days each year we get to spend together. There is no one else on earth who "gets me" quite like she does. And now that we've discovered we share the same faulty genetics that cause cancer, I feel even more connected to her... except our roles of big and little sister seem to be reversed. Someday she'll be my coach when I have a double mastectomy and get to go through early menopause. Wow! But we hardly dwell on cancer. Instead, we talk and laugh about our kids and eat fruit out of a bowl and guacamole like it's going out of style. Lauren has this wonderful sense of humor and outlook on life that I learn from every single time I'm around her. Sisters really are the best of friends. I am so so grateful God blessed me with a sister.
For those who ask, Lauren is doing well. Surgery in November to remove the cancer went smoothly, though it was the pinnacle of what has been a physically and emotionally hard year. Numberless tears of grief and pain and helpless frustration were shed. Fortunately, her margins came back clear which tentatively means, she is cancer free! Lauren is now going through the final stage of her cancer treatment plan: radiation 5 times a week for 6 weeks. So far, she's handling it like a champ. Lauren's skin is starting to look a bit red (like a sunburn) and she needs a daily nap, but other than that, she's able to do what she loves best and that's being a mom.
Lauren (and a few family members) have become temporary residents of the Phoenix area during the week and drive home on the weekend. She's living in a home located in a gated retirement community graciously offered by family friends for her to use free of charge. The home has never been updated (read: obnoxious wall paper. Haha), but it's clean and comfortable and surprisingly relaxing. I felt lucky that I got to be there with Lauren and two of her kids! (Seriously, I'd kiss the folks who own that house if I knew who they were. What truly kind and generous folks.)
