By Sr. Janis Yaekel ASC
I am Sister Janis Yaekel, ASC and I have pancreatic cancer. In fact, I have lived with cancer since 2012. I hope to share in my blog my journey and my reflections on the presence of God in my life. It is my hope that those who read my entries will find strength for their own journeys.
I recently found out how bumpy a vacation can be.
Last month, I was maid of honor at the wedding of my friends Cindy and Al in Romeoville, Ill. Following the Friday night rehearsal, we had dinner at the bowling alley where Cindy and Al had their first date, and then we all went bowling. It was great fun.
Saturday was a beautiful day. Cindy and Al made a great bride and groom and I was able to walk in heels without tripping. The priest and deacon were awesome and the wedding reception was fabulous. I finished my stay there on Sunday morning after breakfast with the newlyweds.
I then made my way to Wisconsin, where my brother, Jim, and his wife, Rosie, were waiting. We had a great first evening and then the vacation west south. Monday evening I became very sick with vomiting and diarrhea, and after that I just never felt good. I felt weak and slept a lot, and could not eat.
I did go fishing once but I found myself getting dehydrated and headed to the hospital emergency room in Superior, Wis., where I was given fluids and sent home.
On Monday, with a little extra strength, I headed home and noticed that my right foot was beginning to swell. Suspecting blood clots, I called my doctor, who ordered tests that confirmed I had clots in both legs, likely associated with chemotherapy treatments. I inject myself twice a day to dissolve them.
You would think that this was more than enough to deal with over two weeks, but oh no. Last week, I twisted my back and have been chair- and bed-bound a few days, capping a vacation from hell! Perhaps the back problem was a grace in disguise for forcing me to elevate my feet.
Today my back is better, I feel stronger and the swelling has gone down.
In the meantime I’m trying to prepare myself for chemo on the 14th.
I think of you often and pray for you always. Made an impulse visit to Ruma last Saturday and tried to check in with you. I hope you got the note I left for you. Didn’t get to see anyone but had chats with Sr. Anastasia and my scrapbooking buddies – Sr. Benedict, Sr. Jane, and Sister Gemma I was surprised to see Jane and Gemma and Sr. Toni in the cemetery as I did not know they had passed. It was a bittersweet visit. Blessings and Love to you all.
Dear Sister Janis,
Deb T sent me the link to your blog and I am inspired by your entries. I think of you often and want to come out to Ruma to visit soon. Deb tells me you are back in the house you shared with Sr. Anastasia. I recently found pictures on a work flash drive of her and Sister Benedict. What great women! I miss them. Did you get a new kitten named Grace? Is Trick still around?
You have my prayers and support in your battle with cancer.
Love Deb