Take Your Places

It seems in every situation, each family member has their role.

Holiday Dinners for example.
Me: The Hostess.  I love having people over; the more the merrier.  I love a house full of friends and family and I love planning for these occasions.
Michel (my husband): The cook.  Michel is an amazing cook and enjoys making food for friends and family and seeing their faces light up at the smell and taste of something he has prepared.
Matt (my brother-in-law): The People Person.  You will see Matt bounce from conversation to conversation all night long.  He can talk to anyone and enjoys any discussion topic from Politics to Pasta Sauces.
Kim (my sister): The Knowledge Keeper.  Even without her M.D., Kim is the one we all turn to when we need an honest opinion or help flushing out the facts.  As a good listener with a sympathetic and understanding ear, Kim is often found in the middle of the most serious family discussions.

The situation of having Mom diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer was no different.  We have taken our places and are in it for the long haul.  We will fight this war together and relish each battle we win; We will face each setback together, as a team. 

Introducing Team Nan:

Me: The Hostess.  The blogger who will keep family and friends in the loop.  The one who will write about the good, bad and ugly; who will ensure that Nan's Journey is documented.
Michel: The cook.  Cooking from newly purchased "Chemo Cookbooks"; ensuring Nan's nutritional needs are met while still providing all her favorites (Milanesa, Carne Asada, Fish tacos...).
Matt: The People Person.  Matt will keep us all, including Mom, in good spirits.  His easy-going manner and attitude will allow us all to remember what is important.
Kim: The Knowledge Keeper.  The one who takes notes at each appointment and can talk chemo regimens with the oncologists without stumbling over the drug names.  The one who reminds us to stay positive and strong.  The one who knew a second opinion was the smart thing to do. 

March 26th, 2013 > Oncology Consult, Dr. Blaes - University of MN
We all went into this appointment confident that we would get some questions answered but that it would be near impossible for us all to feel the connection we felt with Dr. Sherman at Methodist.  We were proven wrong.  Dr. Blaes was sweet and kind and told us to be aggressive.  Why not go for it, knock the cancer on it ass, and then really send it packing with surgery.  Her nurse was blunt and honest; something we all appreciated.  Before we left, Mom was scheduled to start Chemo on Monday, April 1st.