What to do when waiting on testing and treatment options?

Send Cathy a text:)I never thought I would experience it again.  In the past couple weeks, I've been riding the emotional roller coaster of caregiving again.   It’s funny how fast you forget about those firsts.  The first inkling something isn’t right with your loved one.The initial shock and numbness when you hear the bad news.Then comes all those emotions of sadness, crying, grief, anger, frustration, confusion, worry, and lack of focus.  First, let me tell you about my Mom.  I’m blessed to have a great mother-daughter relationship.  She is an energizer bunny and social butterfly.  The one that is always willing to help.  She is  the hard working blue collar worker with her own cleaning business.  She is still cleaning small apartments at age 79.   She was married to Dad 57 years until he passed in 2018.  They both traveled, enjoyed spending time together and spent 15 winters in Arizona.Mom and I did some Mother Daughter trips to Jamaica, Arizona, Minneapolis and BransonIn the last 3 years I watched my Mom transform from a struggling widow to a strong, independent, happy woman.  If you follow me on Facebook, you 'll see our Sunday Fundays together.  When I visit her at her senior apartment, her phone is always ringing and someone is knocking on her door.  But now, she is faced with cancer.  I noticed over the last month that she wasn’t feeling well and then the biopsy confirmed it.  We are still waiting for test results this week to find out the formal diagnosis, treatment options and recommendations.  The one thing I learned in the last three years is that I'm a better caregiver advocate to grow a team and find resourcesYou need people that will stick with you through thick and thin.   People you can lean on and help you through this challenging time.  Why should you build a team?Your loved one isn't able to manage their own care.  Your loved one's main job is getting well.   You can’t do it all.  This  is simply too much for one person.  Unfortunately this is my 4th round of my loved one’s cancer diagnosis  As my mom is going through her tests, biopsy, scans and doctor appointments.  I’ve been journaling and thinking about forming the  team.  Get my free journaling promptsStart with you the primary caregiver.  Journal:  Personal Strengths / SkillsPersonal Weaknesses Gaps and ChallengesThen move into what kind of support you have?    What support your loved one needs?Team of doctorsNurse navigatorsTherapy (EAP)Support GroupsDrivers, relief sitters, meal prep, home nursing, churchNow list your "I  believe statement"Then move to What you don't want?What you want?I encourage you to journal where you're at in your journey.  Journal what you want and what you don’t want.    There is no guarantee or promises that it will all go as planned or as visioned but when you get real with yourself, believe and reflect, you’ll be able to see things with a different lens.  Two other helpful links3 Stages of Caregiver StressWhat's your caregiver style?Remember:  it’s important to fill your cup first.  You can’t pour from an empty cup.  Take time for yourself each day and make yourself a priority so you can reduce that overwhelm and find joy in this caregiver life.  Support the show