I should take some lessons from Danny on mental toughness. I took him to the dentist on Thursday and was told he should not use a pacifier anymore. The dentist could see that his jaw and teeth were already affected by sucking on the pacifier and that continuing would make the problem worse. So we left the dentist office at 11:00 AM and he has not had a pacifier since. It took him more than an hour to fall asleep for his nap that day and a shorter amount of time to fall asleep at night. Yesterday he did better and today, he’s even tougher. He sometimes says “me-me” — that’s what he called his pacifier — and we tell him it’s “all gone.” And he moves on. It’s amazing that he is able to cope and manage without it. He loved it. He used it to fall asleep and he used it to relax. He used it in the car and whenever he snuggled with his two favorite blankets. It was comforting and soothing. Now it’s gone. And he’s fine. I hope to borrow from his spirit and move on despite what’s been taken from me. At least I know I will get some things back — my hair, my energy, my health. Danny will never have “me-me” again. And in a few days, he probably won’t know he ever had one. He is my hero — and he’s only 21 months old.
Jacki Donaldson
Jane Donaldson on 2/26/2005 at 9:03 pm said:
What an adorable ” hero ” Danny is ! Though he surely would have loved to keep his ” Me ME “, he has the comfort and safety of his loving family. He’ll never have his pacifier again, and one day, you’ll never have your cancer again. Two tough customers, no doubt ! Like Mommy, like son.
Love, Jane
Monica Brasington on 2/27/2005 at 6:46 pm said:
Jacki,
Hooray for Danny! He’s brave for giving up his pacifier and you’re brave for taking it away. Andrew’s a thumb-sucker and we worry about his teeth too. Although, unlike the “me-me”, we can’t just get rid of the thumb! What’s so amazing to me is that you are able to manage the normal parenting stuff and fight breast cancer at the same time-you’re doing great!! Stay positive and know that we’re thinking of you, praying for you, and wishing you all the best. Love, Monica
April on 2/27/2005 at 7:49 pm said:
I just got updated on your journal and the few entries you have written since I last checked.
I am sorry that this disease is getting you down. I can’t imagine how it wouldn’t at points in your recovery. You are only human. This cancer has interrupted “normal” life and thrown a wrench in what you had come to expect in your daily routine.Not to mention the struggles and strain to your body. You are such an amazing person Jacki. You should be proud of the way you are handling this. Bad days and all. You are allowed to get a little upset and frustrated.
Just continue to fight. Know that you are closer to being finished then when you started, and you will get your life and body back soon. The life that you are in charge of, not the cancer. Know that I admire you,and so do the many others that you are touching with your
story. You are a hero in every sense of the word. Stay strong!!! You will win!!!
Congratulations to Danny! I will have to pass that info onto my sister as my nephew still uses his bink and he is 2 1/2. Luckily the girls never took one, but Audrey has her blanket she can’t do without.
Again, stay strong!!! You are a survivor!
Love ya!!! April
Kara on 2/27/2005 at 9:00 pm said:
It is amazing what we can learn from our children!! Your thoughtfulness and generosity during this time of struggle are uplifting. Thanks again for sharing; you have so many people who care about you. Do you know anything about massage for cancer patients? I saw a flyer recently and thought that you deserved something like that!!
Michelle Jones on 3/2/2005 at 8:25 am said:
I was picking Madisyn up from school Monday and I saw you sitting in the park watching your children play…and it was the most beautiful thing. I thought to myself “how does she do it”. Our children inspire us, you are a wonderful mother with two sweet little boys!
annie on 3/2/2005 at 6:02 pm said:
Hey Jacki,
I’ve been so out of touch, but I just found your web site and have spent the last 30 minutes going through all of your entries. First off, you are the most gorgeous bald woman. I am amazed how great you look with no hair. You know, I always wanted beautiful straight blond hair like yours, and now I feel inspired to do something different. My head is too bumpy to shave it all off though. And your photos are so great. They speak to both the learning experiences and the sadness around your journey. It’s such a cool web site. It must be really hard for you to continue posting, especially when you’re having a hard day. Keep up the good work. You’re being so strong! I will keep sending positive thoughts your way. Please give all the boys hugs for me. Much love, annie.