I am adaptable

Posted by Denise @denisestlouie, Feb 6 2:24pm

I never know when a writing idea will come to me. This happened this morning on the interstate as I was driving to an early morning medical appointment. I reference The Beverly Hillbillies. If you don’t know the Hillbillies go to TV land and stream a few episodes. You will laugh you head off.

Daisy Mae “Granny” Moses (Beverly Hillbillies) and I are one and the same. No, I don’t look like Granny and I’m not from the hills of Tennessee, but just like Granny I’m adjusting to a new environment. When Granny’s son-in-law Jedd sprung oil he pulled up roots by taking his family to a foreign land to make a new life for themselves. Needless to say, Granny went kicking and screaming, but she went. She found herself living in a foreign land where nothing seemed to make sense to what she knew. Granny was no shrinking violet. She was a feisty woman who refused to give up her old way of life. She was her family’s matriarch. She was always ready for a battle. Granny was able to maintain her new life with the help of her medicine in the little brown jug, moonshine and occasionally some emotional manipulation. Granny perseveres. She adapts. She creates a safe home for her and her family. Granny never gives up on who she is.

I’ve been thrown into the foreign world of chronic illness. What I knew to be true before doesn’t apply any more. I’m being up rooted and I have been kicking and screaming all the way. I am feisty. It’s served me well. It can frustrate my medical providers because I won’t lean into disease. I am always ready for a battle, and it doesn’t bother me to pull out some manipulation if it helps me stay comfortable. My medicine doesn’t come in a little brown jug, but from pouches that are attached to me with a tube. Manipulation for me is what I call self-advocating. I’m no shrinking violet either. I don’t except the word no and I’ll make myself an annoyance, a kindly annoyance, until I’m heard and addressed. I’ve settled into my new world, but I refuse to give up on who I am.

Just like Granny I am adaptable.

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sle3364 | @sle3364 | Feb 6 9:00pm

You sound like an amazing woman. Keep on, keep on!

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 7 11:53am

@denisestlouie I'm old enough to remember "Beverly Hillbillies" when it was on TV. I can sing the theme song too.

Your description of Granny Clampett is so good and yes, she is/was one feisty woman. Never shy about confronting the truths as she saw them and didn't back off from anyone or anything. To see yourself in Granny Clampett? That's very positive. It's what is now referred to as "the new normal" when nothing feels like it did in the past.

Loving the joyous photo of you on the dance floor. I always enjoy your insightful posts, Denise. Thank you.

sistermarcy | @sistermarcy | Feb 8 8:51am

Loved your story🥰You capture our new reality in a now land. Thanks.

Jane Mc | @jane | Feb 9 6:12am

I totally agree with you. A diagnosis can take you on a "left-turn journey," but it doesn't mean you can't roll with the changes. That "new normal" is sometimes a moving target, however, if you continue to live through the left turns the journey sometimes becomes an adventure. After a while, the nurses and technicians become more than just familiar faces. The friends at home that show up more often to check how things are going become a fun afternoon despite the discomfort. Realizing that speaking up for how I wanted to move forward with things became empowering. Embrace it "Granny!" You've got this and are an inspiration to those who are stepping into this journey wondering how to ride it out. Thanks for your insight!

sprpatterson | @sprpatterson | Feb 10 11:21am

I love your Granny analogy. I watched the Beverly Hillbillies when I was young. Cancer is a new reality, and it's hard to navigate its twists and turns. I have found that every chemo cycle is different. Every one of my three surgeries are different, and you need to find new strategies to adapt. Alternative medicine has been helpful to me to manage the pain, neuropathy, and fatigue--especially acupuncture and chiropractic. I am fortunate that I found an excellent chiropractor who uses acupuncture. Also, it helps to be positive and have visions of life after cancer. Good luck and stay strong!