Babysitting with Lung Cancer

Anyone who knows me or who has read my articles in the past know a few things about me. I have seven children, 3 daughters-in-law, and 3 grandchildren. Sounds busy but it is not any longer. All my children are grown. My days are surrounded, mostly, with treatment and doctors appointments. But one thing remains a constant, I babysit my grandchildren once to twice a week. Not all at once though. They are 11 years old, 8 months old, and 3 months old.

Being a grandma and battling lung cancer

The 11 year old is a piece of cake - always asking, "Nana, can I get you anything." He's a doll baby. The younger two are a different story. Both are infants and, as you may already know, infants take a lot of energy, time, and love. I watch my 8 month old granddaughter twice a week and my 3 month old grandson once every couple of weeks. It is a time that I treasure and give thanks every day that I am here to see them.

But let me tell you, while going through active treatment it is not always a picnic. There are days, as you may know, that I am nauseated all day, want to sleep all day, and have aches and pains in various spots. It has taken me several months but I have figured how to accomplish this special time with my little ones and not deplete all my energy in one hour.

Adjusting my babysitting routine

I try not to carry the little ones too much. I had my left lung lobes removed so carrying an 8 month old that is nearing 18 pounds can be a struggle. When she is awake, I try to sit on the floor and play with her. I don't want her getting cranky and need to entertain her, so being on the floor with her toys is a great way to preserve your energy.

I am very lucky that the two little ones are good sleepers as well. Anytime they nap, I nap. Just like when a new mother brings home her newborn, a half hour power nap can do wonders.

The hardest part for me in a day when I am watching the babies is that the crib is upstairs (thankfully, my bedroom is downstairs) and I try to avoid stairs like the plague. The only time I go upstairs is when it is nap time or the baby is waking up.

As with all things we do as cancer patients, we must use pre-planning, realistic goals, and schedules. It did take me a long time to figure that out. The first few months of my granddaughter's life, I would watch her for four hours and then feel like I needed a four hour nap myself.

Not anymore.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 28, 2020, Jennifer Toth passed away. Jennifer was a passionate advocate for the Lung Cancer community. She will be deeply missed.