Day 29

Good Morning!

Well, I am gaining strength and stamina.  I've only had one nap over the last four days and I cooked dinner for the first time last night.

I just read in Miss Manners' column about the correct etiquette regarding the open discussion of cancer.  She recommends not mentioning it.  She is a little upset that obituaries sometimes mention that someone lost their battle in beating cancer and she believes it is better to say the person died peacefully while surrounded by family.

I usually go along with Miss Manners.  But I can't say that I do today.  We talk with friends about knee replacements, colds, GERD, and other assorted physical ailments.   Why not cancer?  I don't mean we should necessarily go into all of the details with each acquaintance.  But then again, why should we hide it?

I obviously am not hiding it from you.  And there are several reasons why.

Reason 1:  My life is changed.  For the next several months I cannot be as active as I have been in the past.  For the rest of my life I must baby my right arm to prevent lymphodema.  I will need to wear compression garments from time to time.  My hair may fall out.  I should give up red meat.  I want you to know the reason for theses changes. 

Reason 2:  I now better understand the need for mammograms.  I think that most other cancers exhibit overt symptoms in most cases.  Breast cancer doesn't.  I felt healthy and hale and hearty until I saw the tumor on the ultrasound screen.  And apparently the tumor had been there for several years, silently growing, building a network to ensure its future.  So, if nothing else, I now preach to everyone - ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS ARE A MUST!

Reason 3:  This is something I stole from a screenwriter for the television series "Longmire."  (I really like that series.)  On one episode Longmire was sitting with a horse that had been seriously injured in a barn fire.  Longmire told the horse that he knew the horse was fighter, he had seen the horse fighting.  He told the horse he didn't need to fight anymore because everyone already knew he was a fighter.  It was ok for the horse to die, and he did.

Boy, that really resonated with me.  And I believe all of these battles for life, whether the opponent is cancer or heart disease or stroke or whatever, I believe all of these battles for life should be recognized and celebrated.  And mentioned in obituaries.

Reason 4:  I am overwhelmed by the generous outpourings of love, prayers., support and well wishes from the many folks who have touched my life.  Thank you.  I hope I continue to live my life in a way that celebrates and honors the relationship I have with each and every one of you.  You are all precious to me.  Thank you.

So, those are my thoughts for today.

I go back to the oncologist next Monday.  

See you soon!