This & That News...

I had a chemo treatment this morning and it went well. My blood counts were probably the highest they've been - yay! The nurses were quite pleased with the numbers. I also found out that I miscalculated what treatment # I'm on...ONLY FIVE MORE TO GO!!!!! Five, that's it! Just think how quickly 5 weeks pass by. I am beyond thrilled!

I don't know if I've shared this part about chemo before. I go on the same day at the same time every week. That's how they work it at my oncologist's office. So you get to see the same people almost every week. There is a very nice couple in their mid 60s who come in at the same time I do. The husband has lung cancer. We always sit next to each other and visit throughout our treatment times. Today we were sharing more details of our respective cancer journeys. Ben never smoked a day in his life and ended up with lung cancer. It was a big shock to Ben & his wife. His cancer was found when he was in the hospital for heart-related issues.

People who are dealing with cancer just have this whole 'kindred spirits' thing going on. I mean, you feel like you can just be so open. Ben asked me if I ever discussed my prognosis with the oncologist. He asked but never got a straight answer - just a bunch of statistics about lung cancer. I've never really come right out and asked, not in a very specific way anyhow. The doctor just threw it out there...'The prognosis is good.'

I've also kept in touch with a gal from chemo whose treatments are done now. We went to the same group of doctors - breast surgeon, plastic surgeon and oncologist. The encouragement and understanding I got from Dian was priceless. She's a very upbeat lady.

But sadly, as I'm sure you're aware, not every person with cancer chooses to be open. In my opinion - and through MY experience - one really robs themselves of love, care, compassion, understanding, someone to vent to, cry with, encouragement...all of the things you need at a time like this! I met another lady at chemo who only told ONE other person she had cancer and swore them to secrecy. Let me tell you, it gets difficult trying to be brave and strong all the time - much less not revealing something so life changing as a cancer diagnosis. Cause it does change every aspect about your life. I would find it much too difficult to play the role of pretender.

I heard of another person today - a friend of a friend - who is a single, middle-aged man facing a recurrence of cancer but doesn't want any help from anyone. I guess he said something to the effect that he's a strong person so he'll just get through this - he doesn't need anyone. That makes me sad to hear how he is robbing himself from so many things he needs. No, it's not my business. I know that. But I think it's extremely sad.

In other news, our youngest daughter Tess needs glasses so we got those ordered today. They'll be here in about a week or so. She is actually looking forward to getting them so I am relieved to not have a fight on my hands or many reminders to 'wear your glasses, Tess'.

Our oldest daughter Taylor went to an after-school meeting today about the upcoming rugby season. She is going to play again this year. Last season was my very first introduction to rugby. Whoa, what a tough sport! Some of those girls are out for blood!

There are so many little details that need to be taken care for our son's high school graduation. Gotta order the cap & gown, announcements, name cards, senior pictures, etc... Plans for the graduation party at the end of June are coming together. We've settled on having it here at home with a big tent in the front yard. (Tables & chairs under there, of course DUH :) So many family members have graciously offered to make food and ya know what? I'm taking them all up on it, too! (Hey, I'm no dummy!) I like parties to have themes so we're going to personalize it according to what best represents Tyler. He doesn't really want to go with his school colors so we're not. I'm gonna make centerpieces and already have many decorating ideas. In the coming months I'm planning to shop for supplies, make a few scrapbooks, picture boards - I'd like to do as much prep ahead as I possibly can. This planning is also proving to be quite therapeutic for me in getting my mind off cancer treatment, which is a WONDERFUL thing.

So that's about what's happening around these parts.

Hope you're all enjoying a good week :)

P.S. My nephew Christian is celebrating a birthday today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTIAN!!!! Sorry I'll be late getting something to you...I haven't forgotten you, really! Love ya, bud :)