A guy at work came up to me today and said(I'm sure, having noticed my sparse supply of hair, and several scars) "I'm sorry, I just have to ask, cancer?" I answered, yes, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease. He then told me that his son had had leukemia three times in his life, had a bone marrow transplant, and full body radiation, and had survived. He told me to be strong, and that it would be fine. I told him thank you, and asked if it was hard for his son, going though all the treatments. He did not sugar-coat it for me, he said it was really hard. I said that it was hard for me, and I had only had two rounds of chemo. I can't imagine going through it for that long.
That was the extent of our conversation, and it is still strange how comforting the words of a stranger can be. He doesn't know me. He doesn't know if I am a strong person. If I cry at night because of what I am going through. Or if it is just another thing you do, cause you have to. But he recognized my situation, and offered what comfort he could. And I will always remember that.
On a sadder note...just days after my first treatment I had a lady at my station who noticed my Cancer Sucks pin on my purse and commented that they (her and her daughter) had the same one, and asked why I had it. I explained. She offered that her husband had colon cancer and had been suffering through chemo since about October. She asked about my port. I showed her and she said her husband had just had one put in a few weeks ago, but it was so much better than the regular IV he had been getting. She also said that they had recently changed his chemo drugs and these new ones were making him pretty sick. I can feel his pain. We talked a few minutes longer and I felt better knowing that there was someone else who knew what I was going through. I found out today that her husband passed away. I didn't know what to say. I did not actually see her, it was relayed to me from my manager. I wish there was something I could do for them. We were not good friends, we were barely even acquaintances. I had never even met her husband. But I feel for her so strongly. My heart goes out to them.
It was a busy day today, and I am glad to be home.
That's nice that you met that man. I think it would help to know that other people know what you are going through and that they have made it through themselves.
ReplyDeleteTonight I visited the Relay for Life (my sister, Lacy, is a volunteer and on one of the teams). It was amazing seeing so many people there. Especially the large group of people wearing purple t-shirts that proudly proclaimed, "Survivor" on the back. There were so many people there with friends and families walking with them and I started to tear up, thinking of what they must have gone through but so happy that they had made it to be there tonight.
Love you, Lena! And you are strong. Don't doubt it. None of us do.
Hey there Friend! Sorry that I haven't kept in good touch of late, but know that you have never left my prayers. I think that what you are going through is incredible, you are amazingly strong sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteI've decided of late, and I don't know how you feel but this blog reminded me of it, that more than ever God is aware of my life. He has given me blessings and hope when I have felt at my ropes end. Like just when I feel I can't take it anymore, He sends a miracle great and small to lift me up and help me through my trials. I know that there are angels amoung us because I see them in you and all my friends who have stood by me and kept me upright without you even knowing. I love when I see Gods hand in my life, what's hard is always recognizing it because it's always there. This may not make any sense but I know it's true, it can just be hard to explain.
Keep you head up beautiful, you are doing fantastic! I love you!
HI Lena! When I read this I was like @_@ !! I'm glad everything all settled! It was surely great moment for you to talk with the man, and yes, you are always NOT alone! Let's talk about the race on Sunday!:)
ReplyDeletegreat post! thanks for sharing. I love to come and read.
ReplyDeleteAbout your comment on my blog -- I think you and Ellie should swap awesome hats and sassy scarves . . . she has a huge head, and lots of stuff to choose from :-) You guys could start a co-op! :-)
ReplyDeleteI first of all don't want you to have bone pain. Praying for you always.
ReplyDeleteIt is so miraculous how the Lord sends us comfort and help. He watches out for us in all way and sends people to comfort and help us along the way. I am so so glad that you blog