Last week I had my second vaccine dose. For me, the end of the CoVid nightmare is now in sight. Throughout this past year, I have written about my reactions to the pandemic here and here – the first 100 days, and then the second 100 days. As the vaccines became more available, I began to believe with more certainty that I would indeed make it through this crisis safely. Thankfully, I have, but life has a strange sense of humor. At the same time that I was celebrating the end of the long, dark road out of CoVid, I was taking my first hesitant steps on a new, unexpected journey.
Last week I was diagnosed with cancer. I have a puzzling malignancy in an unusual place. Although I’m happy to present a challenge, perhaps I have taken my goal of living a creative life a bit too far. But in any event, I am determined to walk this path with as much openness, grace and humor as I can muster. The threat of CoVid made me so fearful and anxious for so long. But this new threat is affecting me in a very different way. I feel determined, eager to get going, and optimistic. I also feel filled with an intention to write about whatever struggles and lessons may come. After all, writing is what I do. The blog posts may be a bit sporadic for a while, but they will come, just as they have for the past thirteen years. To whomever out there decides to follow along, thank you. I’ll appreciate the company.
Oh Sue, what a bugger. I’m so sorry to hear this but I will be there, cheering you on in your determination and reading whatever you write. All love to you. Xxx
Oh, Sue, we are so very sorry to read this. As you may know, my younger sister has been successfully battling cancer for a long time. The targeted treatments she has lately received have been quite effective— a vast improvement over the treatments inthe past. Obviously, you will be getting the best and newest medicines available, which is great, but we are just so, so sorry that you have to deal with this at all.
Knowing you both, I know that you will have all the love and support you need. But should you want a Farmingdale shouldervtoleanon, we are here for you.
Xx
Following/with you every step and know you are going to be ok. xo
Love ya, pal.
Behind you all the way.
Mark and Ann
Sue, we will be thinking of you!!
Dear Sue,
Of course I will take this journey with you! Feeling your optimism. You continue to be an example to me.
I am so sorry to read this Sue – I will definitely be with you as you ask. All the very warmest wishes for you to sort this. Xxx
I will be following your journey and appreciate your sharing and writing. Stay strong. ❤️
Oh goddamit Sue! Sending you much much love and good thoughts as you do battle!
My Dear Sue — Approaching cancer with grace, humor and curiosity makes the journey tolerable. That has been the path Don S. and I have chosen as patient and caregiver. We have certainly veered from it, as events unfolded. One can’t anticipate everything. So be ready for some unsteady times.
Don G. — Dont be surprised if you feel the weight of Sue’s illness and treatment even more than she does from time to time. We caregivers are often left in the shadow as the medical people attend to their patient. It’s understandable, but, at times, hard to bear. Stand up for yourself, and look for backup. Both you and Sue will need time apart to recharge. Take it.
With love — Vickie
So grateful for the care and (crucially) companionship of my fabulous husband when I had my stroke last year. We have been a team for 44 years now, and I felt so glad to have this familiar, capable teammates such a moment. I know you have a familiar, capable teammate too, and that makes me glad.
Sue you are an example to us all. My recent difficulties pale into insignifcance when compared to your own.
OMG ….BIG LOVE & LOTS of prayers for your healthy journey..
Thanks so much, Vickie!