Hearing the Words

I had two doctors appointments today. The oncologist and the rheumatologist.

It was my two month appointment at the oncologist. Time for blood work and the good old port flush.  It's always stressful going to the appoitnment. The anticipation is daunting. I feel good, but AM I good? Am I healthy? Only my blood will tell the story.

After being weighed, (their scales are always wrong!!); flushing the port and drawing the blood, (just a little pinch); and catching up with the doctor (it's always hard going only every 8 weeks when you were used to going more frequently. But hey, it means you're doing well!!), it's time for the report, (the blood work comes back really, really fast- which I find to be truly miraculous, when you usually have to wait 5-7 days fro blood work results).

The doctor said, "Your white count is up. Everything looks good. I'm happy. You're great!! See you in two months, okay?"

"OKAY!!",  I say.  Inside my head I'm hearing, "Hallelujah!!!""  The feeling is truly indescribable!!!

I float on cloud 9 to my next appointment with the rheumatologist, who is supposed to tell me why my body aches and what we can do about it.  He is such a sweet man,  kind of Santa Claus looking, and he always spends a lot of time talking to me and explaining everything there is to know about arthritis, bursitis and getting old!! LOL

I was just relieved to hear that it was just that and nothing worse. When you have had cancer, every ache and pain seems like it could be related to, or caused by, the cancer and it honestly, FREAKS YOU OUT!!  I explained my thoughts and fears to him and what a relief it was to hear that it was nothing BUT arthritis and bursitis.

The wise doctor said he totally understood where I was coming from. You see, his wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer and they, too, were waiting all weekend to hear the right words from her doctor.  He said, "You may know it in your heart and your head, but you have to hear the words. Your life is hanging on hearing the words."

Truer words have never been spoken. At this moment, I have two friends, two amazing women, who are waiting to hear the words.  Let's all hope and pray that what they hear are the RIGHT words.

XO

The Little Moments

     Now that I been clean for over a year, most of my days are easy. Despite aches and pains, (it's not easy getting old), and some occasional fears, living my life is a treat! It's a gift to be cherished and I most definitely try NOT to take it for granted.  I could not have made it to this point without the love and support from my family AND my friends.
     My sorority sisters are amazing women. They continuously sent me prayers, love and support from far away. They were there for me every step of the way. The sisterly bond is amazing and I will cherish it forever! So, when my dear friend's son was getting married, I was more than happy to be there for her and share in her joy.  I was even more excited to celebrate with her and some of my dearest "sisters"!
     Although the wedding was beautiful and the reception a blast, the moments that touched my heart the most were the little ones.  Singing the AXO sweetheart song to the groom, having coffee and breakfast in our pj's, toasting a mom in heaven with her favorite champagne, and just laughing and talking and enjoying each others company. It was a weekend of laughter and love.  My heart gets full just writing about it.
     When it was time for me to get out of the car at the airport, I hugged my dear, sweet friend goodbye and started to cry. Not because I didn't want to go home. I just felt so lucky to have been able to create and share new memories with my "old" friends and full of joy and hope that there will so many more "new" memories to come.  I felt so blessed!!!
     It was like a gift and I felt so fortunate and privileged to be able to unwrap it- one smile, one hug, one laugh, one dance at time.

xo