The other day, my phone started to ring in the middle of the day. This was unusual since no one really calls me in the middle of the day. When I answered it, on the other end was a long time friend of mine. Apparently her sister was just diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer and she needed someone to talk to. That was me. She knew what I had been through and I would be an understanding ear. I listened. From my own experience, I knew what questions to ask, what medications were being prescribed and what the outcome could be with a Stage 2 diagnosis. We chatted back and forth. And then the two of us prayed together. In the end, I have learned, prayer is the best medicine of all. A certain kind of peace comes over you when you pray (at least for me) and somehow, someway, life becomes just a wee bit more tolerable. My friend had just lost her brother last month to lung cancer, so her sadness (and fear) were well understandable.
This morning, I got another phone call, this time from a neighbor. Her sister also is going through cancer treatment. Her sister just had a hysterectomy and is scheduled for her first round of radiation tomorrow afternoon. It is no coincidence that I will be in the radiology office tomorrow at almost the same time as these two ladies. I'm going for my six month follow up visit. It'll be perfect for me to meet her sister. I'm certain the two of us will have lots to talk about and find comfort in each other's cancer journey. I too had a hysterectomy (for different reasons) so I can understand what she is going through as well as her own cancer journey. It is very important, I have learned from my own experience, to have someone whom you can talk to who also faced what you are facing. It's super encouraging when you see they have gotten through and are on the opposite side. All is not lost. There really is hope and light at the end of the tunnel.
A simple hug, or having someone hold your hand, can go a very long way towards finding some solace. I remember some of the nurses who were overseeing my treatment, reach down and simply hold my hand. Just that one little human touch made the infusions a bit easier to bear. I hope to pass that human touch down to anyone who may need it. Experience has taught me the value of that.
October is Breast Awareness month. My breast surgeon is sponsoring a fund raiser for the month of October. I'm hoping to help out and volunteer. One in eight woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Kindly remember to get your annual mammogram.
