My kitchen looks like an annex forest for the Keebler Elves. I wanted to do something nice for mom’s radiation team, so I have been baking and decorating Valentine’s Day cookies since yesterday. Sure, I could have bought them but nothing says “thanks” like taking the time to do them yourself.
But the good news is that tomorrow is radiation treatment number 25 and it’s Graduation Day for momisan!!!
I arrived at Casa de Longo to find a weeping mother in her chair. Of course, I always think something is wrong, but she said she just missed me over the weekend. It’s so funny because I call her and try not to be a pest and drop by (I think she needs to rest) and she says she won’t call me because she thinks I need some rest and alone time with the hubby. I told her today that she is so used to seeing me everyday, that I may have to start a twelve step program to wean her off ChemoSabe!
I noticed fuller follicles today and some of the hair is growing in as darker circles while the rest is salt and pepper. I call it the Reverse Jay Leno! ;)
It was a rainy, gloomy day today so we left a little earlier for the hospital. I told mom I am really going to miss my morning words of wisdom and lively debates that take place as we toodle down the Tollway. But I am sure once she is well, we will find other adventures that will be more enjoyable than chemo or radiation.
We arrived at Medical City and mom vanished behind the “forbidden zone” as I took my usually seat in the waiting area. I have met so many wonderful people in the last month and there is only one other patient (and his wife, Melody) that has been going as long as mom – his last day is Valentine’s Day.
I have had the privilege to talk with Melody on an almost daily basis. Her husband is also battling Stage 4 Cancer of the Tonsils. I never knew one could get Cancer of the tonsils, but I have learned over the past few months that Cancer can invade just about any nook and cranny that is wants to. Melody’s husband has lost his voice and the ability to salivate due to the radiation, but he comes in every morning with a smile. She is studying theology and has yet to decide her calling. Melody and I have often discussed just how random Cancer is. There is no accurate profile for who will likely become its next victim – it’s completely random and I think that is what makes it so menacing.
Mom emerged from her treatment 25 minutes later, with a little mixed emotion about tomorrow. While she is anxious to move on, she is going to miss her radiology team and they her. It’s corny to say, but these angels become like family, so it’s hard not to get a lump in the throat…after all they have saved the life of momisan!
We left the hospital and stopped off for a Cup of Joe and a little shopping and in the back of mind; I could not help but think about my conversation with Melody today.
Not that I would wish Cancer on anyone, but at times I wonder what the world would be like if we saw people through Cancer’s eyes – random and non-discriminating. Cancer doesn’t care about someone’s skin color, religion, education or income. Nor does it care about which side of the tracks you live on or what kind of car you drive – everyone is equal and taken at face value. I imagine there might be a lot less hatred and more love and helpfulness if we could view each other like the Big C!
Until tomorrow…find you blessings and thank you for all the love and prayers that have sustained us for the past six months – we are more than half way there!
Val
For battling cancer with honor, distinction and for being admired by fellow survivors, I herby declare that tomorrow, February 13th 2007, Ida Longo (with a major in radiation and a minor in chemo) will graduate Magna Cum Laude from Radiation U!
