Either You Have It or Know Someone Who Does.

What a gorgeous day we had in Texas today. Clear, blue, sunny skies with just enough breeze to make you stop and take notice.

I arrived at Casa de Longo around 10:25 this morning. Momisan had a follow-up with her primary care physician and we thought we would grab a cup of Joe after the appointment. As I entered the house and made my way to the kitchen, I could sense that mom was a little off today – she seemed a bit sad. I asked her what was wrong and she sad she woke up fine, but was just having one of those days. Come to find out later that she had been catching up on some of her blog reading…and let’s face it folks, some of the stuff we have shared will bring a tear to anyone’s eye.

As we walked towards the front, I told mom not to worry, there was still plenty of time in the day to turn it around. And as she stepped off the porch and headed towards the car, she stopped and looked up and said, “It’s beautiful outside.” – just goes to show that even the smallest things can change the course of your day.

We arrived at Dr. Z’s office and he gave mom the once over – kicked the tires and looked under her hood and then he looked at me and said, “She takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin.” …and he should know since he has been taking care of momisan for twenty-eight years! He said she looks well. She’s moving with less stiffness thanks to her physical therapist and her wounds are healing nicely. No changes in her medication and he said that her job now was to rest and eat well in order to battle some of the fatigue and to get her strength back.

As I escorted mom out of the doctor’s office, I forgot that he wanted to see her a few days before we went to visit the oncologist in April, so I told mom I was going back in to set an appointment…since doctor’s offices are sometimes so darn hard to get into. As mom sat down in the waiting room, I went through another set of doors and proceeded to chat with the nurse about setting the appointment. As we were talking, she told me that she can’t believe that my mom has Cancer and is doing so well. We started talking about hospitals and treatments and when I told her that we drive to Medical City in Dallas, she stated that you could not have picked a better facility. That’s what everyone says about Med City – it’s a hospital for healing and they do some remarkable work there.

I started to head back towards the waiting area when a lady standing behind me introduced herself and said she too had Cancer and she also went to Medical City due to their phenomenal reputation. We talked for a few moments and I wished her well as she continued her journey and I promised to say a few extra prayers for her and her family. And as I started to work my way to momisan, it hit me. When it comes to Cancer, you either have it or you know someone who does – that’s how prevalent it is.

Perhaps I am much more acute since Cancer has pretty much taken over our daily schedule, but it seems every place momisan and I go, someone will come up to us and tell us that are fighting the same fight or know someone who is – it boggles my mind!

Then I think about all the people out there that are just like me, or just like my brother Andy or pop. The people out there that are doing the best they can to support and care for all these people with Cancer.

Behind each of these Warriors is a sea of people dedicated to their care and support, without thought or hesitation. Together, we are the ChemoSabe Nation.

As I reflect upon yet another end to a day, I am thankful for the time momisan and I shared today and the positive report from her primary care physician. And tonight, when I lay my head upon my pillow, I will say an extra prayer for all those individuals who didn’t ask to be a part of the ChemoSabe Nation, but who do it without hesitation or regret. My wish for all of you is that you have the love and support you need to continue on the journey that you were called to do.

Blessings to you all!

Val