Two down, six to go!

I am writing on Friday morning. On Tuesday I went with David to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, and had my blood work-up, which revealed I was fit for my second chemotherapy session. I met with Dr. Bahl, and with the coordinating Nurse, Erin, and away we went, to return on Thursday.

On Tuesday evening I felt a bit apprehensive, not a lot, but a bit of "Oh, dear, suppose I get sick this time!" The first session and the weeks that followed went so well, that I thought maybe it could not stay good for ever.

I need not have bothered. Wednesday morning dawned, slightly overcast, but not raining. We have had rain, it seems, for forty days and forty nights in SW Ontario! The grass has kept growing and growing, with no opportunity to mow - it was so wet. At the Hospital, once inside, it felt sunny and warm. There is a hopeful, good, open spirit there and I like it! No grim valley there, only light and hope - always hope.

An hour into my session I received a visit from a tall, cheerful man, with a beautiful shirt and purple tie. John Milloy, he has been a friend of David's, and mine, for many years. I appreciated his cheerful, supportive visit. Though he had attended the official opening some time ago, he enjoyed seeing the facility in action, with staff and patients actively doing their healing work.

As a chaplain at St. Mary's General Hospital, I have often taken a warm blanket to a patient. It was a different thing altogether to receive two warm blankets from staff and from a patient's relative. It is good to give - some say it is better to give than to receive. Yet is it humbling and reassuring to receive. And I have received so much -- a beautiful pink prayer shawl made by Dianne to take with me to chemo, a gorgeous multiculoured one from Katharine to keep me warm at home, books, lovely scented candles to burn brightly and remind me to stay centred, music, gifts of food, and flowers - our home has been full of flowers since March. 


A few nights ago I received a visit from three lovely young ladies and their parents. They have been worried about their "adopted Grandma", and wanted to see for themselves that I am doing well. They are all under eleven, and very dignified. It was a beautiful visit. I plan to invite them to join me briefly on the Cancer Walk, when I join this activity next year. Together we will "walk to Santiago" telling the world that cancer can be beaten. Indeed, we are not alone. And on Thursday, my wonderful neighbour Debbie, who has so much work as it is, mowed our lawn!!!

I must get going, it is time for breakfast, the house is quiet upstairs, but I plan to wake them up (David and our dog Toby) with some Oscar Peterson music. I will see you soon, listening to some Canadian Jazz on the way to Santiago!