A Thanksgiving Message
My pen has been silent for some time. Since I last wrote in July, we have settled into a comfortable routine and my condition has remained stable, I have had little to write about. However, as another Thanksgiving is upon us, I am moved to put pen to paper.
While, due to the seemingly unending pandemic, I am still unable to resume my previous schedule of activities due to my compromised immune system, I remain grateful for so much. What comes to mind first is that my condition HAS remained stable for the last two years and
eight months. During that time, I have lost several friends to some type of cancer, all of whom were diagnosed after me. I am aware, as well, of so many others who have more difficult circumstances to deal with than I do. I am thankful for my oncologist and the medications he has prescribed. So far, the efficacy of these medications remains constant.
What comes to mind next is the incredible support system that I am fortunate to have. That begins with my family – my husband, who is an outstanding caregiver, and my children. Though I do not have the benefit of seeing them regularly due to distance, they keep in touch weekly. I cannot say enough positive things about my extended family and friends, near and far, who also check in with me regularly. I don’t know what my prognosis is. I do know my condition is treatable but not curable. And so, I go month to month. If and when the medications I currently take stop working, we will proceed to Plan B, whatever that is. What I do know is that I need to keep moving forward, somewhat more slowly than I used to!
My husband and I are making plans to visit our family at Christmas. We have two cruises planned in 2022. I look forward to resuming in-person meetings of the Pink Ladies cancer support group in January. We are committed to continuing our mission of being there for one another and of supporting others diagnosed with cancer.
I plan to cherish the past, live in the present, and, yes, plan for the future
as long as I am able.
As Robert Frost said, “I have miles to go before I sleep.”