Counting Blessings

Today I had another round of chemo (it went just fine by the way!) and I had two very nice ladies battling breast cancer there with me in my treatment room. They both exuded a very positive attitude and outlook on life with cancer. We compared bald heads and discussed the pros and cons of our different kinds of chemotherapy and side effects. All three of us are in agreement that the medications they give nowadays to help with nausea are extremely effective. We also had a wonderful nurse attending to us. She was explaining to us how rewarding it is for her to work with cancer patients because most of the patients she treats are so easy going and agreeable. She is of the opinion that when a person gets diagnosed with cancer, it changes their attitude about life. Cancer patients don't sweat the small stuff.



I started thinking about that. The ladies were discussing it too. In some ways I think it is true. At my last chemo appointment it took the pharmacist four hours to get my drugs mixed and ready for me. I sat and waited patiently the whole time in my recliner, watching television and relaxing under a nice warm blanket. I probably would not have waited and still been cheerful a year or two ago. Today I drove myself to the hospital (usually Pat drives but the kids have such crazy schedules these past few days of school that it was easier for me to have one car and him the other in case I was not finished in time for school pick ups) -anyway, I had to park all the way at the end of the parking lot because it was very crowded. Normally, I might have been annoyed to have such a hard time finding a space, but not today. It was a nice walk and the weather was not too hot this morning for a stroll to the hospital!



When I left after chemo today, both of the other ladies wished me well and said "May God Bless You". The way I see it, God has blessed me so much already! I really feel so blessed to have cancer. I know it may sound strange, but after spending more than a year supporting Pat in his cancer battle, it is amazing to me to see things from the 'other side'. I feel that it is such a blessing for me, and for Pat, to be able to walk in each other's shoes. Now Pat can support me (he's doing a fantastic job!) and I have a whole new perspective on being a cancer patient-all the tests and treatments as well as the emotions a diagnosis brings. We are our own mini support group!
I always wondered why Pat was never angry about having cancer- but to be honest, I have not experienced anger either. I think it has a lot to do with having faith. It was (and is) a blessing to me to be Catholic. My faith is very strong. When I was in the hospital a few weeks ago, a Catholic priest came to my room and we prayed together. It was very comforting. One of my favorite sayings is the one "If God leads you to it, God will lead you through it." (ironically, I received that same quote in an email from my friend Michele's mom!) There is no benefit to get all spun up and morose about things you have no real control over. Just have faith!

I suppose I could look at all this cancer in our family as a curse, not a blessing- but I just don't. After all, when life hands you lemons...make lemonade!

Today's glass half-full: "Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith." ~Author Unknown