Different companion, same results!

Last month our daughter accompanied me to my day of tests and appointments at Dana-Farber. One of our dogs is having some problems and we made the decision that Dan would stay home with the dogs. This gave me peace of mind, but was stressful for him. Not because of dog care or worrying about me traveling with our daughter (of course not!), but because he worries we won’t be together when I get news I need him there for. At least I think that’s why.

Everything went smoothly. My scans and MRI reports included the word UNCHANGED over and over. When you have Stage IV Lung cancer, and you’ve been “stable” for four years, unchanged is a remarkably wonderful word to see.

A change in my routine was no more “nasty drink” prior to chest, abdomen, and pelvic CT scans. Yippee!! Seriously. Yippee!! Evidently it has been determined that it is no longer necessary. Huh. I wonder how much of that stuff I’ve needlessly consumed. Oh well. Yippee! Seriously.

Boston was requiring masks when inside. The weather was very pleasant and we sat outside between appointments. Other than going to Dana-Farber, we stayed in our hotel room, reading and eating bon bons. No, no bon bons. We did have a fridge, keurig, microwave, and room service – it seemed safest. We had a nice visit together and an uneventful trip. Everything I hoped for. Thanks, Mandy, for being a great companion. And to Dan for staying home with the “children”.

Now we can settle in for winter, watching the birds (even cardinals!) and wildlife (especially a little porcupine), and enjoying the company of each other, the dogs, and the goats. Hopefully with boosters and masks, we will be able to spend time with family. I remain filled with hope for all cancer patients as each and every day advancements in research are bringing new treatments. Thank you to all who keep me in your thoughts and prayers, with hope for my future. I’ve heard people remark in other situations, “What do thoughts and prayers do? How does that help?” It does matter. It does help. Today I heard Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear describe the impact and importance of the outpouring of love they had received in the aftermath of the tornadoes. That is what the thoughts and prayers are. Love. Love to all.