Coming Along

Shirley is one amazing woman who I am blessed to have in my life. Positive, upbeat, looking forward. We are a week and a half after her surgery, a second matectomy 28 years after her first. Alie says the first, the aggressive one at age 37, has been followed by an "old lady's" slow moving, less aggressive tumor. It was tiny. No nodes. Everything looking very positive for the long term.

A special friend, a well as "our" surgeon, Barbara Ward, have suggested that something good will come of this. I believe that to be the case. An updated PLB with our new experience and spreading the word on use of the BRACA test. It amazes me how few women have heard of the test, much les had it done.

Shirley heard that her drains would come out in a week. I heard, eond pair of ears, that it was one to two weeks, probably the latter. That appears to be the case. She is ready for the haling waters of Queechy Lake, but that is a week or more away.

Reflections of a life

We will be posting reflections of our life over the next few days or weeks, starting with notes from elementary school teachers: Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Hosey, Ms. Stewart and others. A hoot or a howl.

It Begins

Shirley is in the operating room having the first of two surgeries in a row: first, a laproscopic removal of her ovaries and surrounding tissues with extensive testing of the tissues to see that she is cancver free; second, her second mastectomy, this time her left breast. Partially to remove minimal cancer tissue detected and partially as a preventative to ensure she remains cancer free. Seems we have been here before, and done this before. But much more at peace with our decisions and prospect for the future.

The feeling as Shirley was wheeled away down the hall was identical to 30 years ago when Alison went through the OR doors at Canton-Potsdam Hospital for her orthopedic surgery. Helpless, no control, relying on the skill of others. In Shirley's case, wishing that she did not have to go through this again. Wish I could do it for her. Alie and I kissed her, told her we loved her, and sent her on her way. Time will be less than we expected.

Ironic to be sending out COBRA health insurance request this morning. Life has oits twists and turns. My name is on the donor wall downstairs in an institution that stole so much of my life. The important thing is that we have the best doctors, great nurses, and good care. The rest is meaninghless.

A Blessing

Round 2. We are facing a second breast cancer after 27 plus years cancer free. We have been through the rounds of physicians, some who have known Shirley for years as a volunteer helping others. The choices are clear and have been made. Shirley will have a twofer on Monday morning, i.e., laproscopic removal of her ovaries to prevent future ovarian cancer and a second mastectomy to remove her left breast. Alie arrived from L.A. to be with us and to be a caretaker for the next month or so.

And how does this wonderful woman respond. This morning, she has on a shirt she wore during her chemo in 1982-83, which has two pockets and is comfortable post mastectomy. Alison had it in California and brought it home for her. Shirley points it out to me and says: "We are blessed."

I have voiced some anger at God for putting her through this a second time. Alison says that does not jibe with my professed faith. Perhaps she is right. A "special friend" in the rooms echoed our sentiment that "something good must come of this." I have an idea. Time will tell.

Prayers are welcome.