Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Yesterday I met with Judy Welch, RN and MSW, an experienced and compassionate Breast Cancer Counselor. She gave me wise and valuable advice, support, and encouragement, a tote bag full of resources, and a list of Breast Cancer Support Groups.
I also met yesterday with Dr. Patricia Hogan, my Family Practitioner. We looked at my breast biopsy pathology report, which she interpreted for me. The cancer is “hormone receptive,” which means that I can take an anti-hormone Rx. We also looked at the results of my recent blood panel and discussed the few “abnormal” readings. The most problematic of these was the elevated bilirubin count, so she arranged for me to have a liver scan on Thursday morning.
Wendy Mathews-Wheeless, also a Breast Cancer Counselor, called me, because her daughter is a friend of Haley’s and she wanted to encourage me to call her if I need her at any time.
Late last night, I received a text message from my cousin in Texas, full of encouraging words. I was re-reading her message early this morning, when she called me and our visit filled me with strength and resolve. She is a hero of mine.
Around noon, I met Laura at the pool for her swim lesson. At the end of the hour, I sat on the side of the pool and, with amazement, watched her swim her final lap for the day. For the first time, she swam across the 50 yards of the pool, without stopping, and she swam with grace, elegance, and strength. When she reached the other side, she grinned and I cheered and gave her the thumbs up.
. . . And so it is with you who read this blog: Some of you will be down in the water with me, teaching me the difficult lessons, borne from your own very costly experience with breast cancer. Others of you will remain on the side of the pool, cheering me on, until I reach the other side. I hope I can endure the lessons with as much courage, grace, and dignity as the generous and compassionate women who are my teachers and mentors. I am grateful for each of you, who impart to me the strength to endure.
Margot’s Corner 