Progress Report 18

We went back to the clinic this morning after sixteen days of a spectacular vacation in the sun, visiting with friends and attending another emotional and beautiful wedding. It’s the season, not just annual but the one we encounter in our lives when our kids are ready to take off and start a family of their own. And judging from the number of wedding we are invited to this year, it seems to be a season we commonly share with many of our dear friends. On this end we spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon with Yasmine's future inlaws. A lovely welcoming family we are very happy she will be a part of.
I have to say that it is getting harder and harder going back to the routine of treatments after a fun vacation, and I was really glad that Sharbel ignored my request to stay back in California and not come to the last few sessions, as I found out today that I was so out of the habit, I needed someone to push me to go, not to mention that I seem to selectively forget the directions to the clinic and he acts as an excellent GPS. At the end it was all worth it – aside from the fact that I had no choice but to go – I was rewarded by seeing Ruth for just a few minutes as she was waiting to be picked up. She was there for her port cleaning and she looked as fabulous and cheery as usual. I renewed my promise to visit her, and to give her a copy of her video. As I waited I chatted with a woman and her daughter, both cancer survivors. The daughter had been cancer free for thirteen years and the woman was having her five year check up. We share the same doctor and she tells me that in their house he is known as Saint Randy. I approve. Another woman was on the phone telling someone that she was getting her sixth year annual checkup. I only mention this because it is what I am now consciously always looking for. People who have beaten the odds, the ones we don’t usually hear much about because they go about their life without fuss; the success stories that inspire us and gives us hope and enforce our faith.
After an unusually lengthy wait I was called in for the vitals ritual that unfortunately continues to include the dreaded finger stick. However Jill the nurse has perfected the art of distraction talking and chatting through it, so I barely notice it anymore, if not for the band-aided finger. I got a lot of compliments on my vacation induced tan and I let them know that it was a lot of hard work of beach walking and lounge chair relaxing. My blood count looked good and I had a very quick visit with Randy. I couldn’t get him to commit to what he plans on doing after the last treatment, but he approved another two week break to California after the last session. It will all depend on the scan he says. I assured him that it will be just fine and not to worry. He concurred, he is not worried. At the suite I could see why my appointment was delayed. It was busy. As I was scanning the room for seats and I had to silently laugh when I saw two women, who looked like mother and daughter, each on a recliner, fully reclined and both apparently taking a serious nap. What was funny was that only the mother was receiving treatment. The daughter had a free companion ticket. So you see what I mean when I say that recently I feel I am just there for the recliners; this was proof that you don’t have to be ill or be a patient to enjoy them. A good incentive for the next three visits.
Until the next time
Much love
nevine