The title of this post is actually a quote. These sage-like words were delivered, ever so delicately, by Sarah's chemo nurse during her first session this afternoon. The nurse started by exclaiming that Lymphoma is a great cancer to have. As crazy as that may sound, we couldn't agree more.
As far as cancer goes, we have a good one. Lymphoma is highly treatable, and people like Sarah, being young and strong, walk away from it every day. They go on to lead normal lives, to have children, and thrive. It is because of the treatable nature of this disease that we were excited today, more than we were scared. After two timeless weeks of tests and waiting rooms, we are finally taking a step forward, a step towards recovery. This is a day to celebrate, not to fear.
From the outside cancer is taboo, foreign and frightening. It is an overarching term that wraps itself around a variety of conditions, and it seems to creep its way into all of our lives in one form or another. Cancer is the "it" which haunts and stalks us from a far.
From the inside it all becomes relative. We now live in a world of varying degrees and stages, good days and bad. In this situation your tolerance goes up, not because you will it to do so, but more as a natural response to the challenge. We come to terms with change, and then we adapt. It's a natural part of every day life, and it is no different in this situation.
Blessings are strange. They are hard to see, and too often only come to light in our darkest hours. Chances are they surround us at all times, but we are too blinded by the distractions of daily life to notice them. Ours are out in the open now, and they're greatly appreciated.
That's all for now.
Thank you for all of the love and support,
Dan
P.S. Some of you may have noticed that I use the word we a lot when I'm describing Sarah's condition. It may seem strange, but I do feel it is appropriate. Sarah takes the hit on this one, but we all gather around to help raise her up the challenge. She calls the shots, but we must be ready to respond, and to adapt. If you are reading this right now, you are helping. You are joining in and experiencing this with us. You are adapting along with us, and we love you for it.
11 comments:
I love your posts Dan, keep writing, it's so great to read and yes, I feel like we are all experiencing this together. Granted I have no idea what it would be like to be going through it personally, but following so closely to your lives makes me feel like I can do something to help, something to assist the process in whatever way it needs assistance. Thanks for writing.
Love Becca
You guys are amazing. I think that talking in terms of "we" makes total sense.... Esp. the way you're there for Sarah, Dan. A lot of husbands wouldn't be capable of being so lovingly present and sharing the journey so intimately.(Unfortunately I've seen this many times.) You are all blessed to have one another... and those of us on "the outside" looking in, are blessed to have you touch our lives in such a profoundly rich & sensitive way... with such courage, love and strong family bonds. You are modeling what family truly means. Your personal journey through this Sarah, will be softened by such deep love surrounding you... A love that you have drawn to yourself, being the remarkable, magnificent woman that you are. I love you all and hold a deep vision of healing for your body. You know to call me, if you need anything. ~ Janine
You are doing a great job keeping us all up to date Dan; this blog is a wonderful idea. Yesterday you explained Lymphoma and all of its relating terms so well; easy for us "civilians" to understand!
We are thinking of Sarah,you and Marek daily, and wishing you comfort and peace during these treatments. It won't be easy. Try and focus on the healing process rather than the chemo. We will all be sending positive thoughts your way. Take care and be strong.
Love, Toni
OK...I'm not really "Anonymous", just not sure how to post on this thing; I'll get the hang of it!!
Toni
Thanks for making the time to update this site regularly; keeping everyone informed. Sarah, some day you will be helping others through the same thing you are going through right now and make a positive difference in their lives, like many are doing for you. You are a fighter and we're all on your side to help you through this in any way we can. Keep your positive attitude and faith. Lots of love and prayers.
-Jeanne
Dear Sarah, Dan, and Marek,
We just received your email, Sarah; and heard about this new challenge that life has brought you. Just two days ago you popped into my mind like no other time--I rarely use my hotmail email address anymore, but something led me to go there yesterday and find your email. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we are so thankful, Dan, that you are taking the time so that we can share in this journey with you. Love, Joe, Michele, and Anika. A special hug and kiss from Anika.
Hi, Sarah,
Thank Dan for the wonderful blog entries. I get a vote on that adjective since I was an English teacher in a former life! His eloquence belies his years.
Dear Sarah, I speak from a different lifetime when I say that you WILL get through this. When Hayley was diagnosed in 2004, I tried, unsuccessfully, to get ONE PERSON to tell me that she would get through her treatment. You will. Your darling mom just stopped by to see me...we had been friends back in the Gundersen days when she and your dad moved to La Crosse. Your Aunt Trish had shared your dx with my husband, where they both work. I remember you and your sister (hi, Rebecca!) at Mass at Newman. Adorable! That seems like a long time ago, now.
Know that lots of prayers and good thoughts are being sent from your old home in La Crosse. I had told your mom that Caringbridge.com is a godsend for families in therapy, but this blog serves the same purpose, I guess. I wish that I could think of something tangible to send to help you, but I can say from experience that prayer is the only thing that really helps. Be kind to yourself; take one day at a time; don't be afraid to ask for help (or to refuse it), as you see fit. Your mom will be there because she can't think of anywhere else where she SHOULD be. Neither can I.
I will be following this blog and ready to help in any way that I can.
Vicki Born
Dan - Si and I are sending good thoughts and messages of hope and happiness. Thanks for keeping everyone updated with your well written and comforting blog entries. You make ME feel better, knowing that you will certainly handle this challenge with grace.
Let us know if you need anything, even if it's just a quick trip to our house with Marek to give Sarah a rest. We have toys a plenty, and kids to keep Marek occupied. Oh, and guitars for the older set.
Sarah I wanted to say hello. I like your blog an the information on lymphoma. Your little guy is very cute. You,Dan and Marek and the rest of your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Sarah, Thank you for the updates. It is amazing that in the midst of all you are experiencing the beautiful writing is comforting all of us by keeping the information current and the community in the loop hopefully without exhausting the two of you. Prayers and energy are a constant.
Hi to your mom I know she is in the right place.
Sue & Rod
Dan, Sarah and Marek,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Your inner strength and love for each other is to be admired and will be such a great asset at a time like this. Much love and healing thoughts across the miles.
Jody (Haig) Calarco
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