Happy NEW Year!
- Deb Dekoff
- Sep 21, 2017
- 2 min read
It is only fitting that today, my last infusion day at the Huntsman, coincide with Jewish New Year. A day of new beginnings to a brighter, happier cancer free future. A year without trips to the Huntsman every three weeks and more. It is a true day of rejoicing. Shanah Tovah translates to "A good year" - and I intend to have one!
Even with a NEW year - there will still be visits to doctors. Oncology in three months. Follow ups with other docs, too. But the infusions - my anxiety riddled days - they are ending. The facial breakouts a few days before infusions? Soon gone. The bloody noses? Going as well.
And other things are coming back - like brain cells. Chemo brain is real, and with that went memory. Fast multiplying cells were killed. Dendrites crippled under chemo. Logic puzzles and hyper focusing help. Picking up my guitar to learn how to play a song I've heard - helped. (Darn! The frustration of not recalling chords!). Little things sneak back into existence. The surprising thought, after I'm off task for a few minutes that I AM OFF TASK is welcome. To refocus and regroup is a silent pat on the back.
But as my new healthier year begins, I have a new friend - someone I've yet to meet - who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. We've spoken on the phone. I've offered words of encouragement, questions to ask her potential oncologist, hints on how to prepare for chemo days. I've taken what I've learned, and I share. But most of all, I check in. I let her know that I am a phone call or text away, and that I can relate and understand at a level many others cannot.
This is what I ask of you this new year. Reach out to someone who has cancer, and even if you don't know what to say, SAY, "I don't know what to say."
Say, "I am here, if you want to talk, I will listen."
Say, "Let's go out for coffee, tea, a movie, lunch." Don't bring up cancer - unless the cancer patient does. Let her feel normal - and not sick. Say, "Let's go for a walk, a hike, a bike ride."
Your caring presence means a lot.
Shanah Tovah!
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