When I began this journey with cancer last winter, I had no idea what to expect. I was terrified, but also determined to go on this journey the best way I could. There is no choice as to when you will embark on this journey; the dates are set, and there is no flexibility! You can’t buy insurance, because most everything is unknown, except that you have cancer. It is a disease of not only the body; the mind and soul are affected as well. Yes, there is such a thing as ‘chemo brain’ – just ask my family! The various modes of travel are determined by the caregivers. Chemo Air was probably the worst. But I made it! Being strong is sometimes the only option you have, and in my experience it’s better than the alternative.

I think it was the comedienne Gilda Radner, who said that if it weren’t for the downside, cancer would be the best thing, and everyone would want it! Downside notwithstanding, it’s an incredible learning experience. You learn what’s important, and you learn to prioritize. My main priority was to get well, and I had lots of help with that from family and friends. First of all, Howard was a rock. He’s the eternal optimist, and helped enormously through the roughest times. My daughter Kristine would send an email every morning saying “how is my beautiful mom today”? Boy did I need that! With my bald head and puffy face, I felt anything but beautiful! Jeremy called daily from Seattle. And came to visit twice! On one of those occasions our wonderful daughter- in -law Janice came as well! Anthony and Vanessa in Taipei stayed in close contact, doing their best to minimize the twelve time zones separating us. There was some compensation in that they sent our lovely granddaughter Trudi to cheer me up. Siblings from across Canada were unfailingly supportive. And what can I say about the myriad of friends? I didn’t know I had so many friends! It is humbling and gratifying to receive such a flood of good wishes, cards, letters, emails, flowers, food, from so many people. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

This last week I met with my oncologist, Dr. McCarron at the Cancer Centre here in Kitchener. She gave me the good news that I have come out of all these treatments with flying colours, and I am in REMISSION!! She said that because I was otherwise in good health before this journey began, they opted for an aggressive chemo and radiation regimen normally reserved for a 50 year old! Well, as you know, I turned 50 quite some time ago! 🙂
I was in tears when she gave me the good news, and then I was even more moved when she too welled up. I cannot say enough good things about her, and all the doctors, nurses and volunteers who helped me on my journey. Without exception, they have been professional and empathetic and caring.

As this has been an unusual journey (for me) to uncharted territory, I would concur with Marcel Proust when he says, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”.

And now I look forward to more, perhaps less harrowing travels, undertaken with boundless gratitude, renewed energy, and new eyes.

Love,
Maggie