It Snuck Up On Me!
Who knew? Out of seemingly no where, today just snuck up on me. For those keeping tabs, I am writing you from the wonderful confines of the Winship Cancer Center at Emory University (and, yes, like a good Pavlovian dog, I still felt a little bit of nausea when I walked through the doors and smelled the antiseptic odor of the hospital). Today is lab day! Although it was always there in the back of my (and MaryBeth’s) mind, I have been busy enough that I really did not get terribly stressed about today. It’s not that I feel particularly optimistic (or pessimistic) about the likelihood that my cancer is back. I have just had other things occupying my attention.
Three weeks ago, the family and I went down to Sarasota for the unveiling of my father’s headstone (and celebrate my younger son’s birthday). The week after that, we were at home, but occupied by scout stuff over the weekend. This past weekend, the family and I took a mini-vacation to Valdosta, GA to visit Wild Adventures theme park. Next weekend, I’ll be in DC for the PanCan walk; the weekend after that there is another family event. Like I said, I have had a couple of things on my mind.
As I sit here waiting for my turn to have labs drawn, I look around the room and see many frail people, wearing masks, in obvious discomfort, looking dispirited. It’s at times like this that I realize just how lucky I am. I am not currently immuno-compromised. I do not need to wear a face mask. I am slowly developing my running endurance (though, I am not where I was last year). I am lucky. I am able to go to work and be productive. I am able to be more involved at the karate school. I have done more with my family, in the last couple of years, than I did in the 5 years before. I am lucky.
My mom will be visiting us in August around the date of TumorPalooza 2 (when is that? Oh yeah…AUGUST 14th!!), but she doesn’t want to purchase her tickets until I receive the results from today’s tests (because she doesn’t want to jinx me). Today, I was able to find a PRIMO parking spot in the world’s WORST parking garage; given the amount of difficulty I have had finding parking spaces in the past, I might think the ease with which I found one today was a bad omen (let me explain: In the past, I have had a difficult time finding a parking space and my scans have always been “unremarkable” ; today it was easy — does that mean my scans will be “remarkable”?)
As always, I do not know what my future holds. As my friend, Debra, has reminded me over and over again: the tests today will only tell me what is already there. If the cancer is back, I will deal. If the cancer has not returned, I will rejoice. Either way, I will continue living my life to the best of my ability!
Thank you, as always, for your love and support.
Cheers,
Merle
Hey Merle-I just got this email and wanted you to know….
Hopkins Recevies $20 Million for Pancreas Cancer Researach
Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center has been awarded the largest gift for pancreas cancer research in its history. The award was made possible by Albert P. “Skip” Viragh, Jr., a mutual fund leader, and a pancreas cancer patient treated at Johns Hopkins. He died of the disease at age 62.
The funds formally establish the Skip Viragh Center for Pancreas Cancer Clinical Research and Patient Care. The Skip Viragh Center brings together the extensive pancreas cancer laboratory and clinical expertise already in place at Johns Hopkins and cutting-edge research discoveries to improve patient care.
A new Web site was launched with the gift. The site contains comprehensive information about pancreas cancer treatment and research at the Skip Viragh Center
Very Cool, Brenda. It’s great to see more and more being done for PC.
Merle