It's a year ago today that I got the word through that there was cancer in my rectum. It's been quite a year! There's been so much good stuff happening amongst the very very bad.
People have been wonderful - supporting me with words and deeds. My family have been utterly wonderful. Both Evan and Finn have really helped, in many ways, to get me through - simple things like helping with cooking or going to the supermarket, understanding that I have needed to just crash out regularly and not arguing too much when it's time to go to bed.
Jean has been with me every step of the way, and I can't imagine what sort of state I would be in if it wasn't for her common-sense, calmness and occasional bullying. Plus a lot of driving! And hugs! Lots of hugs!
I've got dear dear friends and colleagues who have it so much worse than me that I can only be grateful that my experience with this disease has been comparatively smooth sailing - everything the specialists have told me may happen has happened, and I have followed their advice each step of the way. The nursing staff at Kaiser, especially in the infusion unit, have been patient, kind and touchingly caring.
There's been times when I've felt like a punchbag - I wouldn't wish the few days after Chemotherapy on anyone - but I've always known, and been constantly reassured, that following the treatment will get me through the other end, so I've just done whatever I've been told.
There is one more procedure to go, which is a very simple matter of reversing my ostomy and finally getting rid of this wretched bag (another thing I would never wish on even my worst enemy). That is scheduled for October 30th and will entail a 3 to 5 day hospital stay and a, hopefully, short recovery period at home. After that, I will no longer be a cancer patient, and just being free of those words is going to feel glorious, I can tell you!
