It has been a week already since my diagnosis of lymphoma (MCL or Mantle Cell Lymphoma) and I am seriously avoiding googling the explanation as I show no current symptoms of the disease and I still have to have a CT scan (this week) in order to know more. On Wednesday, I shall have to down twenty ounces of a barium drink to prepare for the scan. Then, I will have an appointment for February with the hematologist.
Needless to say, emotionally, although basically we have been doing well, this has been a bit of a roller coaster. That is certainly to be expected.
Last Saturday, I got together ‘live’ with my local ESL Conversation Hour attendees (sponsored by Oakton Community College) for a together moment at Tous les Jours Bakery and Café in Glenview, IL. It was a very special moment for us all as we enjoyed each other’s company and wished a bon voyage to one of our participants who makes her home in Mexico but was here for three months.
I find all of this therapeutic. Today, Sunday, we had a late lunch catered by our son Mikey (Chez Mikey) and Randy, his protégé, drinkmaster and server, with members of a group with whom we traveled to Germany a few years ago. It was again therapeutic. The wonderful, happy chaos and the laughter was so good for the soul.
One day at a time they say, it is so true, but so easier said than done. The time change, which normally wreaks havoc with me, has had the added issue of the trauma of the news I have received medically, but each day, it is a little better.
Now it is time to work on the latest puzzle. I find that therapeutic as well.
Hi Rich, Carolyn and I are surely thinking of you and about this new medical news. Please know that we’ve already sent prayers for the best outcomes possible. Love you so much as a friend and our extended family. -Jack