Let's try blogging. Today we are all in favor of technology. Angela had her first radiation treatment yesterday. She was first wheeled into the technologists' suite to be shown all of the monitors and equipment. The radiation therapists expected, not mistakenly, that the wall of monitors would be both impressive and reassuring to the patient (and her young husband). Angela's eyes lit up and focussed on one monitor in particular. "Is that my skeleton?" she asked. "Ah, now wouldn't you say those are good looking shoulders." When all agreed that her X-ray image was particularly striking, she said "yes, it's good to know I look good as a skeleton...did you see how long my neck is?"
We,in fact, were very grateful for the kindness provided during her treatment yesterday.
Today we are certainly more hopeful compared to last week. Although this tumor is compressing her spinal cord, and is in a tough spot for surgery, it seems at least that it is a solitary tumor and there is a good chance that radiation can shrink it. If the results of her bone marrow and tumor biopsy come back as we hope then there is a good chance that radiation can eliminate it. Also in our favor is the exceptional fortitude of our patient which comes mostly from the great love and affection she holds for so many of us. Also on our side are the thoughts, prayers, and wishes that have come from near and far.
Today we are only waiting. It remains to be seen, among other things, how her spine will accommodate to the changes her treatment brings about in her tumor. Surgery may yet be required, but otherwise, we are expecting five weeks of radiation treatment which would be given five days per week.
I, myself, have been very well taken care of and supported this week by our good friend Carlo, who flew in from PEI last week. He arrived like a true Knight. He kept me on my feet this week along with my brother, Greg, who was with us from Saturday to Tuesday. Carlos is presently on his way home leaving me quite well composed. I am grateful for the visits, enquiries, and messages from many others as well. I am very grateful to Blackberry as well! And now I hope this blog will improve communications even more, baring in mind it remains "experimental" for me. Let's see!
Let’s.
ReplyDeleteAnd all in favour.
Indeed, Colin.
Grateful that you’ve created this nave to hang onto to respite to take a moment for rebreathing herewith as on the swim sink emerge float dunk and resurface to gasp to keep to loose to find again our old bodies somewhere in here where our holy ghosts still interrupt our dreams if want us back for reasons unexplainable.
Oh, and this for you Angela and for us from Simone Weil: “Even if our efforts of attention seem for years to be producing no result, one day a light that is in exact proportion to them will flood the soul. Every effort adds a little gold to a treasure no power on earth can take away. The useless efforts made by the Curé d’Ars, for long and painful years, in his attempt to learn Latin bore fruit in the marvelous discernment that enabled him to see the very soul of his penitents behind their words and even their silences.”
Hi Colin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for having created this blog. Let Angela know that we miss her and keep her in our prayers.If there is anything we can do for you guys please do not hesitate to call upon us.
Danièle
Hi Colin,
ReplyDeleteNice idea this blog. We will be able to follow Angela on the road to recovery.
Sanda would like to go in December but she would like to talk to Angela before. Can you e-mail me Angela's e-mail adress or let me know how we could send her an e-mail via her i-phone (phone# @ ...)?.
The four of us send you lots of hugs and love.
Amalia, Marius, Sanda & Carlo