January 7, 2009
“My New Life” began four years ago on January 6, with the diagnosis of MDS and many months of illness, chemotherapy, and repeated signals that I would depart this earth sooner rather than later. Now here I am, having completed what daughter Janna has termed, “The 4th Annual Last Christmas with Grandma”. I shall name this portion of the Blog, “Part Two”.
Yesterday, the twelfth day of Christmas (with twelve drummers drumming) and the day of Epiphany, the beginning of the wonderful season of Light in the Church Year, I had my fifth bone marrow aspiration. Prior to having this procedure, I took two large painkillers and one Atavan tab so that when I got to the office I was already in the personae of a cheerful drunk. My usual self was present and bemused as it watched and listened to this “me” approach the receptionist’s desk and announce loudly and brightly, “I’m all drugged out and ready to go!” I believe the nurse whisked me into the back room more quickly than usual, and I heard her say to Heidi, “She’s pretty mellow; I think we will just get started as soon as possible.” The end result made this procedure the easiest to date, and after having slept off the drug’s effects, I now feel quite reasonable with just a tender hip as a reminder of yesterday’s activities.
Both Heidi and the oncologist had prepared subject matter to distract; he brought forward the movie “August Rush” (a tale of a little orphaned boy whose prodigious musical talent led to the reunification with his parents) and Heidi spoke of the wonder of the science behind yeast spores floating through the air, landing on flour and water and beginning to start sour dough. I was moved by the obvious intent of these two people, and my befogged brain wove the two subjects together into a very strange tale indeed. On Friday of this week I will have a port “seated” in my chest, and on Monday of next week I will start the first course of Chemotherapy delivered intravenously.
So we begin this New Year as we concluded the last – living out miracles and still hoping for more. There is much to pray for when the state of our world and our country is considered, and much to give thanks for when I recall the faces of Charles, children, grandchildren, dear friends and even Alphie. Life goes on and my heart is full.