Joy

I did not need to draw on my Viking heritage today, so I thought I would display one more cool image before I have to put my Valkyrie strengths away for another time, another place.

Today I went for my first treatment at Tennessee Oncology. All I can say for those who are or will deal with cancer, whether it be for yourself, family members, and/or friends, run - do not walk to Tennessee Oncology. The difference between them and the last clinic is staggering. I cannot, however, forget about the blood nurses at my last clinic - they were stupendous. (They need to work at Tennessee Oncology!)

I arrived there at 9:30 this morning and left at about 2:45 this afternoon. I met with the Nurse Practitioner (Oncology) who was humorous, brainy, positive, and supportive! (Yes!) She explained everything to me in great detail and also told me that I had been through some pretty tough stuff. No one else had told me that, so I expressed my surprise to her. She said a lot of people didn't have to deal with the two surgeries, infections, and radiation wounds, for the most part, though it did happen at times, so she was amazed to see me looking so entirely well. That made me feel really good. I had no idea! She also said I should be excited about this chemo round (I assured her I was), because it was the final step to being ... done. She said she felt really good about my ability to tolerate everything. Again, what a difference!

I then proceeded to the chemo room to be hooked up for 3 hours to the various chemo feeds. It was completely relaxing, very sunny, good moods and positive attitudes everywhere ... I likened it to having been in purgatory and finally ascending to heaven.

At the end of the final chemo feed, I met with the psychologist on staff. Yes, on staff. The psychologist's services are completely covered by insurance and she is there to meet with anyone who needs to talk at any time. (Again, I'm falling out here.) We chatted and she asked me how I view the cancer experience. I told her I consider it a gift. She looked at me, turned around, and pulled a 3 inch stack of papers from her desk. She said that science agrees that viewing cancer as a gift makes the experience so much better, and she said lost of folks have to work to get there, to view it that way. She said since I started that way that I was way ahead of the game. So we talked about all the gifts cancer has to offer. It was a delightful conversation!

Next, I told her that once I have completed my treatments I want to be an advocate for others who walk this path. She grabbed onto this with both hands, and was extremely interested in the free-of-charge meditation practice I would like to offer cancer patients. What's more, she said that my Oncologist was completely interested in and supportive of such a practice. The interest level from a clinic was new for me, and I am grateful to have this experience. The psychologist said we would get together once I finish treatments and she would help me get going with what I feel is a calling.

As the fluids dripped into me today, I could feel my brain going a little soft, meaning that it felt as if I'd had one or two too many martinis. This means I have to rest a little more now. Accordingly, this post will pretty much end here.

I do want to tell you that I am so thrilled I made the change. I am so thrilled to meet this wonderful staff, and I am further thrilled to have such a great experience.

Honestly, I can tell you - I am, quite literally, raising my arms to the heavens ... with joy.