Healthy Today in Every Way … Thank You, Lord Jesus

When you’re faced with the reality of your mortality, it’s not unusual for priorities to shift and facts to clarify. What I’ve learned since hearing of my lymphoma diagnosis is, for me, it’s not so much the fact that mortality triggers uncomfortable thoughts … it’s what’s between now and then that gets the mind going wild.

That is, if I let it, and I’ve chosen—chosen—to not go that route. Instead, I’m in the present, taking care of what needs to be taken care of, doing so joyfully and gratefully. What other way is there to live LIFE?

Which brings me to my blog title. It’s been my affirmation since I first found out about this current challenge. It came with no pre-thought, no urgings from anyone. It was there that night as my head hit the pillow, with all sorts of thoughts running through. This affirmation made so much sense. Why?

Three reasons:

1. “Healthy today….” Today is always today. No matter what day it’s spoken or written, it is today.
2. “Every way….” All sorts of health—mental and physical, as well as relationships and work and pleasure.
3. Giving gratitude where it should be given … for me, that goes to my Lord, Jesus.

With this affirmation simply handed to me by Divine Guidance I’ve used it daily, every day, written and spoken. When the news is hard—the affirmation is there. When each individual event has been faced—the affirmation is there. And when times are really good—the affirmation is there.

But has it done anything but offer warm fuzzies? Since I don’t believe in coincidence … yes. When I went in for the first chemo treatment, my oncologist explained things again. Then he looked me in the eye and said, “You’re young and you’re healthy. You’ll get through this fine.”

The evening after the first chemo was administered, my blood pressure rose. It wasn’t horrible but not knowing what was okay, and what should be reported, we called the oncologist on-call doctor number. My personal oncologist had said in that earlier meeting that records were computerized for the practice and available to all doctors 24/7. Whichever doc was on-call at any given time need only call up my name to speak directly to my needs.

The on-call doctor called back quickly. After he reviewed my records and symptoms, he advised that what was happening wasn’t unusual. I thanked him and said we could all go to bed now. He responded, “You’re young and you’re healthy. You’ll get through this fine.”

Though he and my oncologist are part of the same practice, I seriously doubt they practice their lines. I’m not all that “young” but I s’pose in comparison to a great number of their patients, since I'm 54--and, of course, famous ... I qualify.

So call it what you’d like … I call it, again, Divine Guidance. Or actually, not “again,” but ongoing. That word, “healthy,” continues to pop up in conversation, as it popped up in my head from the get-go. And since this sort of challenge is affected heartily by one’s emotional state in addition to the physical, I’m going with, “Healthy Today in EVERY way … thank you, Lord Jesus.”

Friends & Chemo Angels

It’s the eve of my port placement … which will be implanted just below my right collarbone to facilitate the chemotherapy that begins Tuesday, September 7, 2010—great way to celebrate Labor Day, eh?! Some serious labor goin’ on here. While this won’t be what I’d consider fun, I must say that since I now have an idea of what’s involved, and know there really is no way around the obvious, I want to get the show on the road. Waiting has never been my strong suit and oftentimes, the wait is at least as bad, if not worse, than the actuality. At least once it gets started, the initial experience will be behind me, and the reality will be known.

I’ve reviewed all the offered names for my port, and I have to say my absolute favorite is Betty. All of them were spectacular but, as when we’re naming a baby, or a book, or anything that remains close to us—out of endearment or necessity—there has to be one that comes out on top. Betty was offered up by Lisa Renee Brown Spangler (click off the "Twitter" sign-in that shows when you go to her blog & the blog immediately comes up). Lisa's reasoning for that name? “Betty … as in Betty get well quick....” Since that’s my exact sentiment, I’m going with it.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to post, and utilize those loverly brain cells of yours in my favor. I do appreciate it. Please keep those prayers, good thought and good vibes a’comin’ in. Prayer chain additions are welcome.

Maybe next time ‘round we can write a community story about how Chemo Superhero CHOP-R has made mincemeat of the big, bad yucky cells that have noooo chance against all the good, decent people I’m meeting along this journey’s path … and the medicine of modern man that is, literally, a Godsend. Read "Asha's Diary," from a child's point-of-view, a child fighting leukemia.

I want to add—I’ve just located what appears to be a fantastic site created in support of chemo patients. Chemo Angels exists for the sole purpose to support folks who are going through chemo. Each person selected to be a part of the program is assigned her very own “Chemo Angel,” someone who checks in regularly to offer good words, prayers, thoughts … and simply be there.

So if you have a bit of extra time you can offer to be someone’s angel … check out the Chemo Angels site. I am pledging here-and-now to pay it forward as soon as I have been declared free and clear. Lovely, lovely idea!