Angels In Unexpected Places

Amidst chemotherapy, good intentions can—just—like—THAT! … disolve. My chemo journey has been blessed. My 1st two rounds weren’t bad. Nausea? None. Indigestion—Prilosec handles it. Fatigue? As long as I was careful, not bad. Other side effects were irksome but less so each day forward.

I’ve had 3 of 6 expected treatments, and let's face it, chemo is cumulative. As a doctor said, it’s necessary poison. In my type of Lymphoma, it usually kicks it fast into remission but getting there's no cake-walk, and “poison” collects. In the last few days, I felt punk from that collected yuck, enough to make it the most un-fun so far.



I was at my desk when the doorbell rang. Outside I found a box with a sweet arrangement of Halloween-decorated cookies sent by Susan, one of two ChemoAngels sent to me by this fantastic organization. Then, when I went to the post office, I found another box, a collection of Cheryl’s Cookies, sent by Jeff Wayne. Jeff's a very funny and kind man, a professional comedian, and we met when he organized a joint speaking engagement last year with Hollywood Congress of Republicans. An hour or so later, I received yet another sweet, a wonderful note from my other ChemoAngel, Connie.

How is it that all this came together when I really needed something to lift my spirits? Spirits. The “angel factor.”

The afternoon found me at the oncologist's office for a blood test. The day before, the name of a girl with whom I’d gone to elementary and high school came to me unbidden. I’d not thought of her in YEARS. Moons ago there was talk of a high school reunion, with mention that Susie Kasai had passed away. In the doctor's office, a nurse called a name before me … “Ms. Kasai?”

Later when I was in the same room with her, I asked this woman if she knew Susie.

“Susie was my sister.” Okay, now, YOU explain.

We talked awhile before I asked what took Susie’s life—breast cancer. Thankfully, Susie’s sister doesn’t have cancer. Through her—and Susie—I was comforted. Susie, a small, brave lady, with children and lots of family love, had fought her battle for years … in that very same chemo room! Susie’s sister spoke of the positives in Susie’s life. Even though the illness took her breath, Susie had won, with great helpings of humor and the folks who loved her … her own angels. I'm sure Susie was there as I spoke with her sister.

Why otherwise would I've thought of someone after so many years—and then run into her sister in my oncologist’s office?

By the way … Susie’s sister’s name? Angel. I ain’t kiddin’ ya. And Susie's middle name? One she shared with me—Joy.

Thanks to all the angels in unexpected places! Each of you make a less-than-fun time in my life so very blessed.

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!