May Your Week be Blessed

In spite of a couple rough spots the week before last, and one the week before that, it was a great one.

Two weeks ago Sunday, I had a really nice visit with a friend. I’d shared with her about a doctor’s appointment I’d had. I told her a CT scan of my chest revealed spots of cancer in my ribs, vertebrae, and sternum. Several of them were new spots. My doctor and I had a discussion about pain management.

When I met with my oncologist, we talked about the CT scan I’d had the week before. He said he wanted a contrast CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis since I hadn’t had one for a few months. We also talked about the next step in my treatment. Soon, a time will be set up for me to start chemotherapy infusion.

When we reached the topic of side effects, he told me that although my hair wouldn’t fall out completely, it probably would thin considerably. My answer was I still have my wig and turbans from my initial chemotherapy so I wouldn’t have to worry about a bad hair day. And that I’m still breathing so I can still fight.

But there were lots of bright spots waiting for me.

On Monday, I heard a noise outside the door. My husband got up to see what it was and found a friend shoveling off the deck, ramp, and sidewalk. When the work was done, I invited my friend in. I thanked him for clearing away the snow. He told me, “Well, I told my wife you never know when Sandy might have to go see a doctor so I’m going to go shovel off her walk.”

Wednesday night found another friend visiting and bringing a fried chicken supper. There was even enough left over to provide the next night’s supper.

Thursday, the same person who shoveled my walk, came over with a bowl of homemade chicken and wild rice soup. That bowl held enough soup for us for two days worth of meals.

Saturday, a daughter-in-law stopped by and picked up all of our laundry.

And two Sundays back, a grandson cleared the deck, ramp, and sidewalk of snow that had accumulated over several days. One of my daughters-in-law sent over a batch of fresh made dinner rolls. And another daughter-in-law and granddaughter put away the clean laundry and cleaned my house.

Last week, another grandson cleared a path from our driveway to the storage shed where my husband keeps his scooter.

We all face tough times. But they are overshadowed by the kindness and love shown to us by famiy, friends, and even a stranger at times.

May your week be blessed.