Thinking About the Unthinkable

This past year, three blogging pals (well, two blogging pals and one hubby of a blogging pal) were diagnosed with cancer. All of them are way younger than I am, and as far as I know, none of them have any particularly high risk factors. I'm happy to report that all are currently doing well.

Today I made a pledge for a friend who's running the Dana Farber half-marathon in memory of his 8-year-old daughter, who died of cancer exactly one year ago.

Earlier this summer I had a mini-scare—a symptom that turned out to be "nothing" but sure seemed like "something" for a little while there. It really does feel like a creepy, diabolical lottery sometimes. 

I sometimes "rehearse" an announcement that I have cancer (yes, I know, I'm really weird). I think about how I would word it. Then I try to imagine what it would be like to have my entire life suddenly zeroing in on this one goal. (Yes, I know there's no way to "practice" for such a thing; I can't explain why my brain does what it does.)

I just learned that the Newton-Wellesley Hospital has opened its brand-new Vernon Cancer Center so that patients will no longer have to drive downtown to get radiation. I'm told that the artwork inside this new facility is amazing; each piece of art was carefully chosen to convey a feeling of hope and healing. I hope I never have to take myself or anyone else there, but it's nice to know that it's just around the corner.

Comments

[califmom]

It's funny (odd) what our minds rehearse. I always thought I'd be the one to get cancer, not Bob. (If I live long enough, odds are, I will, anyway.)

But that wasn't the point of my comment. ;-)

I love that they've put thought into the artwork at the new cancer center. That's one thing that sucked out my soul as we sat through hours of chemo. The artwork on the walls looked like something from a street vendor. It was nondescript, pastel, lifeless, lacking inspiration.

We brought our own "life" to chemo through our reading material, DVDs, Twitter, and podcasts that kept us company. It sure would have been nice, though, to have had something cool on the walls.

Seems like a petty thing to ask for, given the awesome blessing we've been handed, but I know how much it will mean to the countless people who will pass through those doors.

[Kerri]

Hoping you never have to give your "announcement." Hearing one is awful. Especially for kids, even when you're not a kid anymore.

[Rachel]

Thanks for the Cancer Center mention Karen. It really is an amazing place. In addition to the artwork, the lighting, flooring, and other thoughtful patient considerations throughout really adds to the overall warmth of the facility and patient experience. You're right- you hope you NEVER have to use it, but it's nice to know it's right in your community should a loved one or friend need it.