Talk to Me!

A teacher friend of mine at the High School came to my office yesterday and patiently waited for me to get off the phone.  I didn't want him to leave without finding out why he stopped by, so I put my call on hold. I went out to say hello.  He looked at me very seriously and said, "I have to apologize to you."  I said, "What are you talking about?"  He went on to tell me how upset he was at a previous conversation that we had prior to my surgery.  At that time, he had been telling me about some medical issues that he was having difficulty with. "I want to tell you to how insensitive it was that I was complaining about my issues while you were about to have brain surgery."

This type of experience has happened to me many times over the past 6 years. People will either stop short in the middle of telling me their difficulties and frustrations, or they will qualify their story by acknowledging that "It's nothing compared to what you are going through."  When you are telling me what you are you going through in your life, I am NOT thinking, "How can this person complain about their problems while I am battling a brain tumor.  This has this NEVER entered my mind.

The truth is, I want to hear about your life.  As I always say, "Everyone goes through something...no one gets through life unscathed."  Life is a journey, and we all have bumps along the way .  As you have listened and supported me, please allow me to do the same for you.

I appreciate everyone's support.  Physical effects from the surgery have ended.  I feel like I am at about 90%.  The last 10% is building endurance and stamina.  I think this will still take some time. The biggest issue right now is dealing with the monthly Chemotherapy treatments.  I have completed 2 rounds and I have 4 more to go.  The worst part only lasts about a week, but it is grueling.  I look forward to a clean MRI report when I go back into my favorite machine in a few weeks ;-).  I pray that I never have to take that damn poison after the 6th round.  I need these tumor cells to go dormant...forever.

I feel everyone's love and prayers.  I have the best family, friends, and co-workers.  Have a wonderful, and restful summer.