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Chemo with Kathleen





After a recent chemo, where I was chaperoned by the always affable and charming Chris, my nurse Alicia queried “Who will be bringing you next time?”
Truly, the entire oncology staff was not only charmed by Chris, they were amazed at the intricate cross stitch stocking she was working on and then awed that it was her third and final work of art.

  I responded to Alicia (a new friend, really) that another friend would be bringing me and she remarked something like “you have a lot of wonderful friends”. To wit, I agree!

 Chris commented, “yes she does! Chemo with Kathleen!”

 Chemo with Kathleen. Sounds like a title to a book like "Tuesdays with Morrie" or "Me Before You", great books about friends stepping up to help a friend through illness and/or treatment. Only difference in this case would be that this sickie lives on to make more friends and to treasure the ones she has. 

What I’m discovering on these chemo days, aside from all the vital medical stuff I’m supposed to care about, is my friends are amazing people! Yesterday's chaperone was Jo who came after cleaning and preparing her boss' office for painting; she works as an office manager for a small church and has become the Pastor's organization guru (among many other things!). A heart of a caregiver, Jo has! I kicked her out after the Benadryl kicked in so I could nap and she could go back to help her Pastor.

 Another friend who drove me is the wife of our former Pastor. She has driven countless people to chemo or doctor's appointments and is herself a breast cancer survivor. She helps countless people to this day with small and large acts of kindness. Lois seemed to understand that on this particular chemo day, I needed solitude and a nap more than a friend to sit with me and she left to run errands. How did she intuit this other than through too many years of doing the just what she was doing for me?

 I discovered while talking with another friend chaperone, that she's a talented artist who likes to stretch her artistic boundaries by taking art classes in media she is unfamiliar with or uncomfortable using. She's in her 70s and enjoys learning new things, considers it a priority actually. I want to be like Marilyn when I'm in my 70s - not all complacent and comfortable but willing to expand my horizons.

 My sister, Kelli came and didn't draw on me with sharpies but drove all the way from Kohler Wisconsin to spend a lot of time watching me sleep (and taking pictures that she shared with family!). She also made dinner for us and kept me company for my first of the now-weekly chemo treatments. She too is a breast cancer survivor and I'm sure sitting with me brought back less-pleasant memories.

 I have a roster of friends that have signed up for Chemo with Kathleen. And more that have signed up to bring dinner on chemo Mondays. I have a roster of friends that have sent cards, flowers, gifts and messages. I have a roster of friends that I am grateful for beyond words. In this darker time of my life, while I battle this touch of cancer, they are providing light and love to help me fight the fight.

 Perfect time for some Carol King!

 You've Got a Friend

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