The Calendar
I’ve been enjoying what I call my “honeymoon” since my cancer diagnosis on April 7th. Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma has many sub-types, and mine is typically a slow mover. I’ve most likely had it for a year or more, but so far it’s found a home in me without interfering too much with vital organs. Because I have no outward symptoms, I’ve been afforded a brief period of relative calm between when we found out what I have, and the start of treatment.
Wednesday (5/21) is an appointment to get our final outside opinion. Tuesday (5/27) will be the final strategy session with my oncologist. Then the honeymoon is over, and I begin to plan differently.
I keep my calendar on this computer. If I want to see how busy a month is going to be, I click on the monthly tab. There’s also a weekly tab. And then there’s the one I’ll be using for the rest of the year. The daily tab. Chemo won’t let me look a week or a month out to make plans. I’ll know as I go how much I’m able to fill up my days, and how much others can count on me.
This is all grown-up stuff that I’m not used to! I’m the least mature person in my family! But the honeymoon is about over, and it’s time to get to work. It’s a physical and emotional investment that I’m more than willing to make.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. I wish you all the best with whatever challenges you are facing!
May 20th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Scott,
Your attitude and the love and support that is surrounding you and your family will become the strength you think you might not have on some days. Please also know that God is with you and will be all that you need if you will only ask.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl
May 21st, 2008 at 11:59 am
Scott,
I agree with Cheryl, but I also know that sometimes just know how much people care gives you the strength to fight. I personally want you to know that even though I have never met you face to face, I wept for your news. I have listened to you and Erica since your 16.5 yr old was 2 +/-. My prayers are with you and if you ever need anything from us listeners we will be there for you. I know I can speak for more than myself.
Sandy C.
May 21st, 2008 at 4:59 pm
My grandmother, 86, passed away in August from the same type cancer. They found it about 4 months prior and said that she had probably had it about 15 years, undiagnosed, because as with yourself, no real symptoms. There are new, successful treatments from what we understood but because of her heart ailments she was not a candidate for them. So along with my prayers I have the greatest hope that you will be an eligible candidate and that you will far surpass the 15 year mark and be able to also attend your grandchildrens’ weddings. I hope this has picked you up in the same way that you pick me and Orlando up each and every morning. God Bless..
May 21st, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Scott,
I am glad your fighting…I wrote you when you first announced your illness., well since then I have decided to fight for my life for my husband and my children. You are a great influence for me and I believe I can speak on behalf of everyone who listens to you…Please know my kids have been listening to you as well since we moved from Boston. Take care and keep the faith…
Tanya
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 am
Scott,
I agree with Cheryl, but I also know that sometimes just knowing how much people care gives you the strength to fight. I personally want you to know that even though I have never met you face to face, I wept after hearing your news. I actually heard your news on a talk radio station on my way home from work. They were wishing nothing but the best for you. I have listened to you and Erica since your 16.5 yr old was 2 +/-. My prayers are with you and if you ever need anything from us listeners we will be there for you. I know I can speak for more than myself. Thank you for your blog and keeping us posted.
Sandy C.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 am
You have been nothing short of remarkable on-air since announcing your diagnosis. WE, your listener family, are behind you, cheering you on and praying for you all the time! The road ahead is uncertain. Best wishes to Fran and Lauren as well. WE are all with you on this….
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 am
Slow and Steady wins the race…Believe that and know with every step you take you have a mass amount of support behind you. With the power of love and prayer, you will surpass all the obstacles that are in front of you.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Scott,
I am one of many who has had you and Erica and crew as part of my morning family since the beginning! Your news was like a slap to the heart for me, as though you were a personal friend. As a hospice social worker, I certainly see my share of sadness, but even more so, I see the amazing folks out there who prevail and conquer their life threatening illnesses! With every year I age, fast approaching that half-century milestone, I am humbled by each and every day that I open my eyes in the morning. That which we fear is often the furthest thing from that which ultimately will take us. We are each probably more likely to get picked off the road am by a driver applying mascara than the plethora of ills that may befall us. Godspeed to you in your certain full recovery! Love to you and your amazing family. My daughter is Lauren’s same age and I have listened to your stories and raised my own along with you! (And lastly,
bald men are sexy! I’ve been with my husband for 25 years and he has not a hair on his head. Hair is sooooooo JUST HAIR!) xoxo
May 28th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Scott,
Having listened to your show for many enjoyable years, I know you are very particular about your hair. My mother had chemo last year and didn’t lose any of her hair! Let’s hope if chemo is the road you have to take, you will be one of the ones that keeps their hair and if your not, look at Daughtry…no hair and he looks HOT. (I wish David Cook would shave his) My brother was going bald and he just shaved it and looks MUCH better with no hair. Don’t fret, it might just be a new great look as it is for many men. Many prayers are headed your way, thank you for keeping us posted.
May 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I just sent you an email about my nephew diagnosed with cancer. I did not know about your situation. I listen to your show in the morning at 6:00AM and briefly on my way to work from 8:00 to 9:00. I really know exactly how you feel and I will keep you on my prayers every day.
God Bless