Leecy

I have been told a friend of mine has Breast Cancer. Her name is Leecy and she is an amazing woman. Over this summer her and a group of ladies helped me out of a terrible funk. It was a real turning point in my journey.

Its like a punch to the gut reading her updates today as she is starting her journey. I have been there and I know what she is going through and I still struggle with the words to comfort her. Hell, I am struggling with words to write now. I just felt the need to put her name out there (with her permission of course). So, anyone who has ever put up my name in prayer I ask of you to do the same for my friend Leecy.

I have to say that when we were waiting for her results over the weekend I had told her I was not accepting her application to the Cancer Club. But, as much as I hate it - I have to face it - it's now official - she has joined. And if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Leecy, then you know what a firecracker she is. You just know that she has not only joined, but she will be rewriting the rules and will be President of this damn club soon.

Diamonds in a Dishwasher

I received a letter from Mayo before Christmas. I didn't open it. I didn't know if I could take it if the news was bad and it would wreck my Christmas. We were also moving over Christmas break and I didn't need one more thing on my plate. I think I could have left it unopened if it weren't for my family continually asking me if I had heard anything yet. I could somehow forget about it, but they couldn't.

And I quote..."Dear Mrs. Eckhoff, It was our sincere pleasure to see you on December 6, 2012...(Yes, they actually start the cancer letter this way)...At that time a re-excision of the lesion was performed...blah blah blah...a biopsy was obtained.....blah blah.....found the cells involving the peripheral border(s)CLEAR! ....blah blah....NO FURTHER TREATMENT of this area is recommended....blah blah...Advise to continue with follow up visits every 6 months...It was a pleasure to participate in your care. Sincerely, Doctor Young and Handsome, M.D."

I know I should feel elation, but I don't. It's kind of like getting an appliance for your birthday or anniversary. Take for instance the anniversary of a couple of good friends of mine, who shall remain nameless. She came home to find her husband presenting her with a brand, spanking new dishwasher for their anniversary. She stopped, turned to him and stated "There better be f#@king diamonds hanging in it!" Classic. You know you need it it, you know you want it, but are you happy when you get it presented as a gift...No. You kind of expect to have good, working appliances.

I know life is a gift. I get that, I really do. Believe me you, I have made so many changes in my life because of that realization. But right now I just want good working appliances that I don't have to worry about anymore and I sure wouldn't mind a few diamonds either.