As we make it past the halfway point in the treatment for Anna I am realizing that I could start now and continue forever to thank those that have helped us and not finish. There is a gratitude in my heart that borders on overwhelming guilt. Not to say I feel poorly, just that I am unsure I can do enough to repay the kindness we have received. I also realize that I have not thanked personally many of you, and for that, I apologize. Please know that I am more grateful than I can express.
Getting good at this, and always stylish.
Friday was Anna’s 6th treatment of 12. We are Halfway! Counting down towards the end is easier for us now that we have less to go than we have done. The actual treatment wont change, and Friday was no different in theory than the previous 5 but it felt different. Anna and I discussed the fact that we are getting good at the process and it is an odd thing to become practiced in. We know the majority of the staff at the Cancer Center on the floors we visit. We can discuss the effects of different IV chemo drugs in detail. We even have mapped out which reception areas have the best candy depending on the staff working that day. Like I said, it is an odd thing to be good at.
As we spend more and more time in the different areas of the Swedish facility we are getting to know some folks pretty well. Anna has a nurse in the blood lab that has been with her for a few tests that is one of those people. Karen managed to work her way into Anna’s heart on the first “date” by cracking wise about the problems with living in Seattle. Her take on health food stores was tainted by the fact that she would rather spend her time at the casino chain smoking and drinking. She is loud, a little obnoxious and probably the sweetest lady around. The day I met her I managed to receive a dozen kisses before we had exchanged ten words. Wonderful people like Karen are one of the few unexpected delights that has made a big difference for us during the process.
Karen the Great.
So, we are thankful to be at the halfway point, joined by our new friends.