Liner is not impressed …

…by the long list of side effects the nurses review with you prior to chemo.  It’s intimidating and scary.  It is a lot to think about and prepare for.  Did I mention it’s scary? For now, the information has been put aside for later, if needed.

I’m on Cycle1, Week1, and Day4, but remember, I’m not counting or tracking!  So far, so good.  I’ve had some side effects, but nothing major.  I’ve been able to do most activities, although I bailed on Kit/Mark over the weekend because I had stomach cramps.  I took some stronger anti-nausea meds and had a power nap.  When I woke up, I re-read the list of side effects and didn’t see stomach cramps listed.  Whatever.  One day at a time!

Now that school has started, my job is to pick up the girls (my nieces) from school.  This is more than “drive by, stop, girls jump in the car, drive off”.  I didn’t realize how much planning and positioning needs to happen when picking up the kids - getting there early, finding a parking spot, getting to the agreed upon meeting place, and having an escape route.  What should take 30 minutes actually takes 1 hour.  This is good, as it is consistent with my treatment protocol of slowing down, taking my time, and enjoying the moment.

Speaking of moments, here’s an encounter which is worthy of mention: On Thursday, I was at Whole Foods picking up dinner and some snacks.  As I was placing my items on the counter in the express lane, I realized that I had about 20 things.  Normally, I would move to the proper line; but, I was tired!  I apologized to the lady behind me.  She was very kind and said not to worry.  I couldn’t help feeling like an idiot - here I am looking perfectly healthy, slim, athletic, in hoity-toity Los Gatos, and too arrogant to respect the local grocery store guidelines.  I continued to apologize to the lady behind me, and flat out said “I normally would move, but I’m tired; I’ve had a major surgery, a port put in, and I start chemo tomorrow”.  She was very sympathetic.  In fact, she shared that she had ovarian cancer 6 years ago, and went through the same thing.  She’s in remission now.  We talked a bit more, and learned that we had the same doctor.  What a coincidence!  This made me feel good.  

Given that this lady had a similar condition and was successfully treated by my doctor was a huge confidence builder!  It didn’t end there.  The next day, she came by during my chemo session with a huge flower bouquet.  What an unexpected surprise!!  It was very touching to have a complete stranger go out of her way to check on me!  So, maybe the title of this entry is incorrect because in this case, LINER IS IMPRESSED!  I hope I can “pass-this-forward” in the future.   

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Archive Comments

Laurie Meowmi Kehl: I love this story Liner. While you will have plenty of opportunity to pay it forward in the future, remember that it is your own generous heart that attracts this sweetness in the first place.

Ahne: Why is that we are so quick to find the 'bad' that we overlook all the 'good' around us? Congratulations on finding and focusing on the good Line (and your new Whole Foods friend!).

Lisa Diffenderfer: Wonderful story Liner! I told a friend of mine about your story of a stranger's kindness and she loved it, especially since this friend of mine had stage-4 colon cancer six years ago. She has been in remission for so long that her surgery and treatment seem like they happened in a different lifetime. Stay strong and positive and keep posting. I love hearing stories of people kicking cancer's ass ;o)

Amy: love the mckayla face and the whole foods story. glad you ran into a good soul at that moment!

fai: Gasp! Touched to say the least. Humanity can be so beautiful!

Meredith Hawkins: Well, in our house that was what we call a "God Shot". If you had stopped to ponder the genius that is the oreo cookie or gone to another cashier you would not have been in that line at that moment and met that wonderful person. Thanks for the feel good start to my day and the reminder to pay attention to those around me a little more. We can all take a minute to pay it forward.

Barbara: I absolutely LOVE this story! Brought tears to my eyes and I wish I was there to give your new friend a huge hug! We really don't celebrate the goodness in human nature enough. Thanks so much for sharing. I know won't be the only one positively impacted by you today!

Judy: People truly are amazing! It was meant for you to meet this woman, and I am sure your path will cross many others so you can "pay it forward" as well.

discobern: I believe God places people along our path to lift us in time of need. Thank you so much for sharing.

Abha: That is so sweet Liner, thinking of you!

Steve Murphy: Good stuff Liner...I talked to a friend from Crossfit Willow Glen...he has been cancer free for 5 years and he would be happy to talk with you and share his experience...he shared that www.livestrong.org was a great resource for him and he has two books that he has shared with others in the same spot...says he will drop them off for me if you are interested in them (titles?)...he was pretty pumped because a friend of his beat her stage 4 just 2 months ago...great guy.

Liner: Thanks Steve. I'm starting to look through the Livestrong site (there's a lot), and have been in touch with my friend who works there. Hopefully she can offer some good tips. As for your friend and his books, I'd love to take a look. Not sure if I'll read or not, but it's nice to have the choice! Thank you!!

Cyn: It's wonderful how people can be there for you in times of need, even strangers! I'm so glad you were able to have a success story with the same doc! Small world, but great news! (Don't forget, Cocina Mallison is still awaiting delivery. Pick a day. :)

Liner: Thanks Cyn! Please note - it took me a while to figure out Cocina. I thought Concina looked like a baby term (not a cooking term), and that you have a baby incubating. After all, it says it's "awaiting delivery". Dementia is not a side effect, but as Kathleen said, "you're not limited to the chemo side effects, you can get anything!". Thanks for the reminder on the food!! :)