Yes, it has been a long day, a rather uneventful day — but a day with some good news.Time for my yearly cancer check up. The morning went fast as I got ready for the trip to town.
My backpack is small but I managed to get the necessary things into it. A very charming book from Maureen, a napkin that my friend Jane has woven, color pencils from Alissa, another friend — bringing these things that remind me of friends are almost as good as if they could go with you.There are also a sandwich, something to drink, camera, phone and earplugs. I love music but want to choose where and when I listen to what. I strongly dislike music in the waiting rooms and the busses.
The taxi service picks me up for the 45 minutes long trip to town. It's beautiful day to drive along the river.
Visiting this hospital where I've spent so much time brings back many memories. First I'll get the tests done after which I spend some time reading before it is time for the appointment.
As soon as I finished my treatments seven years ago I considered myself cancer free — and today I got to know that I'm also officially cancer free. This means no more yearly controls but no doors are closed, if I need I can get back anytime for a checkup. After this good news I went to eat my sandwich but found "my chairs" occupied. I have such a nice spot in an alcove with a view over a garden where I always go. So I went to the library.
See that chair in the very left corner — there is where I sat. No windows, but a quiet corner to eat and read while waiting for the bus to go back home.
The trip home was 45 minutes of pure agony — well the first ten minutes were OK but 35 uncomfortable minutes are more than enough. The busses are far from new and the seats are extremely uncomfortably, you feel every bump in the road — and there are many — but the worst part is that you can't see the road ahead of you. It makes the trip very unpleasant especially for people like me who always are queasy. Today I had forgotten to bring my paper bags (the kind I collect when flying).
I was very happy to get of the bus and see it disappear.
Now I have spent some hours with some of my favorite composers — Haydn, Titz, Vaňhal and Brahms — and am ready to head upstairs for a rendez vous with the sandman.
What wonderful news for you. I have just had my 6 monthly check-up and I know what a tense time it is waiting for the results. I too have a very bumpy 130 mile round trip to the hospital (on a very old train with seats that have scarcely any cushioning). The ride is so bumpy that it isn't possible to hold a book still enough to read.
SvaraRaderaI'm so glad that the 'Elizabeth' book was right for such an occasion. Stay well.
Maureen
Oh, what wonderful news, Margaretha. I didn't know the nature of your 'illness.' I remember a day in your life entry where you talked about (was it?) infusion. Oh, I really am happy for you. A truly lovely day in your life.
SvaraRaderaAnd if Maureen reads this, I didn't know about you - am so grateful you are alright, too.
Maureen,
SvaraRaderaI hope you too will get this kind of good news very soon! Bumpy trips are bad enough if you are feeling well but are awful combined with illness and worry.
Nan,
I still have to live with the infusions as I have another rare nameless illness that nobody knows how to handle. It might sound odd but getting cancer was not so bad as I was so welled care for. Everybody knew what to do from day one - there was a plan for the treatment and I knew all the time what was going to happen. The worst part for me was that my other illness didn't agree with the cancer treatment. I have chosen not to talk so much about this unknown ailment on the blog, not because it is a secret but as it takes so much explaining.
Margaretha
Thank you, Margaretha and Nan, I only mentioned my own condition because I can fully appreciate what Margaretha was going through. My cancer has been 'in remission' for ten years (not one that will ever be declared cured) but my immune system was damaged by the treatment and I live with those problems. I focus on the 'live with' aspect of that - without the harsh chemotherapy I would not be here at all! My life now may be more limited but I enjoy it very much.
SvaraRaderaMaureen,
SvaraRaderaI find it interesting how we humans always manage a little more, no matter the pain or lack of energy. Living with a chronic illness makes us look at things a bit differently - seeing what we have instead of what we don't have.
Margaretha
Yes, Margaretha, I think there has to be a positive side to everything and surviving serious illness makes one appreciate the things one took for granted before. That is why I love your photographs and 'window' pictures so much; they make me look closely at everyday things.
SvaraRaderaWhat a wonderful long day in your life! I was very touched reading this post and I am happy with you for the good news. I know these long waitings for medical results when it is almost impossible to concentrate on books or music. Enjoy autumn (here a lot of trees already lost their leaves...very early for the autumn season!) and have a good time!
SvaraRaderaBarbara
A momentous Day! And one a long time in coming I am sure.
SvaraRaderaTia