Old Friends. It is amazing how you maintain contact with friends through the years and the ones who are always there when you are going through struggles. They are the ones who send emails, cards, special packages that arrive in the mailbox and even phone calls to make sure all is well.

I often wonder if I am as good a friend to them as they are to me and remember each of them in my prayers each night. So where are they, none of them are next door, some are in the same city I live in and many are as far away as Japan but in my heart they are all so very, very close.

Today I found out a friend of mine is facing a struggle with Cancer.

A Warrior and I continue to survive. This past year has been one of fear, courage, family, friends and support. It is amazing how hearing the word cancer mouthed again after over 20 years of surviving can strike fear right down to the marrow in your bones. It is something in the breast that must be identified and so once again facing surgery becomes reality. Wondering about the outcome, the stress of knowing all the implications of anesthesia and the fact that I live alone and have a hard time asking anyone for support.
But support was what I received. My youngest son Tom immediately started planning on how he would get home from Indianapolis to ensure he was with me for the surgery. Tim made plans to interupt his life to ensure he was with me once the surgery was complete to provide support and assistance while I was home. A friend Cathy Allman, RN jumped in whenever the boys could not be with me and was a god send through the different stages of this battle.
My employer PWC was amazing and provided support in so many ways including disability, recovery and accomodation so I could work from home.
I am now recovering from the second surgery and am now back in balance...physically..something I have not been for over twenty years. It is strange to have breasts and not have to deal with a prosthesis slipping, sliding and requiring adjustment...or floating out when swimming. You do have to maintain your sense of humor in all of this.
Recovery will continue as the implants settle in and the surgery heals but each day improves both attitude and physical well being.
What does all this mean to anyone else? Well it means that no matter how old you are giving up is not an option, fighting the good fight is always worthwhile, and you have more internal strength than you ever imagine. There is no question in my mind that I am given strength to make it through each day and the things that are challenges are provided to give me the opportunity to demonstrate that strength.
What are some of the things that surface when you are fighting Cancer? Family strength and support, friends who are there that you can count on, work goes on and you can contribute something of value even when in the midst of the fight, being old is a challenge and an opportunity. Look at each day through different glasses when you recognize how terminal we all are.