The past couple of days have been interesting. This is the 5th day since my Thursday dose of Xanax and I am finally starting to feel human again. It is difficult to put into words how I’ve felt. Let’s just say that the dips of the cancer roller coaster ride that foster isolation for the patient are made more palpable with the addition of medically-induced fuzziness. I have told several people that I’ve felt “not right in my head” over the days since my last Thursday radiosurgery. This morning, I’m starting to feel like my old self. I just wish it could be the old self without cancer.
Last night I met with the planning team for the 2011 American Cancer Society Crystal Ball. I’m the honoree and with all the goings on in our lives over the past 15 weeks, I haven’t been much help to this wonderful group of people. Being able to sit and talk last night and see all the good work that is being done in my name for the benefit of the ACS was good medicine for me. I left there, still in my Xanax funk, but uplifted at the same time.
Last night I learned about someone’s friend who has had recent RCC surgery and has already had a return of his cancer. Another friend of mine has contacted me in the past few days to tell me about a friend of her’s who is facing upcoming RCC surgery. I have made myself available to talk to these folks to do what I can to shed some light on their upcoming days. I hope they’ll get in touch with me. It seems to help me to be able to help someone else.
Cancer creates families. Like a group of people struggling to keep their heads above the water during a tsunami, the members of this family are thrown together, bounced apart and pitched back into each others’ faces while we all ride the peaks and valleys in our own time. Quite together and quite apart. Lives moving to different beats, but somehow not quite in tune with the world around us.
Jenny says
Beautiful analogy, Mike. I hope you are saving all of these for a book:-)
Steve Hall says
glad to hear you are feeling more like yourself. We’re praying for a speedy recovery Mike.
melanie says
Glad you are back Mikey! Look forward to seeing you next weekend. I agree with you that helping others without expectation helps us more ๐
Margaret Angell says
Glad you’re feeling better, Mike. Hugs to you and Jill!
Karen says
I share your blog with some friends at work. They have also suggested a book. Thanks for the post.. comes at a good time to help make sense of a special friend’s situation.
Will says
I don’t like it that you are having to endure this Mike. You bless us with your courage to open a window into your experience. Shannon and I send our love.
Dusty Nix says
Thinking about you, bro. And J and I are ready to get together again as soon as you’re up for it. Best –d
Teresa Aglialoro Bennett says
Hi Mike, at the risk of sounding like a broken record….you and Jill and your family are forever in my thoughts and prayers. Just today I was catching up with your posts and lo and behold a walk down memory lane. You nailed it……daddy was alittle over protective but I think you enhanced the part about me….but, hey, thanks! You hang in there. And you are so spot on about Jill…….she is totally amazing. Love to you both, Teresa
Mike Venable says
Teresa, I talked on the phone with Richard yesterday about our Atlanta meeting. We had a good laugh about our days at HHS, courting you and dealing with Sal. Aren’t we lucky to have such good friends and good memories? I’m glad you weighed in. Richard and I remarked yesterday that we’d like to hear what you had to say about this blog post. Jill and I appreciate your good karma and your prayers. Please tell PB I said hello.
Teresa Aglialoro Bennett says
Think I need someone to edit my spelling typos….”memory”.
Well, when I scrolled down and saw the name “Sal” I knew something was up. You two are quite mischievious I must say…..boys will be boys. lol.
Carol Wingard says
I am weighing in with a YES on the book. I so enjoy and empathize with everything you write. Your journey is one from which everyone can learn. Your humor and honesty are what make it so different.