Thanks

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Many, Many Thanks as 2007 Comes to a Close

When you have cancer, you don’t always thank the people who deserve recognition. At first, you’re sick, overwhelmed and generally focused on yourself. When you finish treatment, you may want to close that chapter in your life and simply not think about it ever again.

Perhaps because this is the holiday season, I’ve been thinking of the people who have been especially kind and supportive to me since I was first diagnosed with cancer more than ten years ago. I’d like to thank them.

Thank you to my family members who never wavered in their support and their love.

Thank you to my friends who took me to appointments, made me laugh, and filled my freezer with food.

Thank you to my co-workers who pitched in and took over my workload while I was in treatment.

Thank you to my friends from across the country who called, e-mailed, wrote, and came to visit.

Thank you to my neighbors who shoveled my walk and dropped off cookies.

Thank you to friends and strangers who said a prayer in support of my recovery.

Thank you to my doctors who answered my questions with patience and honesty, and treated me with skill and professionalism.

Thank you to the nurse practitioner who was always supportive and never complained when I threw up in her office on a regular basis.

Thank you to the nurse who gave me a hug whenever she saw me.

Thank you to the office receptionist who went out of her way to make me feel welcome and somehow safe when life seemed out of control.

Thank you to the woman in the business office who battled with insurance companies on my behalf.

Thank you to the mammogram technician who made the effort and took the time to make the procedure comfortable for me.

Thank you to lab tech who knew how to stick me for blood without it hurting.

Thank you to my support group buddies and others who had cancer with me, before me, or after me. Each of you has taught me something.

Thank you to the people I know with cancer who have huge problems and little resources, but somehow carry on with remarkable dignity.

Thank you to my friends who have who have died from cancer with courage and grace.

Thank you to the founders of the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance (now the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes) for creating an organization that was there when I needed it. And to the staff, volunteers, and contributors who continue its mission.

And thank you to my dog, Ellie, who curled up next to me on the couch after every chemo session to share a much-needed nap.

formatted for printing

From the Ithaca Journal, December 27, 2007

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