So, what do we know after all is said and done? We know that Joyce is free from her cancer. We know that what she had to go through, I would not wish on anyone. We know that because of the advancement of medicine, she has a 97% chance of her cancer not returning. More than that, we know that we have the best support system we could ever hope to have. Starting with our immediate family, who were there at a moment's notice in case we needed anything; Our friends, who prayed, cooked, visited and offered words of encouragement throughout the process and of course, the medical staff, who held our hands throughout the process.
We can not say enough good things about The Coborn Cancer Center and the staff. I can not imagine a job too much more difficult than meeting complete strangers to deliver the news that cancer is now a part of their lives. I can not imagine a more difficult job trying to keep the hopes and spirits of affected patients positive. I can only imagine the positive reward for their work when they see a patient "survive" against odds that were stacked against them.
The facility itself presents a hopeful environment in which patients feel secure in the hope for the future. It has all the incremental elements necessary to answer the questions of the patients as soon as they are ready to ask them. From a pleasant architectural setting to social work outreach to the personal enhancement section where patients are given free wigs, scarves and hats. Every question had an answer that inspired hope for the future.
Our friends who prayed for us and kept us in their thoughts should know that in the darker hours, yours was the light that kept our heads high and looking ever forward. Your phone calls, your food, your gifts, your patience with Gary when he would not let you visit, and your hugs when he did. Thank all of you for being there for us.
Cole, Sharon, Kylara, Garrison, brothers and sisters have been amazing through all of this. At the drop of a hat, if needed, whatever needed to be provided was there for us. Encouragement, food, housekeeping, hair (yes, hair) and dog sitting services were there for the asking.
To all of you, thank you.
I would like to say that the time has passed by quickly, but I can not. Since all of this started in mid October time seemed to drag along. I suppose it being winter, Joyce pretty much confined to quarters and my historical dislike for the winter months made it feel that way. The brightest spot through all of this has been Joyce's eternally optimistic outlook at the outcome. Never once has she altered her opinion that she was going to get through this as a winner. Even on her most debilitated day following her chemo treatment, her mood was always looking ever positively forward. I believe she was her own best healer. I suppose that is one of the reasons I agreed to let her marry me. ;-)
For now, we are moving ahead with the plans that we had before all of this started. We are going to be camping more, golfing more, canoeing more, fishing more, bicycling more and we can do that with a fresher appreciation of life. So, there you are. This side trip on our life journey is at an end and we are back on track to many many more days regaling in life here at Peaceful Pines. By the way, I have officially opened the gates to visitors if you would like to drop by and say hi.
