My radiation oncologist entered the room wearing a mask.
He explained that he'd just returned from Thailand.
He felt well, but was exercising mindfulness.
He didn't want to pass on anything he might have picked up in his travels with patients.
I found that thoughtful.
Physically I checked out tip-top.
Socially, I enjoyed a great conversation, learned about a country and a language that I know nothing about, and even got to see photos of eye-popping Lunar New Year's decorations.
Cancer has changed me for the better in many ways...
One is that I now recognize doctors are people just like the rest of us, who have rich personal lives, that they'll share if you ask.
I'm jumping up and down!! What fantastic news Gail and thank you for sharing with us. I also believe Jeff's cancer has changed me and my family for the better. We are wiser, kinder, and stronger. xox Take good care my friend. Oh and I love the Ann Landers quote.
What a superb report. Not just of your health, though that’s a big deal in my book, but your observations about personal growth. Opportunities like meeting this new doctor or any other “new person” occur in our adult lives. How to kindle dialog is as demanding as saying a few words!
Oh! Doctor Jones isn’t new to me. He managed my radiation. I now follow-up with him yearly. On a previous visit he shared his wife is from Thailand, which gave us a springboard for conversation.
We also discussed my writing and art-ing. How I came to them later in life. He wondered aloud if we all have latent creativity inside of us. I enthusiastically replied that I think we do!
I remember Dr.Jones enthusiasm at our first meeting. He was genuinely excited to show me on Google maps how to get to the clinic where I received radiation.
He shared similar eexcitement yesterday when telling me about the flight paths of his travel to/from Thailand. Maybe he has a latent creativity around maps/map making?!
A feast of color for the eyes it is, LoveLetterist! Hearts, too, I might add.
Quickly following, appear several rabbit holes calling out to my brain. Best not to start. By this time of year cleaning out those burrows to accommodate more big ear babies is priority!
Dear to my heart is the St. Augustine quote. I immediately thought of Mother Teresa’s calling. In particular her work in India helping outcasts from the caste system - people suffering from leprosy. A picture of Princess Diana meeting Mother Teresa is equally dear. Diana, a tall woman, appears nearly bent in half as she wants to look into Mother Teresa’s eyes. To both see and be seen. While short of stature, her height in no way impeded Mother Teresa’s efforts.
Ann Landers’ pearl of wisdom struck a chord in two ways. The wisdom of what she shared, devoid of fanfare. Second, the disdain I held her in as a know-it-all teenager. 😔 Perhaps the Pennsylvania-Dutch expression applies. “We grow too soon old, And too late smart.”
A note from LoveLetterist:
My radiation oncologist entered the room wearing a mask.
He explained that he'd just returned from Thailand.
He felt well, but was exercising mindfulness.
He didn't want to pass on anything he might have picked up in his travels with patients.
I found that thoughtful.
Physically I checked out tip-top.
Socially, I enjoyed a great conversation, learned about a country and a language that I know nothing about, and even got to see photos of eye-popping Lunar New Year's decorations.
Cancer has changed me for the better in many ways...
One is that I now recognize doctors are people just like the rest of us, who have rich personal lives, that they'll share if you ask.
I'm jumping up and down!! What fantastic news Gail and thank you for sharing with us. I also believe Jeff's cancer has changed me and my family for the better. We are wiser, kinder, and stronger. xox Take good care my friend. Oh and I love the Ann Landers quote.
In a conversation with friends this morning we touched on:
Adversity builds compassion and…
Vultures as a metaphor. They will accept the dark and decaying and transform into something of value.
Wow interesting metaphor and "transform into something of value."...I love this. Thank you Gail.
Yay to all the good news, Gail!
Thank you Karen!
What a superb report. Not just of your health, though that’s a big deal in my book, but your observations about personal growth. Opportunities like meeting this new doctor or any other “new person” occur in our adult lives. How to kindle dialog is as demanding as saying a few words!
Oh! Doctor Jones isn’t new to me. He managed my radiation. I now follow-up with him yearly. On a previous visit he shared his wife is from Thailand, which gave us a springboard for conversation.
We also discussed my writing and art-ing. How I came to them later in life. He wondered aloud if we all have latent creativity inside of us. I enthusiastically replied that I think we do!
Tip-top! Yay! Thoughtful doctor and had a great conversation. Learning and growth. Xoco
I remember Dr.Jones enthusiasm at our first meeting. He was genuinely excited to show me on Google maps how to get to the clinic where I received radiation.
He shared similar eexcitement yesterday when telling me about the flight paths of his travel to/from Thailand. Maybe he has a latent creativity around maps/map making?!
A feast of color for the eyes it is, LoveLetterist! Hearts, too, I might add.
Quickly following, appear several rabbit holes calling out to my brain. Best not to start. By this time of year cleaning out those burrows to accommodate more big ear babies is priority!
Dear to my heart is the St. Augustine quote. I immediately thought of Mother Teresa’s calling. In particular her work in India helping outcasts from the caste system - people suffering from leprosy. A picture of Princess Diana meeting Mother Teresa is equally dear. Diana, a tall woman, appears nearly bent in half as she wants to look into Mother Teresa’s eyes. To both see and be seen. While short of stature, her height in no way impeded Mother Teresa’s efforts.
Ann Landers’ pearl of wisdom struck a chord in two ways. The wisdom of what she shared, devoid of fanfare. Second, the disdain I held her in as a know-it-all teenager. 😔 Perhaps the Pennsylvania-Dutch expression applies. “We grow too soon old, And too late smart.”