I just read this article that so clearly summarizes many of the experiences of being young and facing life-threatening health problems: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/29/life-interrupted-facing-cancer-in-your-20s/?hp
I was particularly struck by this paragraph:
"Cancer magnifies the in-betweenness of young adulthood: You’re not a child anymore, yet you’re not fully ready to live in the adult world, either. After my diagnosis, I moved back into my childhood bedroom. And as I get sicker, I increasingly rely on my parents to take care of me. But at the same time, I’ve had no choice but to grow up fast. Daunting questions that most of my peers won’t have to consider for many more years have become my urgent, everyday concerns: How will I hold onto health insurance if I’m unable to work? Will I be able to have children? How long will I live?"
Thursday, March 29, 2012
More good news
Bevan recently had his "six" month post transplant check up and CT scan. This was something recommended by his oncologist at six months, one year, and two years to look for any signs of recurrence. There is perhaps nothing more terrifying than, after a blissful half year of no doctors, no chemotherapy, and the space to finally look forward, having to face the big C all over again. On more than one occasion I entertained the idea of not reminding Bevan of this appointment, letting it slip through the cracks and continuing to live our blissful doctor-free existence. After all, what good would come from this appointment. If they did find the unthinkable, what more could they do? Would we actually have any more options?
But, ultimately we both realized that the uncertainty of not knowing could be a much greater torture, Bevan scheduled a CT scan and follow up appointment. I've often joked that I won't miss any of these types of doctors appointments because they are the moments that Bevan appreciates me the most. And this was no exception. There is something so comforting about being able to hold someone's hand and talk about little articles in magazines in the waiting room. In these moments I also appreciate him the most--how much strength do I also find in having someone to face this tough world with?
The wait was unusually long, the tension unusually high. But the moment the doctor walked in the door his body language and cheerfulness communicated all we needed to know. No sign of cancer returning.
To celebrate, B and I had a very nice date to Strings as part of Denver's Restaurant week. As usual, we skipped the wine, but who would really miss it with good news like that!
But, ultimately we both realized that the uncertainty of not knowing could be a much greater torture, Bevan scheduled a CT scan and follow up appointment. I've often joked that I won't miss any of these types of doctors appointments because they are the moments that Bevan appreciates me the most. And this was no exception. There is something so comforting about being able to hold someone's hand and talk about little articles in magazines in the waiting room. In these moments I also appreciate him the most--how much strength do I also find in having someone to face this tough world with?
The wait was unusually long, the tension unusually high. But the moment the doctor walked in the door his body language and cheerfulness communicated all we needed to know. No sign of cancer returning.
To celebrate, B and I had a very nice date to Strings as part of Denver's Restaurant week. As usual, we skipped the wine, but who would really miss it with good news like that!
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