An update and a higher calling

The most profound thing happened to me this morning.

For one of my sons Eagle Scout project, he chose to raise money to make personal hygiene kits for people in area shelters.  This morning, I helped out by conducting a quality control assessment of the kits, making sure each kit had the proper items.  I personally opened and checked the contents of each and every one of the kits he made.

At first, this was just an item to check off my to-do list today, but as I opened each kit, I found myself thinking about each person that would receive it.  I couldn’t help but contemplate the horrible circumstances that would bring the recipient to a place where the gift of a small bag of toiletries would make a difference in their life, the sort of stuff we mindlessly throw into our suitcases when visiting a hotel.

I’ve never been without anything I needed.  I’ve always had a roof above my head and plenty of food to eat.  I go on vacations, and Christmas morning is always filled with presents galore. I’ve never walked a day in that recipient’s shoes.

My son (and, de facto, my family) has spent so much time managing the mechanics of meeting the Boy Scout requirements for an Eagle Scout project that we hadn’t paused a moment to think about the impact of what we were trying to accomplish.

I took a break from my morning task to have a cup of coffee in my warm, professionally decorated house.  I quietly sat, drinking my coffee, and tears started to fill my eyes.  How many people out there are in want?  How many need help?  An unmistakable voice came to me from deep within.  Don’t ignore these feelings, Beth.  Act on them.

I don’t know yet where these feelings are taking me, but they are so overwhelming that I know I’ve got to do something.  Something that connects me to the greater world around me.  Something that feeds my soul and helps warm other people’s hearts.  Ignoring these feelings just isn’t an option.

In this cancer journey, I’ve learned not to take my health for granted.  I think now I’m learning not to ignore my ability to help those who don’t have it as easy as me.

Yesterday, I had my follow up appointment with my radiation oncologist, hopefully for the last time.  By clinical examination, it’s good news.  There appears to be no evidence of the tumor any longer.  I’ll have an MRI in late December to confirm, but my doctor was especially encouraging.  Soon, I’ll be transferred back to the care of my gynecological oncologist for maintenance monitoring, and I’ll be finding my new normal...again.

I’m thankful for this process because it’s brought me to where I am today...and where I’ll be tomorrow.  I’ll keep you posted as developments occur.

I wish all of you the happiest, healthiest of holiday seasons...and be on the lookout for an opportunity to help somebody.  The simplest act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Thankful

Yesterday, I gratefully celebrated my 54th birthday.  I remember those scary times a little over 6 years ago when I wasn’t sure I’d make it to my 48th.  But, miracles abounded, and I’m still here...and, plan to be for quite some time.

Thanksgiving approaches in a few days, followed by the hustle and bustle of the coming Christmas season, and I’m particularly thankful that I’ll be fully involved in all that the holidays bring.  It’s going to be a busy one in the Moore household.  One son is having his wisdom teeth removed tomorrow, hopefully regaining his ability to eat by Thanksgiving day.  Then there are Eagle Scout projects, 18th birthdays to celebrate, college applications due at the first of the year, a follow up PET scan to check on my progress fighting this most recent occurrence of cancer, and the usual festivities associated with the season.

I’m feeling much myself these days, mostly recovered from my radiation treatments in September and October.  I’m sleeping much better...none of those 3 a.m. angst-filled awakenings.  It’s  a lesson I’ve learned following this journey.  There are challenging days, but if I keep the faith, they do pass, I find my new normal, and I march on.  The further I get from my challenges, the less I think about my cancer, and the more appreciative I am that modern medicine is what it is and that I’ve got plenty of loving arms to help me through the rough times and rejoice with me through the good ones.

Thanks to all of YOU who have followed my story and send me well wishes.  I love getting responses to my blog posts and find them most uplifting.  Also, the cards, flowers, gifts of dinner on nights when cooking is too exhausting, and just plain old thoughts and prayers for me are a wonderful  reminder that “No one fights alone,” the inscription in the teal bracelets that my friends and family wear in solidarity of my situation.  Cancer certainly is not a path for sissies, and I gain great strength from the support of others.

I have a follow up appointment with my radiation oncologist the week after Thanksgiving, where she’ll probably order my next PET scan.  Luckily, I have lots of activities and responsibilities to keep me busy while I wait for those sentinel events.  I’ll keep everybody posted on my progress...and remain grateful that you’re all out there cheering me on.