September 1, 2009
When I began “My New Life” I had no idea about its number of pages. As time has passed, it has become like a book with a very lengthy middle; digressions and stories and extra chapters were added as the MDS (Mylodisplastic Syndrome RAEB-2, the most severe form – a cancer of the bone marrow) did not follow the typical script written for those who received the diagnosis. Life has gone on, complete with “time outs”. Even after moving on to AML (acute myelogenous leukemia) the illness did not rush forward, but continued to alter the blood very slowly. Now however, on this first day of September, it appears that the disease is gaining momentum and since the arsenal of deterrents has been used up, it is time to make memories and live each day even more thoughtfully than before. There is more fatigue and pain, and the doctor suggested a sizable increase in the use of pain medications. I said, “I have been monitoring my intake of hydrocodone and oxycodone because I don’t want to reach the point where I have taken them so long they are no longer effective”. His looking-me-in-the-eye response, “That’s not going to happen to you” was telling. “Oh” I said, “I see”.
Last week was full of lovely things. Janna and the twins came out to spend time with us before the children’s school begins, and on a beautiful day, we went walking in the forest. Janna said, “Let’s build a fairy house!” and the girls knew immediately what was required. The little structure of bark has a floor of moss and decorations of pinecones and golden rod, and it hides at the base of a tree near a small grassy glade. “A mouse or a vole could come here to spend the night” I was told, “or to get out of the rain”.
Alphie is filled with delight at these outings, and when he came to lie down and watch the construction work, Ursula decided that he might like to wear her hat for a while. As you can see in the photo, he seemed to join in the laugher at the whole concept. The days flew by much too quickly – we saw the first Monarch butterflies of the season, and we marveled at spiders smaller than a child’s little finger nail. . . magic seemed to be everywhere.
Our week concluded with a Feast. Six of us cooked and baked, all from Julia Child’s cookbooks, and twelve of us sat around the table on Saturday evening to enjoy the outcomes. It was definitely a memory making occasion; the impressive menu had lovely hors d’oeuvres, freshly baked breads, a soup course, an entrée that was built around a tenderloin of beef with truffles, and a conclusion of incredible desserts. Everyone was delighted with the food offerings, and we agreed that the fine wines, lively conversation, high-spirits and laughter put this day into the “we will always remember” files.