Today's Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/12/04 9:23:21 PM Eastern Standard Time,

epatton21@... writes:

<< " Mom, " she said in a quiet voice, " I love you more than myself. "

>>

He, he, we do this in my home too....but we say, " I love you to infinity and

beyond! "

This was a cute one.....

Hugs,

Sue

[Guest guest]

* Infinity & beyond- in our house here too * -

Hugssss , TJ

<< " Mom, " she said in a quiet voice, " I love you more than myself. "

>>

He, he, we do this in my home too....but we say, " I love you to infinity and

beyond! "

This was a cute one.....

Hugs,

Sue

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ceda.ca

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[Guest guest]

An Affair to Remember

By

We met in January of 1995. Although I was 54 years old and he was young enough

to be my son, we were to spend many hours together under the most intimate

circumstances.

His room was cold and sparse with one huge bed that was hard as a rock, but with

a lovely skylight that changed colors as the photo equipment he used circled the

room. He often left me alone in the room, but I knew he was always close and

watching me from his vantage point. This is not the beginning of a love story

but the tale of young Dr. Wollman, my radiologist.

After breast surgery he became my best friend. On our first visit he informed me

that seven weeks of fun was about to begin. He explained in layman's terms what

to expect and showed me the room and the equipment that would be used to radiate

my left breast. The first visit is the longest, at least 45 minutes of

immobility while the machine is set and the target spots are put on your body -

my first and last tattoo, by the way. After the first two weeks of radiation,

which was five days a week for a grand total of four minutes a day, the radiated

area takes on a look of intense sunburn. Not only that, but the breast that is

being treated goes from a size B cup to a size C or better. Wearing a bra is out

of the question and the heat that radiates from the treatment area is

unbelievable.

It is amazing the thoughts that go through your mind while looking at the

skylight and waiting for the treatment to be over. One comes to know the

caregivers as well as their families. My Dr. Wollman and his staff were there to

boost my morale whenever they thought I was down. I think I even boosted theirs

from time to time. They might not have known it, but the hug they gave me

whenever I walked in for treatment made it worth the discomfort and panic that I

experienced each time.

During those seven weeks, I prayed, told jokes and meditated. When the time came

to " graduate, " as we call it, I cried as I bid my new family good-bye. However,

I still see the dear doctor, and there is always that big smile and the warm hug

that lit up my life for seven weeks. I shall never forget these caregivers and

hope that every cancer patient that needs to go through radiation/chemotherapy

is as lucky as I am. One is fearful at first because of the unknown; however,

with the right attitude and doctor, it can almost be a cherished memory.

I had my first mammogram in October and everything is fine. It is important that

we as women know our own bodies and if in doubt with one diagnosis, get a second

or third if necessary. Had my new doctor not insisted that the small cyst come

out, I would have ignored it. I will continue to live life to the fullest and be

here the same time next year and the years after that. After all, there are many

sunsets to watch and much love to give. My hope is that for all of you there is

a Dr. Wollman and your affair can be one to remember with fondness and no

regrets.