Sunday, January 13, 2008

Big "Week.

Big Week

There is a lot on this week. My CT scan is tomorrow afternoon and the results on Friday. A CT scan to double check the results of my PET scan before Christmas.

I have to say that I have completely submerged my Cancer reality somewhere below the Titanic's resting place at the moment. There is, in my current life, no time, no space and no place for illness, disease and debilitation. I am writing lesson plans like there is no tomorrow, furiously scribbling to-do lists and organising my three children as well as trying to plan a holiday in the summer. Additionally our headmaster is doing on the spot observations of our lessons for the next two weeks and I am nervous as I so want to prove that I can still do it.


It isn't as effortless as it used to be. I feel the arthritis in my bones when I move around the classroom and my boys watch me limp across for the first few steps and their questions are always full of concern. I am currently teaching 'Two Weeks With the Queen' by Morris Gleitzman which is about cancer. Strange as I remember teaching it when I was first diagnosed and having to walk out of the classroom as tears pricked at my eyes. Now, it seems a world, a galaxy, a life time away and tomorrow will be a hard shock as I land back into planet hospital.

Because of my bubble reality I had put off thinking about Friday when I receive the results. My brother, unfortunately, can't come on Friday and I wasn't particularly worried. But, as I drove home Friday evening, I started thinking, really considering the possible implications, and I know that I need someone. I am much braver when I am with someone else: it helps me to focus and to de-emotionalise myself. The English teacher is shuddering with distaste at her desecration of the language but that is how I feel. I talk as though I am looking down on this person who is being told about her cancer, and I don't feel anything.

Luckily, for me, my dear friend V is free and will come with me. I hope for a fairly easy decision either way. I am wondering, actually, whether I really ought to have treatment. Docetaxol really killed me in the summer and for what? For three lousy months without Cancer before it returned but I don't know if I have the courage to ask about my prognosis. To ask and be told a finite number no matter how long or short it is is too much I think. I am already quite pessimistic and to be told a certain number, which after all, whilst a majority statistic, need not apply to me is very limiting...

We shall see if I survive to Friday!

Minerva

**** Update***
I have finally after so many years decided to thank you all for your comments by commenting myself. Thank you to each and every one of you that make the effort to visit me.. I will return the favour when I can!

17 comments:

JJ said...

I think of you often and appreciate you more than you know. I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you. Signed, a stranger from Philadelphia.

nameis said...

Bless you Minerva - and thank you for writing, it means a great deal to me.

M

Hayley Townley, Breast Cancer Survivor Extraordinaire! said...

You go girl! We are pulling for you from the Central Coast of California!

Hayley
5 year survivor

Jean-Luc Picard said...

Wishing you every success for Friday.

Bobbie said...

jj, there are no strangers here. Just ask Minerva. She is a blessing to all of us and to have had the pleasure of meeting her still takes my breath away. I believe we live "next door" to each other as I live in Bucks County Pa.
I am disgustingly soppy when it comes to Minerva because of my utmost admiration for all she is.

David said...

will check in with you for the update. believing for good results!

Lyn said...

I come to visit nearly every day and always read every word you write. While I usually try to leave hopeful words of inspiration, today I just want to spend quiet time here with you wishing I could hold your hand.

Beth said...

you will survive and thrive these coming days... what the future holds is anyone's guess

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Minerva... I pray for peace of mind as you go through this week as you wait upon results, You are a woman of worth, and value, you have alot to offer in life and to others. I look at you as a woman of strength. yes there are the mountain days, as well as the valley days, but there are lessons in both places. I continue to keep you in prayer as you go through your journey and thank you for sharing yourself in the good days as well as the bad. Hugz Joyful

Lady Luck said...

Scan anxiety - even 12 years as a NERD (no evidence of recurring disease)doesn't make it go away. Even I still worry - although I can't begin to hint out how you feel.

Wishing you strength and hope.

alan said...

I'm not sure that I could face all of this with the courage you do; perhaps I could, but I have my doubts.

My thoughts are with you constantly; though far apart in body, my heart is with you...

alan

Anonymous said...

How did the scan go?
thinking of you friday when you get the results...
let us know wont you.
sending cyber hugs
x

Terry said...

Dearest Minerva...We will all be with you Friday in spirit if not bodily!

So much praying for good news!!..Love Terry

Josephine said...

Dearest Min...good luck for Friday. I will keep every crossable digit crossed for you. I will be thinking of you my friend and sending you tons of big good-results-prompting hugs (and get Minerva's Cheerleaders - remember them? - on to it!)

craziequeen said...

This Friday....and next Friday...and Friday and Friday and Friday.........

I am so relieved to hear you have someone to hold you hand and to provide you the support and unspoken love that you need - that we all need at such difficult times in our lives.

Would that I could be there to hold your hand too....(how's that for English, Miss?)

cq

Minerva said...

JJ - Thank you for your care and concern. Anyone's empathy, even a stranger's is loved here...

Nameis- Bless you for coming over here and making the effort to comment. That means a great deal to me. :-)

HT - Thank you very much! Get those pom poms out!

Jean-Luc - A stalwart to the last - How can I ever thank you for all your comments and kindnesses over the years?

Bobbie - Coming right back at 'ya..
*wink*

David - What would I do without your unfaltering loyalty? Thank you so much...

Beth - And that is so much what I hold onto..

Joyful - Thank you for your care and warmth - much appreciated...

Lady Luck - We all still have that fear don't we? No matter how long after diagnosis we have lost the innocence we once had and at every scan, every check those fears rise up again...

Anon - I would love to call you..if I knew who you were! *grin*

Terry - I don't know what I would have done without your indefatigable loyalty and hope. Thank you..

Jo - What can I possibly say to you sweetheart? Just a huge hug felt thanks.

CQ - No idea on the English front but I so appreciate your unflagging care and concern. You are a friend and a half!

Thank you so much to all of you for commenting,

Minerva

Anonymous said...

Minerva,

I just happened upon your blog. You are an inspiration. I'm praying for you.

Carly (www.babygiftsandshowers.com)