The quiet one....

So, today wasn't so great and I was in a great deal of pain. This just stinks. The good news is tomorrow is the last day of the "full meal deal" and the last five treatments they back off a bit - THANK GOODNESS! Anyhoo, there has been this young woman in the waiting room for maybe a couple of weeks now. She always looks confident with a little scared mixed in. I have quietly said hello to her and she politely says it back. I think she is a bit younger than I am and she comes with her Mom everyday. Her Mom is flat out scared. Well, today she initiated the hello, sat right next to me and said, "I had my first chemo yesterday and I was high as a kite! I think I need all that advice you gave that other woman last week. Do you mind?" I looked at her like, "Are you kidding???? Bring it on! Somebody get me a pen and paper." So, we started chatting and the conversation went easy. Towards the end of the conversation she said, "When I first came here I thought you were here with a patient. I had no idea you were one. You are so happy, healthy looking, and have your hair, but when I overheard you tell your story I almost cried...." I stopped her there, winked, and said, "I get that a lot, but I have a happy story. I am done in March when switch to "Survivor" status. And, by the way, who says you won't be there with me?????" Her eyes darted to mine. She looked at me with those eyes....my eyes six months ago. A mix of resignation, fear, fight, hope, and more fear. So I touched her arm, nodded, looked her straight in the eye, and nodded again. No words - no need. And then I got called to treatment. I told her I would see her tomorrow. She smiled and said, "Oh yeah....more tomorrow!" We smiled and then I was off to fling myself on the table. Happy Wednesday. Love, Ang