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Monday, August 27, 2012

Contrary to What You've Heard, I'm Not Dead

Day-Lilies

I can hardly believe it's been months since I've posted. I logged on and had to spend a few minutes just re-aquainting myself with Blogger. The spring and summer have flown by in a blur and thinking back I wish I would have been writing all the experiences and feelings down. Sadly I would come home from work so mentally and emotionally exhausted that I couldn't even find the words.

Spring started out crazy. I work in a small town dental clinic with 2 doctors. Early in March, the senior doctor came to work one Monday complaining of a headache. We all just figured he had a migraine; we would just push through the day and tomorrow would be better. I worked with him all morning and could tell something wasn't right. By lunch time his speech was starting to slur and the corner of his mouth started to droop. We called his wife who took him to the ER and after a CAT scan and MRI, they confirmed it was a brain tumor. Brain tumor: that sounds scary enough until further testing confirmed it was a glioblastoma multiforme; a highly aggressive malignant tumor with an average survival rate of 12-14 months.

To say that the wind was knocked out of us is an understatment. Here we were all trying to deal with the emotions while remaining professional and continuing to support our one remaining over-whelmed doctor. Some staff were in total denial, some bitchy, while others just showed more clearly how selfish they really were. We lost staff; some I was sad to see leave while others it was a blessing. Five months later and the office situation has improved even if unfortunately our doctor has not. He's had a rough summer and the emotional aspect continues to affect us all from time to time.
Sunset over Lake Shetek

As far as life at home, A and I are still doing well. In just a couple weeks we will be celebrating our 13th anniversary. It doesn't seem possible it's been that long or that I could love her more every day but somehow it's reality.

Our summer has been busy with good things too. We've been camping, fishing, gardening and spending time with friends.



We've also celebrated many happy birthdays (including A's 50th) all while doing a full remodel on our little RV. 

In general we are finding ways to enjoy the simple pleasures that life offers.


The last six months I find myself being thankful for the good and letting the negative slide. Despite the moments of sadness and stress, life is good.

4 comments:

Ms. Moon said...

Oh, Mel! It is just so good to see your beautiful faces again! I am sorry about your dentist-boss. God. We just never know, do we? Wake up with a headache, end the day with a terminal diagnosis. Jesus.
But it looks like you and A are taking life as it should be taken- with love and smiles and joy.
Love to you both from me.

Jess said...

Well hello and welcome back! I am sorry to hear about the doctor at your office...that is horrible news. I hope for peace for him, his family and his work family. Lastly, those Nike sandals that A is wearing...yeah, been looking for a pair of those for YEARS! I had some back in the day and when they finally kicked the bucket, I went on the hunt for another pair...I have been sorely disappointed thus far! :)

Birdie said...

Damn. That is terrible. Fucking cancer.

Incidentally, my brother was in denial about my mom dying until about 2 weeks before she died. It wasn't until she was put into a sleep-induced coma that he figured out that "eating greens and taking vitamins" was not going to save her. *sigh*

I didn't think you were dead. I just thought you were still sitting on the couch, David Puddy like.

LilliGirl said...

Cancer sucks! I'm glad you and your co-workers are there to provide support and a sense of normalcy for him.

Summer looks like it was grand at your house! I hope to be stopping through here again soon. :)