Chemotherapy creates an unusual camaraderie. Patients who report at the same time each month for cancer treatment often become close friends. The sharing of everything from funny wigs to medical stories is common. Home-baked goodies are often brought. The socializing and gags help patients forget temporarily about the seriousness of their illness.
This week I finished another round of Aredia. My diseased bones are not only stronger, but my mind is full of interesting facts thanks to my caring, sharing friends. For example, I have learned that:
The most common name in the world is Mohammed.
There are two credit cards for every person in the United States.
If a statue of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, that person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
The international telephone dialing code for Antarctica is 672.
Mel Blanc, the robust man and unique voice of Bugs Bunny, was allergic to carrots.
All these facts are presumed true and so is the following story.
A middle-aged man and woman met for the first time while receiving chemotherapy. As their light conversation progressed, a rapid, yet unconventional, rapport developed. During the next four hours, the man took a paper napkin and wove it into a braided engagement ring. The lady graciously accepted his proposal.
While the IV’s dripped, the couple amused everyone in the treatment area as they planned their wedding in minute detail. The witty twosome debated and then compromised on the nuptial invitations, the style of the wedding gown, the attendants, the reception site and even the menu. The honeymoon plans were finalized.
Both finished their cancer treatment that afternoon at the same time. The nurse withdrew the needles and discarded the used infusion bags that held the drugs. Each of the two went home to his and her spouse, their children, the neighbors and real life. The fantasy wedding was just that, a hysterically funny way to kill time while annihilating deadly cancer cells.
I am a blessed woman. I too am home and past the flu-like symptoms of my chemo. Buddy still cheerfully honors his “for better or worse” marriage vow and is a humorous and humoring husband. I have no children named Mohammed. And, like most women, I carry credit cards. Both have zero balances.
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nancyk@alltlel.net Nancy will be signing her new book, Journal of a Living Lady, today, August 30th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Mountain Regional Library on Main Street in Young Harris, GA. Copies will be available for purchase.
