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Friday, June 13, 2008

Thank You All for the Kind Thoughts

When I found out the news, one of the first things I did was to meet with my priest. He is the one that suggested I blog about my feelings--to be observant and take notes and share them. Also, watching TV about Tim Russert was getting to me so I need to do something else. My husband and I have been touched deeply by the outpouring of love from friends all over Seattle. It is absolutely amazing. I know I am now scary for people because what has happened to me is everyone's biggest fear. This has always been my biggest fear, too. Well, sort of. Actually, my biggest fear was breast cancer but leave it to me, a woman's rights advocate, to get a cancer that attacks more men.

I am grateful to live in Seattle. My care and treatment will be just down the freeway. Lots of folks have to figure out to manage to find a place to stay here to come for doctor visits and treatment from far away. We met the oncologist today at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance which is associated with UW and the Fred Hutchison Cancer Center. The first thing I noticed when we parked in the parking garage was a cigarette butt on the floor. It bugged me--a lot. I mean folks, at least try to take steps to avoid getting this disease, you know?

When we walked into the waiting room, I had a sense of entering a new world and my new reality. Lots of people were there. Cancer is an equal opportunity disease, that's for sure. Old people, men, women, young people, poor people, wealthy people (you look at their rings--you can tell), black people, Asian people, Hispanics, fat people, skinny people all together including me. It wasn't depressing. They have a great view of Lake Union and I noticed a kindred soul with his binoculars watching out the window. Issues of my favorite magazine, Coastal Living, were on the tables and they offered juice while you wait.

I certainly did not choose this but no one does. I am off on a new adventure.

// posted by Janet @ 4:44 PM

3 Comments:

Leave it to you to face this with grace and look for the positives!

I've googled it a bit since this morning, Janet, and it seems there really may be cause for optimism in some of these cases. Three cheers for medical research!

Knowing you (well, not that I actually do know you, of course) you will simply shift your advocacy focus for a while and do what needs to be done -- on your own behalf, and hopefully later on behalf of others in similar situations.

Oh, and about the Tim Russert news...when our son was very sick a few years ago, I found I had to totally wall myself off from other bad news in the world. You've got plenty of your own to deal with at the moment. Do others have even worse? Yes, of course -- but yours is your own reality, and needs all of your positive energy for the time being.

I'm very glad to hear you feel so good about your advisors and potential caregivers. And a view of the lake while you wait? Three more cheers for the folks who designed that waiting room!!

Big hugs from here,

Carroll

By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:58 PM  

Dearest Janet,
We shared your news with our PEO Sisters yesterday at our picnic. Your news was met with much concern and sorrow. As you can imagine there was also much empathy from those that have received similar dificult news of their own during the years. Each sister sends her love and prayers to you and your family. I'm sure you will hear from them individually as well.

Of course there were many questions about how we can help. I will call you later to see how we can support you in you day to day needs.

You beautiful spirit touches so many people. Your strength will be your greatest asset and to hold it all together will be the love we feel for you. As you know, the greatest of these is love.

Celebrating Life in PEO, Lani O'Connor

By Blogger the O'Connors, at 9:47 PM  

Hi Mrs. Eaton,

I am a semi-regular reader by virtue of my family. I am so sorry to hear about your upcoming struggles.

This is a random comment in light of things, but I really wanted to sound my agreement to your reaction to the cigarette butt. I had thyroid cancer that was an easy fix, so to speak. But insignificant as that may be in the long run, I didn't have the choice whether or not I wanted a scar on my neck. Smokers have some degree of control to make the choice NOT to get cancer. It's my new platform.

You and yours are in my family's thoughts and prayers.

Sarah Boaz
(One of Rachel's sisters)

By Blogger sarah.beaudrie, at 3:59 PM  

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