Friday, January 9, 2009


Seriously. I mean, come on. Can it possibly be any colder? I know, I know, of course it can. But does it have to be this cold HERE? 14 degrees is a little chilly. And, come one now, can't the sun peek out for just ONE day? BUT...I'm having lunch with my Cailin today, so that makes me feel a little better about the weather.

This is a picture of my cat (the multicolored ball of fur on the left) my chocolate Labrador retriever, Cody. I thought it was cute and that I should post it on here.

I found this on the blog of another Hodger. If you get some spare time, check it out because he is absolutely hilarious. http://www.preservationrecords.com/blog/index.asp
His frankness and sense of humor about his situation really shines through in his writing. He wrote about what things NOT to say to a cancer patient...and I concur!!

'Everyone, let me explain how you should respond to someone who just got diagnosed with cancer:

• Do not ignore them. Do not stop calling them because suddenly you don't know what to say. Do not try to avoid them in social situations because you are uncomfortable.


• Go up to them. Call them. E-mail them. Tell them, first, that you heard about the cancer. Tell them second that you think it sucks and you're sorry to hear about it.


• Don't talk about your uncle who died of the same cancer. Don't talk about how your whole family has had cancer, and you'll probably die of it, too. Don't talk about how many people die of it every year. Don't talk about death.


• Don't talk about how you once got diagnosed with pneumonia, so you can understand what it's like. No you can't. Don't try. Tell them you can't even imagine what it's like to go through something like this.


• Do not talk about the alternative medicine that you read about in Crazy Monthly, that is sure to cure them of their disease. Don't tell them that their treatment isn't good for them, and that lot's of people end up dying from the treatments, or that chemotherapy is just a big conspiracy between the government and the pharmaceutical companies, etc., etc. Don't tell them how they got it. Just stop. They don't need to hear about it.


• If they are sad about it, don't tell them that they shouldn't be sad. They have a right to be sad, or exhausted, or whatever it is they feel. Don't tell them what to do.


• Ask them about the treatment - then listen to the response. It might be a long response, with a lot of medical terms. Listen anyway. It's all they probably think about right now, anyway, so just let them talk about it.


• Give them a hug, or a handshake, or a pat on the back. Touch them somehow. Tell them that you're concerned for them, and you're looking forward to them being a cancer survivor.


• Do not give them the line, 'if there's anything I can do just tell me...', unless you are absolutely certain that you would do ANYTHING for them. Just don't say it. Because most people don't mean it. If you really want to do something for them, come up with the idea yourself, and then do it. Send them flowers, or a book, or bring over dinner for them.'

Don't get me wrong, everyone has been absolutely wonderful. I have even had friends come out of the woodwork that I haven't seen or talked to in forever, which is nice. I'm very happy to have the support network that I do.

So, last night, I think I figured out that I'm coming down with a cold. I have the runny nose of a sledding four-year-old, I feel like someone jammed a bunch of cotton balls into my left sinus, and I have a headache (albeit a mild one). I'm not sure what this means for treatment, but I would suppose if my WBC count is low and I'm sick on top of that they will postpone my chemo for a week to allow me to battle this. I really feel fine other than the mild headache and the snot all over my upper lip.

Anywho, I had better get going and do some physics before I get too long-winded. Later, all!!

1 comment:

  1. I liked reading through the What Not to Say to a Cancer Patient. Esp. this line...
    Do not give them the line, 'if there's anything I can do just tell me...', unless you are absolutely certain that you would do ANYTHING for them. Just don't say it. Because most people don't mean it. If you really want to do something for them, come up with the idea yourself, and then do it. Send them flowers, or a book, or bring over dinner for them.'

    This is true. I say it a lot to people. I just want them to know that I am there for support and will be there for them. But I see the point where sometimes you cant be there for everything and be able to do everything. I like the part about if you really want to do something, think of it yourself part. I think that is totally true. Sometimes people dont want to ask favors of others and its just nice to receive something to show that another really does care. But yeah... enough of my rambling! lol.
    I just wanted to say that listening to your play list on this page has gotten me obsessed with 'American Baby' and more interested in Five Finger Death Punch. I like your selections and I am becoming more aware of the other songs you have! Its great.

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