Sunday, February 18, 2007

Stoical

In recent comments (over on the main blog) there has been some talk of how I am taking the news of loose cancer cells in my abdomen, and wether this might give rise to "blind terror" or even the "screaming Dr Adabs" ... when I said that I have no choice but to be stoical.

Brigid and I were talking this over again and we both think that it is important to mark the point that without the endless love and support of our families and friends this level of calm would be impossible to sustain. "Being stoical" is a choice, but it is a choice made easy by the contributions of very many other people! We are just surrounded by love and care:

we have certain pals who call us up on the phone every day,


other pals who call regularly each week,


we have other "regulars "who prefer to keep in touch each day via these blogs,


we have emails from lots of other people, such as colleagues from work,


I have internet pals who keep me amused on my message-board of choice,


some totally NEW emailers who want to help after meeting me on-line.

lots of people say prayers or other spiritual things for us


we also have DVDs to watch (loaned by friends) and books to read (loaned or bought for us by friends)


we are surrounded by pretty things like cards, flowers and other kind gifts which encourage us to smile.

some people cook for us

some people drive me around

we've got excellent doctors and nurses who really CARE about us (B thinks Dr Adab and his chemicals are wonderful -- and she thinks she needs to speak up for scientists! actually my word in praise of scientists is "I appreciate the chemistry of the stoma care products!")


and last, but not least, hardly a day goes by without a cheerful visitor with tales of their own to distract us from our story and keep us entertained.


So, we are not on our own in this, and we are very grateful for the efforts of each and everyone of you who contributes their bit to this big picture. All of this allows us to carry on in a cheerful and life-enhancing way, regardless of the "pesky crumbs" *

*Jean's words for the bits of cancer that are still left after the loaf has gone!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don't forget your key role as inspirational catalyst to this wonderful extended support group. We are all co-dependents now!

Jean xx

suze said...

aye --

I was dozy tho' and forgot to switch off the moderation thing for the comments in here,

argh .. you cant get the staff .. but now I've taken off the moderation and perhaps others will comment .. this blog seems to put ppl off joining in with it!

Jo said...

Hi there

You don't know me but I've been reading your blogs for a while now (and always wanted to use a cliche like that! *g*). I followed the link from gb and find them by turns entertaining, moving, and inspirational. Best to you and B - hope you continue to find the good things.

Jo

Anonymous said...

I'm with Mark here - what can I add. I am glad that you have got so much support - the internet is such a wonderful medium if used properly. Have fun with the family. LOL Aunty B xx

Anonymous said...

I believe that in this life you get back directly proportionate to what you put in. No matter what social doctrines we follow, or what spiritual guides that lead us on our individual paths, we cannot deny that at the base level of humanity is an in built community spirit, a sense of wellbeing for others and a desire to cultivate great friendships in times of high intensity or crisis.

You wouldn't have surrounded yourselves with as many good people as you're finding, without having been the inspiring, caring and loving people that you are. You are finding yourselves in the centre of an intricate network or personalities, all coming together because you are who you are, and because people admire you for that.

You have a lot to be proud of and you both deserve every ounce of support that people can throw your way.

suze said...

ah sam -- you are such a sweetie .. bless you

@ Jo - welcome to you

Anonymous said...

Well said Sam

Anonymous said...

Suze, this is a great place to come to for inspiration.I enjoy it.

xxxx

Anonymous said...

Aye, thats exactly what I think Tassi. It seems somewhat ironic that amidst all of this "cafuffle", Suze somehow still manages to remain an adviser, comedian, good friend and inspiration to everyone else.

Damnit woman, how the hell can anyone even expect to compare?!


xxx

suze said...

*tsk* sam - you really really shouldn't put anyone on such a pedestal! she can only fall off!

Anonymous said...

I didn't put you there. You just sort of naturally graduated.

And it depends on how you look at it of course. In certain scenarios, put someone on a pedestal and you'll soon find a lot more people around to help keep them there.

:D

xx

mutts said...

wow your quite amazing!