“It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Last weekend I was camping with four friends I’ve known for 35+ years. We share decades of work life together at Tektronix, Credence, even going back to my college days. This particular outing dates to the 70s, I was a latecomer, joining them late 80s. Back in the day we invaded a remote, little used forest service campground on the Metolius arm of central Oregon’s Lake Billy Chinook. Recent years we’ve been ensconced at a generous friend’s rustic resort place on the lake. We’ve experienced our share of stupid, somehow that tapered off with age.
Having a “normal” weekend with friends of our longevity was special and they had gone to a lot of trouble to schedule this weekend around my chemo regimen. We shared some frank talk about my cancer, but mostly just great conversation about cars, giant trucks and RV’s, our common work lives, hobbies, health care costs and our various aliments. I told them I’d be writing about my weekend, they told me what happens at Round Butte stays at Round Butte.
Tomorrow morning I have a CT scan to determine the state of my cancer. We meet with my oncologist on Thursday where we expect to hear the results. I’m feeling great and believe the prayer and chemo combination is working but I’m scared too. I learned today that while I was off camping, a co-worker at Summit passed away after a six month battle with pancreatic cancer. He worked in another group and I barely knew him but I had no idea he was fighting cancer. Cancer sucks.
We’re scared too, but thankful that you really are feeling better. Our prayers are right there beside of you. You are right…cancer sucks.
Cancer sucks. Prayers work.
Keeping you in my prayers when you meet with your oncologist tomorrow! Remember that God is your constant companion and He will be with you tomorrow.
Blessings to you and Judy,
Jan Lusk