PREPARING FOR THE STORM

The island was barely visible during the storm. The geese and mallards had taken shelter hours earlier when the sun was still brilliant on this crisp January afternoon. They always know when and how to prepare for a storm. One lone goose lagged considerably behind the rest, and finally flew close to the island, honking loudly and following the sounds of their honking to guide him safely. I long for their instinct. A storm unlike any other I've seen is just ahead of me, and as much as I've braced myself for it emotionally, there are many things to do before I find myself in the midst of the turbulence, ill-prepared after the mastectomies and the long painful path to recovery. I'm terrified that I'm as blind and lost as that lone goose.


With each day, there are people who e-mail or call me, or something surprises me in the mailbox. I wonder how my name has been so quickly circulated. The first surprise was a huge package delivered last month. It was the Lance Armstrong Foundation LiveStrong, a large yellow three ringed workbook, stuffed with information, material to read, links to web sites, forms to fill out for assistance. I began to receive numerous e-mails from the LAF LiveStrong social workers, financial advocates, and case manager.


My breast surgeon's nurse signed me up for some assistance, and within a week the Bridge to Recovery, a local chapter of the American Cancer Society, sent me brochures, followed by a book about nutrition for cancer patients. Inside the book was a very warm welcome letter from a member of the American Cancer Society, and a kitchen magnet with their 800 number, and the words: Hope. Progress. Answers.


I admit I felt hopelessly lost until yesterday. I realize now that there are experienced people who will navigate me through this storm, in the same way the geese escorted the lone one safely to shelter. There are clinical professionals, my dear psychiatrist, and cancer survivors, who are all leading the way. With the support of caring friends, and my precious family, I'll make it through the storm.

The above photo was taken by Jim Lenahan.