One Week Down!

I know that I have the rest of the week to finish up in London but I have now completed the first week of my radiation.

It was odd arriving back at the lodge after last week. There was a sort of comfort seeing some familiar faces. There is an apprehension that comes with wondering who the newcomers will be. There were 10 individuals who received their walking papers Friday. One individual I dubbed as the "social convener". Bonnie brought some excitement by organizing some exercise time in the morning or multiplying her quilted chickens through the afternoon. Another gentlemen, who I have forgotten his name, revealed his funny side. One day Bonnie painted a face on his belly and the two of them strolled into the cancer clinic nonchalantly. In his trench coast, he then processed to the registration desk and declared that he had something to show the "gals" before he left. I can only image what the people standing in line behind him thought when he flashed his belly to the receptionist. With these two people gone, the lodge is a little too calm.

At the clinic, there are always lodge residents waiting around for the next shuttle back. You have to watch yourself because word spreads like wild fire here. I was caught trying to quickly pass off my radiation slip with the promise to pick it up later as I hurried into my appointment because I was running a little late. Not only was I caught by the receptionist, the eyes of a dear soul, Janet, was ever so observant. (She is the one person who made sure that I got on the shuttle at the right time my first time.) Once back at the lodge, the story was told and now I have the residents guessing about me. I may be under a little pressure -- they think that there is a "wild, dark" side to me, that I may be the next one to liven this place up a little. They really do not have any clue.

My sister, Denise, came for a visit yesterday and what a thrill that was. I always enjoy the two hour phone chats but nothing beats five hours of face to face conversations. I had to laugh when she arrived in her scrubs. It looks as if she was ready for duty here. She had to admit that once she saw the premises, she felt like she was back at work. That day flew by way too fast.

I am thankful for these past few days. I had arrived with the hope that I could somewhat enjoy this stay. God has once again proved to me that all is going to be okay. I am able to get my "fix" from home via the cell phone. Although Stephen does not like the phone, I am glad that he humours me by listening to some of the ongoings of the life of the lodge. It is wonderful to hear how grown up Nicole is, as she chats about the day's events. It is heartwarming to talk with Meagan and hear her smiling, drawn out "hello". It is delightful to receive a "wet" kiss over the lines from Sarah. This first week has passed by rather quickly and I look forward the rest moving along as well.