Keeping Abreast

          The nose skin was just the beginning.  Folks, I have just learned that I also have breast cancer.  I wanted to say, “Seriously? Can you have two kinds at the same time?  I mean, isn’t there a law or something, like the rule about lightning?”

          Two radiologists looked at the ultrasound, and even before doing a biopsy they said the chances were nearly a hundred per cent.  As St. Bob and I left the imaging center I said, “Well, with your prostate cancer and my breast cancer we can both qualify for gender reassignment!”  And think of it—we can swap wardrobes!  Talk about being hip and on trend.

          Remember that I wrote a musical comedy about Bob’s cancer? And it included a song about breast cancer?  Eerie how often the things I write come true later.  I should have written about winning the lottery without even buying a ticket.

          Next up was the biopsy where I was told they’d be extracting core samples.  Excuse me?  I have a geologist son who does that to the earth’s crust.  You should see the equipment he uses.  But his doesn’t sound like a nail gun being shot into your chest.  Whatever.

          So after the biopsy, blood work, and a deafening MRI, it turns out I have Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.  Doctors are planning to shrink the tumor and then operate later.  I will say this: Lucky I had a skin cancer doctor I could call for a referral to a breast cancer doctor.  See?  There’s always a silver lining. Although I think having two cancers at one time is taking multi-tasking a bit too far.

          I would have guessed I’d be hysterical at this news, but it turns out I’m very pragmatic—who knew?  I’m calm, at peace, and ready to do whatever’s next. God gives us strength to survive the impossible. And, of course, plenty of blog material.

I also never run out of ideas for novels-- check out a few of my titles here (and they make great gifts!)