Saturday, February 7, 2009

The Talk

I have to say, writing here has been cathardic. (Shelly has been wanting me to use that word in a sentence.)

Immediately after publishing yesterday's post, Dr. Meacham called. 7AM. It took me off guard and I forgot to ask about the 5 - 10% chance of these procedures not curing me - at least not directly. I told him about my biggest fear was that this isn't the only cancer; that if the radiation from the nuclear reactor was the cause then why would it only affect my thyroid. He told me I couldn't live with the what-ifs and that we would know more during and soon after the surgery. Then, in the years to come I will be monitored more closely than average. He took special note of my radiation exposure, stating that he hadn't realized that bit of history from my one (and only) office visit on 12/31/2008. It was very nice of him to have called.

Then, I get to work and before I even set all my stuff down my cubicle neighbor comes to tell me of her experience dealing with thyroid cancer from a couple years ago. The most encouraging part was her description of how much better she feels. It will take several months to get to that point, but that day is coming! I put in a good days work but it takes nearly a whole week for that one day.

Okay, the title of this post was The Talk so what does that mean?

Here's the conversation:
Emory: If the worst happens, do you think you would remarry?
Shelly: I don't want to talk about it.

Emory: But I want to.
Shelly: Okay.

Emory: {waiting}
Shelly: Yes, I suppose.

Emory: Would you stay here, in this house?
Shelly: We just put a lot of effort into getting the house to get it remodeled and I like the location, so yes, I think so.

Emory: Would he drive my car and keep it in good working order so it could be the girls' first car as we have discussed?
Shelly: That sounds like a good idea.

Emory: Would he use my golf clubs?
Shelly: No, he's left handed.

(This conversation never took place. It is a re-write of a joke I read in a popular magazine with the initials R. D.)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Emory,
Glad to know that you felt better and were able to focus on your work last Friday. Others won't really understand your feeling without being in the same situation. Please continue to write and speak out if that makes you feel better. At the same time, make sure let us know if there is anything we can help.

Pam said...

Writing seems like such a good thing to do during this experience that you are enduring. I had to laugh at the last line of The Talk! Shelly has a good sense of humor!!

Keep your spirits up. And believe that you are in the 90-95% curable group! Because that is certainly my prayer for you.

May I put a link to your blog on mine?
Pam

Emory said...

This would have been hilarious if the conversation really took place. I have added a disclaimer so that no one else mistakenly thinks Shelly has a good sense of humor.

Carrie said...

Thanks Emory for the laugh this morning. Laughter is the best medicine. (And knowing Shelly - she would have said that!!)

Anonymous said...

I agree with Carrie - Shelly would definitely say that! (Sorry Shelly!)

Gretchen