A friend in need

As a customer service person, I am usually not comfortable asking for things. I am used to providing assistance, helping and encouraging people. I anticipate needs, ask follow up questions and provide current, historical and background information. Now, however, I have a request to make.

I found out this week that I have cancer. I don’t mean to be melodramatic - this is a good kind to have, if there is such a thing, with a 97 percent cure rate. After surgery, I have one-time chemo. My hair won’t fall out and I won’t be nauseous. I will be radioactive and in isolation, but only for a few days. I only get a week off work, so obviously the prognosis is pretty good.

On the other hand, this is the big C word that nobody wants to hear. I am nervous about the surgery and the following discomfort, about being on lifetime meds, and about glowing in the dark. So…..

Here’s my request: my surgery is Wednesday the 21st. If you can spare a good thought or a prayer, stand in front of your statue, touch your beads, light a candle or just think, “Gosh, I hope the FGL is ok,” I would appreciate it. I’m extremely ecumenical when it comes to blessings.

I will gladly return the favor, as I often give thanks for my readers, but here’s hoping I never have to. Good health to you all!

Comments

[Jessica]

I will rub my mala and chant good thoughts and prayers. I hope you feel better soon!

[Mary Beth Sancomb-Moran]

My prayers will be with you.

[A]

You will be in my thoughts and prayers on the 21st and coming days. Stay strong and get well soon!

[Maureen]

Sorry to hear about the big C, but glad it's one of the "good" ones. I'll be praying for you. And surely you've got more than enough good karma to get you through this. :)

[jessamyn]

My mother went through a big cancer scare last year and while it was difficult, I felt like she came through it with some new understandings about herself and her body and we had a lot of time to talk. More importantly of course, she came through it. I wish you the best, and while I assume you have many people to talk to through all of this, if you need another, feel free to email or send your address and I'll write a letter. Bless you.

[jennimi]

I am sending all my positive vibes your way - but is there anything else you need? If you're like me you have questions, and if you don't feel good... just remember there are a bunch of folks out there reading you who just CRAVE research... don't be afraid to put us to work! :)

[Matthew]

I know the good energy you exude will surround you during your time of healing. Prayers are on the way!

[Isaak Kwok]

Hi,
My prayers are with you as you go for the surgery and through the chemo and recovery. Get well soon! And stay cheerful throughout.

[Beth]

My prayers are with you. Much love and peace.

[Jim Milles]

I've been there and came out OK. My thoughts are with you.

[Booktender]

My calendar is marked but if it's all the same to you I'll start sending healing thoughts right now.

[Paul R. Pival]

Hang in there and good luck! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Michael Porter]

With so many library folks rooting for you, the postive numbers are ever climbing in your favor. You'll be in many thoughts and prayers. Your blogging touches many lives in positive ways and you have contributed great good to the greater good. Remember the good energy you have contributed and imagine it coming back 10X. That's exactly what you've got. :)

[Jean Macomber]

So glad you asked. You've provided me with inspiration, I am blessed to be able to think/pray for you...

[Edwin]

Hope u get well soon!

Best wishes from the Netherlands

[Lisa Heermann]

Been there, I'm now 5 years past my chemo. You have all my best wishes. Even though you're only going to have one course of chemo and then one of radiation, please get in touch with your dentist. Dry-mouth from chemo and/or radiation can be a big factor in tooth decay. You may have no problem, but it won't hurt to call your dentist to double check.

[Lisa Heermann]

Been there, I'm now 5 years past my chemo. You have all my best wishes. Even though you're only going to have one course of chemo and then one of radiation, please get in touch with your dentist. Dry-mouth from chemo and/or radiation can be a big factor in tooth decay. You may have no problem, but it won't hurt to call your dentist to double check.

[Matthew O'Neil]

I'm just about to go out the door for Mass. I'll work my beads for you. I was an RN for a decade before turning librarian. It looks like the big C for you have been lowercased.

[Meredith]

I know you will have a lot of librarians (and non-librarians) thinking good thoughts and saying prayers for you during this difficult time. I will definitely be one of them.

[joshua m. neff]

I will definitely be sending you good vibes and happy thoughts this coming Wednesday (and before, and after). Good luck!

[Martha]

I will certainly be sending you much positive mojo over the next few days and weeks. We will be thinking of you out here in Libraryland.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your blog, which I just started reading recently. You do indeed regularly remind us "why we do this" and you remind me of what a fabulous profession I am entering as an aspiring librarian. I am continually inspired by your dedication to and respect for your library's patrons.

[irene]

I would also like to thank you for your blog - positive and inspiring and thoughtful. You are an inspiration for lots of us. I definitely will be holding you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Alice in Infoland]

Your blog has been a bright spot for many of us -- in fact, it is required reading for the newbie librarians I mentor. You will be in our thoughts and prayers all this week, and for as long as you need our spirits to hold you up.

[CW]

Sorry to hear this - I hope you're taking things easy and looking after yourself. I'll be thinking of you all the way over here from now until after the surgery!

[Mock Turtle]

You have been a continuing source of inspiration to me, first as an aspiring, and now as a one-year-new, public librarian. I throw my good thoughts into the giant, tasty wok of "Be Well" we are all preparing for you!