new york city part II

When you get close to Memorial Sloan Kettering there are subtle hints of suffering amidst this city of opulence—requests for donations of blood and platelets, fragments of conversations about cancer, and sick people walking the streets.

When I walked these streets years ago, I didn't see all of this. Then I hammered through my New York life in a fog, wanting to get to the next place really fast, worked up, and unaware of the hardships of a city and people—which extends beyond shopping, finance, museums and restaurants. The things we usually associate with New York. For this sobering experience, I will always be thankful.

Anxiety started to settle over me before the doctor came in. I began to pray for everyone in the hospital—receiving chemo and other treatments or reports. It’s powerful to pray for people you don’t even know in their presence.

So, as the details of my cancer are better left vague here—it mirrors the information I know. While my consult was well worth it, and I now have a treatment direction—a new set of questions and ambiguity have unraveled. Questions are sometimes never answered but decisions do need to be made. I trust and know that God will continue to guide my path towards recovery.

new york part I

Jeff and I were determined to have a good time in New York—even if we were going for my doctor visit. So off we went….

he, he, he. Here’s my steadfast driver, although he wasn’t too happy with me because I was in a crabby mood on the way down… sorry, honey

We got into town with plenty of time for enjoyment including a leisurely lunch at The Spotted Pig where of all things, our wedding song was playing in the background (and it’s pretty esoteric).

I bought Corduroy's Christmas for Owen (half price!). Owen and I LOVE Corduroy—and I love the way he says it: “Cord-Roy.” I was thrilled to see that “a bear-share” of the royalties from the book benefits psychological support for children afflicted with cancer. Way to go Corduroy!

Then I went on a therapeutic shopping spree at Anthropology for two “brighten your mood” pairs of earrings...

So, I’ve been obsessing about this drum at FAO Swartz that I saw in their catalogue for only $14. So we stopped by their 5th Avenue store. Owen has really been into music lately, so I knew it would be perfect. It’s such a classic toy.

(Here you can see some of my “deferred maintenance,” Owen’s very shaggy hair…. ). Then the center of my support (Jeff) and I went on a walked uptown through Central Park and then across town to Sloan Kettering.