Monday, March 22, 2010
My first radiation treatment was easy and uneventful. I’m told it usually takes a couple of weeks for the more irritating side effects to start to kick in.
The nurses put some relaxing music on the speaker as I laid still in the forms molded to keep me from moving around. Fifteen minutes later, I walked out the door to enjoy a sunny spring day, not feeling in any way different.
I was talking to Bob, one of the other patients here at Hope Lodge. He spoke of how, at first, people most appreciate the financial savings staying here allows. But the far more important part, he explained, is the sense of community and support.
“On your good days you can help others through, and on your bad days, no matter what you’re going through, you can find somebody that can identify, advise or help.”
So needed over the long haul!
I’m so used to helping others. It’s different when I’m the recipient.
A group came in tonight and prepared a huge meal for all the residents here. Different church groups and charities do that regularly. The festive food and atmosphere gave the dining hall a party atmosphere and helped people mingle and get to know one another.