Thankfulness - Wednesday - September 30, 2009

Last week, I was asked to assist a customer who was about to start radiation. She had a question concerning the usefulness of one of our products during her therapy. I recognized her as one of the ladies I had seen while shopping for “Abby” the wig. During the conversation, she remarked about my eyelashes and eyebrows. She had lost hers during chemo and was expressing envy over mine. She also related how hard it was to not have lashes because things could get in her eyes more easily due to this. It struck me deeply. I had not considered losing my eyelashes or eyebrows. I knew I would have to talk to the oncologist about it during my then upcoming fourth treatment. But it made me even more grateful for what I have. I’ll attempt to explain. During this kind of trial, your list of things to be thankful for changes drastically. It turns from the every day things people appreciate like their families, friends, jobs, homes, sunshine, etc., to the things all of us take for granted. For instance, that day, I became extremely grateful to still have eyelashes and eyebrows intact even though both had thinned a little. I have also been thankful not to be throwing up after each chemo to the point of dehydration, for food to taste the same to me, to still have an appetite, to not have pain in my hands and feet, to still look healthy, to have energy, to be able to work, cook, clean the house, go to church each service, to still be productive to some degree, to be able to help people, and finally, to still have some hair on my head! Although now a days I resemble Uncle Fester from the Addams family more and more, sans the light bulb. I am also grateful that my bodily systems are generally in good working order. These are things all of us expect each day without thinking about it, but, believe me, you learn quickly to appreciate these things more as you walk through this type of crisis.

Just a note... the oncologist said that if I had not lost my eyebrows or eyelashes thus far in the treatment cycle, he was pretty sure, although no guarantees, that I would keep them throughout. One more thing to be grateful for! So, I hope anyone reading this finds gratitude toward a good God for all the little things of life.