The Meeting - Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Today, I did my usual "how much can I cram into one morning and still make it on time" routine. Of course, this left me rushing to find a parking space and needing to settle on the garage at the Comprehensive Breast Center.

I have no idea what happened to me on the way to the appointment, but from the time I sat down with Ruthmary, my mouth rarely stopped moving. I think the most accurate description would be to say I "unloaded on her with both barrels." What was supposed to be a half-hour session turned into an hour and a half. (Just so you know, I did give her space to speak.) I had not planned what to say beforehand, but once there, I began by giving her an abbreviated version of my journey this past year as well as my background in alternative health. I included in my account some of the modalities I felt helped me do well during the medical protocol. I spoke of my ideas about treating the whole person, spirit, soul, and body, and how this could be coordinated. We even discussed the issue of finances. In Pennsylvania, Complementary Medicine is not covered by insurance, so it can be expensive, and therefore out of reach for so many. I believe there are ways to address that issue, making it available to more people. She seemed very open to my thoughts and shared some of her own experiences at Jefferson’s Integrative Health Unit. It certainly appeared as though we were on the same page. We also talked about the development of the program at Bryn Mawr and its challenges. It was a very stimulating conversation, to say the least. As our time drew to a close, she asked if I would consider meeting with some key people for a brainstorming session to possibly create a plan of action. One of the blessings of being an adult, I believe, is the ability to control one’s emotions. On the inside, I was doing somersaults and screaming, "Yes! Yes! Yes!" On the outside, I simply smiled and remarked that I would definitely make time to attend such a meeting.

As I left Ruthmary’s office, I could not help but again wonder at what a difference a year can make. Last year at this time I was completely overwhelmed by the diagnosis of cancer and preparations for an upcoming operation. One year later, I have "come through the fire" and am able to think about the future in a positive way. This was one more opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness to me!