Today was treatment number 3 of the remaining 12 rounds of chemo I have to do. I’ve already done 4 rounds of the hard devil making my treatment count up to date 7. Not that anyone’s counting..Oh wait… I am. It’s now part of the road I’m walking down. The twists and turns of life has brought a lot of us to the Cancer Center and to frequent what I affectionately call the “The Chemo Lounge”. Doesn’t that sound a little bit sexier?

I find myself wanting to know the patients’ stories around me. So much of me wants to ask questions and befriend everyone. It’s tough though for us all because at some point the Benadryl kicks in, and we all dose off (including me). I dose during the Price is Right. I’m the youngest in the room so there is a lot of wisdom in one room. Each of us with our own unique story to tell, and cancer we’re fighting. Behind each of us are family members and friends praying over us and God leading us to this very moment (each for different reasons). I’ve learned that many of us have friends in common or that they know my parents.

We’ve become our own Breakfast Club of sorts as we enter the lounge. A lot of us walk in with greetings and “Happy Valentine’s Day!” Today, I discovered that the gentleman next to me and I had at least two mutual friends. As we were watching the Price Is Right, I could hear him say “No, not that one!” and a lot of his answers were right. Having to get chemo frequently allows a lot of opportunity to get the price right.

The nurses and the staff are equally or even friendlier than the patients. They smile and greet us by name and offer a small chat or hug at the end of a treatment. By choosing each day to smile and chat with us, they are as important as the treatment itself- encouragement. All humans need it, and they need to find comfort and a friendly face no matter where life chooses to take them but especially during cancer.

As much as I’m ready to move past this long chapter in my book, I must admit I will miss seeing some of the regulars at the chemo lounge. I’m praying they don’t remain regulars and move on. I pray they use their experience for God’s glory as I must do.

There’s one regular who will never leave the Cancer Center- Jesus. He will always be there- listening to our greetings and smiling-knowing he is witnessing God’s work first hand. No one getting treament or fighting cancer at the Cancer Center is alone. No one.

Above, a Valentine poem – a lot it is true but it’s what you choose to do (with your diagnosis) is what will get you through (see that I rhymed- I know you are impressed!)