ABBY'S DAD

Last week’s CT scan was my third or fourth at Branson Hospital. I’ve lost track.

However, I do have a vivid memory of my first visit to Branson thirteen months ago. An outgoing middle aged nurse prepped me for the procedure and shared that her 68 year old dad had just been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Abby took special interest in my case and asked about my chemo regime. She explained that she hoped her dad could look as healthy as me after his treatment.

I was pleased to see Abby again last Thursday and asked about her dad.

“He died in April,” she answered in a halting voice. “He lost 80 lbs before being admitted to palliative care in March.”

For the next ten minutes, she told her dad’s disheartening story.

“His chest tumours disappeared for a few months after chemo but we knew something was still amiss because of his weight loss. Although his oncologist seemed to think he would make it, it took a gastroenterologist to confirm the severity of his case.”

“He suffered a lot, especially at the end,” she lamented. “He was a brave man. Thanks for asking about him.”

Then, drying a tear, she glanced at her watch, put on her nursing demeanour, and said,

“Let’s get back to you. Ready for your injection? Here goes.”



I know that cancer can take lives. But I also know it can be beaten.

My daughter’s neighbour Ken in Ottawa continues to successfully battle his brain cancer using the Atkin’s diet. His doctors are amazed that his Stage 4 neuroblastoma has not spread since his diagnosis last June.

My teaching protégé Andre is at the end of his chemo treatments for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and hopes to resume work in February.

Ana, another colleague from Brebeuf, has successfully completed her cancer treatment as well. On a recent trip to visit family is Spain, she lit a candle for me at Fatima as well as purchasing a rosary for me. Her boundless faith is an inspiration.

As I await the results of my most recent CT scan, I remain hopeful and trusting about the future.