Considering Graduation

Wednesday was #7

One more to go :)

My oncologist told me that the next time we meet will be my "Graduation Day."

In my mind, graduation connotes something accomplished, things completed, an end per se.

While I'm super excited to finish my chemo, putting behind me an experience I hope never to repeat, as we parted company, and Hubby and I made our way - for the next-to-last time - to the infusion suite, something about the idea of graduation bothered me.  Perhaps it's because there ARE no more graduations for me - unless I start over in another field of study ;)

... But that didn't seem to be the reason.

I understand that "graduation" is effectively the completion of a set of requirements, a checking the boxes of sorts.  I will have done that, but I know there's more ahead.

So I got hooked up - thankful my trusty port is still doing its job - settling in for the 4-hour infusion.

I  took this picture several weeks ago, but thought I'd share what Hubby actually DOES during this time:

Of course he puts it down if I need something!

IF I can get his attention :brow

JK

Love him anyway <3

So, back to my pondering about graduation.

It came to me sometime during the second hour.  

He got it wrong.  My oncologist that is.

October 30th will be my COMMENCEMENT!!!

A celebration of accomplishments, a ceremony marking the end of one phase and the beginning of something new!!!  I will step over a threshold, moving away from my travails, the hard work, the dedication to achieve completion... into a life where this part of the fight is a badge of honor, a distinction I will proudly share with many pink sisters.

Yes, my life will have changed.  I already feel it, taste it, smell it.  (At least SOME days - when the pain isn't there, when my taste buds get a brief reprieve from the yucks, and when I can't literally smell the chemicals coming out of my pores.)  My perspective will be - arguably already is - different.  I understand the importance of each day; the value of each hug, thought, and prayer; the power of love.  Oddly, my perspective on death has also changed.  No, I don't plan to leave this Earth any time soon, but I do now realize the temporal nature of my life in the flesh.  And when it IS my time, it will be just that!  

2014 looks to be better than this year - my half century mark that was supposed to be so special - when I will commence life anew, enjoy each day, continue to heal, and attempt to take difficulties in stride.  On October 30th I will have met my graduation requirements, but more importantly, having learned so much, I'll embark on a new journey.