May 11, 2011:
I had just finished my first bronchoscopy, a necessary procedure for the doctor to get a sample of the mass in my left lung. They were going to test the material and get back to me, up to 10 days later, with the results. The mass was clearly an infection but the kind was unknown.
What Dr Filner found was no strange mass to him. He was certain it was cancer. So certain, that a short hour after the procedure he told me, “you have cancer”.
So here I am, one year after diagnosis. A completely different person. Doing my best to really LIVE life with what feels like a bomb inside of me with an unknown detonation time.
Aquarius vs. Cancer 
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In testing, in eating
In midnights, in chemo-ther-apy
In phone calls, in visits, in laughter, in tears
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, a year in the life?
Measure in love
What a perfect thing to measure a year by, love.
Always remember to forget
The things that made you sad
But never forget to remember
The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget
The friends that proved untrue
But never forget to remember
Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget
The troubles that have passed away
But never forget to remember
The blessings that come each day.
……unknown author
May your weekend be happy. You are in my prayers always,
Diane (Charlotte, NC)
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing the poem here.
When I had mine (bronchoscopy) they couldn’t knock me out, I remember asking, “How’s it look?”
and he said, “Well, it’s cause for concern.” No shit!
You were awake? Oh my!