My Two Cents,

So, this is a little break from my initial cancer story to some thoughts I’ve had lately that I just want to express. Yesterday I received my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, Phizer, the day after I had some joint pain and was very fatigued, but otherwise I’m good. Glad to get it done and so you all know my Oncologist recommended that I get it. Some people who read this may not agree with me and not choose to get vaccinated based on fear of the unknown and fair enough, to each his own, but as someone living with cancer fear of the unknown is part of daily life for me. Right now everything appears to be stable, test results and scans show that, but now those results are a couple months old. So….what if in that time something new has happened, more spread? It’s all unknown.

I do understand why some people aren’t happy with the way the last year has gone and all these continual lock downs and public health measures. I also don’t understand some of them, but what I do understand and sympathise with is those with underlying health conditions and the fear of getting sick with yet another potentially deadly disease. I have spent a lot of time this past year in many places I never expected to find myself…….Hospitals. I’ve been to Brantford General, Hamilton Juravinski Centre, Princess Margret in Toronto and lastly Stratford General. Most visits have been limited to scans and quick appointments in order to prevent to much contact with others, accept for a couple multi-day stays . But, one visit, to Princess Margret really opened my eyes. A beautiful interior of the hospital helps hide the sadness and sickness inside, when I was there the one constant I saw was the fear in everyone’s eyes. Most people who are there are already very sick, and scared to contract something else that could easily kill them given their already compromised immune systems. When I see these people who for no fault of their own end up coming here for treatment and therapy it makes me think of what could or will eventually happen to me.

If I can do anything to help these people, who I now can closely relate to and help those who are very sick feel just a little more comfortable around people I will wear my mask, distance myself and get vaccinated. I couldn’t imagine knowing my end was coming and having to worry about contracting another disease when others around can do the simplest of things to help.

I look forward to getting my 2nd shot in 21 days to do my part, as small as it is. My hope is that we see a more human side of people when this is all over. I, by far am not perfect and have not been the best human in the past, but with this last year still fresh in my mind and everything that I have gone through, including this pandemic, like the rest of us. I try to put more thought into how I treat others, I slip and struggle at times, but I am slowing learning. I hope when this is over I can sit and have real conversations with everyone who has reached out to me the last year……I look forward to REALLY getting to know those who I talk and listen too. I hope this past year makes everyone, well…..and little more….human……Love!!!!