A Sunshiny Day

 


This was me on Monday evening, having a little celebratory drink while reflecting on The Good News of Paul's first post-chemo scan. He has the all-clear! Mr Cancer has gone away. This is the first of many scans over the next five years to confirm this initial good news, but it is a wonderful moment. On Wednesday night Paul came into town and we had more celebratory drinks, and tomorrow night I will go up to the mountain cabin, for, wait for it, more celebratory drinks. Then perhaps we will do some detoxing or something. But meanwhile, a little basking in good news. Due to covid, Paul had the news over the phone, so it has taken a little while to sink in. On Wednesday when I saw him, it was wonderful to hold on to him and know that he is truly well. 

He even looks well now. He has gained weight, and he has lost that awful grey look he had on chemo. During chemo he developed a lot of wrinkles, I guess from losing elasticity in his skin, and had dark hollows under his eyes, and his skull was very prominent under his skin. He really did look as if he was about to drop dead there for a few months. But now his skin has filled out and he has lost his wrinkles (he just has his normal ones now!) and his face has regained its colour. He looks well, and he is well. While we would have just got on and dealt with whatever life brought us, we are so relieved right now that it has brought Paul his health back. He has a little numbness in his fingers and toes, and some residual occasional digestive problems, but he is in such good shape considering what he has gone through. He even still has all his hair.

So here we are. Was it a lost year? I don't think so. It was frightening for me and painful for Paul. We had a lot of challenges and also learnt a lot. We are still together, there is a lot of love, as there ever was, and now a new kind of understanding and kindness as well. We know we can go through hard times together, not without difficulty, but without giving up. Paul has taught me so much this last year about accepting what fate brings, and carrying on with good grace through very trying circumstances. He found good things about every situation he found himself in, and remained remarkably cheerful in the face of a lot of pain and difficulties. He can always have a laugh at himself, which is pure gold in a relationship:)

And thank you, all of you, for being here with us through this journey so far. I have found such comfort and kindness here, such practical advice, but mostly, kindness and comfort. Thank you to every person who takes the time to leave a comment or to email me to let me know that we are in your thoughts. It really does mean so much that I reach out with words and friendship comes back. Magic! So thank you again, and let us all forge on into 2022, a new year of unknowns. We don't know what the future holds, but we have each other, nice dogs, gardens, colouring in and old teddy bears to see us through..

Comments

Mary said…
Wonderful news! I'm so happy for you and Paul. Have a celebratory drink for me, too!
Tracy said…
That's fantastic news! Onwards and upwards!
simplelife said…
Such wonderful news.
So very happy for both of you.
cheers Kate
56steps said…
Oh my goodness - how nice it is to read these words.
Such wonderful news.

Celebratory drinks are most certainly in order!

Take care,
Debra
Jo said…
Hello, lovelies, thank you for all the good wishes, and yes, I will be having another drink:) xx
Kathy said…
Such a relief for your family.
Suzanne said…
Brilliant news! You’ve an amazing relationship and to still find those moment of happiness and appreciation in what must have been an extremely challenging year is a testament to you both. Enjoy those celebrations :)
Anonymous said…
Doing cartwheels, and splits at your wonderful news!!Just WONDERFUL! I will have a celebratory drink on your behalf today!
Sending you much love,
Patricia
Treaders said…
I am absolutely delighted for Paul and you. You have been an oak for him to lean on and him - well he's just a rock star!
Jo said…
Thank you all again, and yes, please have a drink on our behalf:)
Anna, that is the first time anyone has compared me to an oak tree - I feel more like a little bendy baby tree, to be honest, but we managed anyway:)
Penelope P. said…
That is wonderful news. What a brilliant start to 2022! What an inspiration Paul is, to accept life and live it to the fullest regardless of what happens. Very glad you’ve found each other. Much love PennyL xxxx
GretchenJoanna said…
THANK GOD!!!

😀😍😀
Anonymous said…
This wonderful news has made my day! I'm so very happy for you both.
Love, Linda in NZ
Anonymous said…
I do so love your blog, Monique x
Anonymous said…
I do so love your blog, Monique x
And such wonderful news to share xx
Jo said…
Wow , that’s amazing news! I am so so happy for you both! Enjoy your celebratory drink, it is very special. Much love and best wishes to you and Paul x
sustainablemum said…
I just found your blog again after a year of not blogging or reading blogs. It sounds like the last year has been a really hard one for you, I am so glad to hear that you have had good news now though. I sincerely hope that it lasts for a good while, and like others have said it is a wonderful start to 2022.
Anonymous said…
So very, very happy to read this! X
Anonymous said…
Just seeing this now, Jo. Hope you don't delete me along with Mrs. Dorothy Loan Investments, haha! You and Paul have really weathered a storm. You are two tough cookies. Hope you can relax into your good news for a long time to come. You probably need some recovery time yourself.
- Dar @ anexactinglife
Linda said…
Hope all is well.
Jo said…
Hey all, thanks so much for your kind and loving comments. I cherish each and every one xx

Dar, I was tempted to leave up the comments from Mrs Dorothy Loan Investmants, just in case anyone here needed some investment advice:):)

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