How fortunate I am

Here's what I have on my side as I face this:

• My health (otherwise) is good; a few aches and pains from arthritis and HMS, but the basic systems (circulatory, respiratory, etc.) are strong. I exercise and eat right.
• I couldn't ask for a better social support system. Family, friends, the groups I belong to, even the various on-line forums I post on provide me with continuing strength. (I'll write more about this later, because right now it makes me teary.)
• I have faith in the oncology and surgical departments at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (besides, I checked them out).
• I have no other major stresses or concerns in my life. I can focus on beating the cancer.
• I have insurance. We can afford this without worrying about its breaking us financially.
• I have access to information and the ability to sort through it and understand it. This means I have some informed say in my treatment.
• My life is full of other interesting things: writing, music, venting about politics, knitting and sewing, yoga and pilates, and more.
• Generally, I am optimistic, determined, and tough, not to mention being willing to rip things out and keep trying until I get it right.

So there.