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AMNESIA Phew!! What a year. No, not one to remember, but rather one to forget. Neither Valerie nor I can remember any other period in our lives to date, that was such unrelent- ing strain and in addition Valerie had the pain, discomfort, uncertainty, and at times depression to cope with. It began in April and at least phase one will end November 30". So, no real spring, summer or fall for us this year. Better to forget 2004. It started with lumpectomy surgery in April with the diagnosis of breast cancer after two negative needle biopsies. We then entered chemotherapy which ended Sep- tember 15% entered radiation which ends on November 30% and will enter phase two; periodic checks to ensure that cancer has not recurred. We are fortunate in the County to be close to our own hospital, a comprehensive facility in Belleville where chemotherapy is given and a well recognized teaching hos- pital at Kingston with all the facilities, including radiation therapy, within a 50 mile radius. I must admit though, the drives to Belleville and the daily drive to Kingston, for the past month are tedious to say the least and very tiring. Al- though I say we are fortunate that is because Valerie and I can still drive and we had good friends who helped us out -- transportation to health care facilities is a major issue for us in the County. During the course of treatment we met a lot of mostly pleasant and good humoured people despite the on- erous treatment. Being just the driver I did not get involved in the discussion that Valerie did with other patients but was content to listen on the edge of the group. In one dis- cussion, filled somewhat with gallows humour, they devel- oped a list of 'what not to say to cancer patients." These in- cluded, 'you look good bald' or 'don't worry it will proba- bly grow back soon." These were meant kindly by caring people who, perhaps, may not have realized the impact their words would have but were just showing their concern. Comments included one cancer patient to another when Valerie met a friend at the oncology clinic who asked her 'what are you doing here?' and then realized how stupid the question was and they both started laughing. Since cancer is very widespread it seems that most people have a relative or friend who has suffered through the same treatment process. In relating to the cancer patient they inevitably described the experience of their friend or relative which often seemed to end in death. I'm not sure that the cancer patient on the receiving end of the story found it exactly uplifting! However, we met the same peo- ple undergoing treatment time and time again and a special camaraderie developed. The positive and touching aspects of this period were the number of people who sent cards, frequent emails and other messages of support. One dear friend sent a card every few weeks. It seemed to arrive at a time when Val- erie or I or both were feeling rather low and provided an up- lift that was most appreciated. For quite some period we could not go out into crowds to shop or eat for fear of infection for Valerie but close friends had us to their homes for dinner on several oc- casions which proved to be quite a morale booster. We couldn't have the grand children down to stay for the same reason. I call young children Petrie-dishes when it comes to colds etc but they came to visit, stayed lo- cally and talked to Valerie from the garden. These visits were always a treat. This experience introduced us in spades to the Health Care System including home visits by nurses. Dur- ing the chemotherapy we had daily visits by nurses to take blood samples, give injections to boost the white cell count and the red cell count. They were all very professional, friendly, helpful and obliging. Se? Tree Trimmin & Removal Brush chipping Lot clearing Continued on page 9 Firewood, Hardwood & Softwood lumber Black River Tree Service = Glenn Guernsey 476-3757