Gonzo Girl

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

John Lennon from the song, Give Peace a Chance

I love this quote by John Lennon.  I’ve always mused on it from the perspective of folks (including myself) who are too busy keeping up with “rat race” related concerns that they miss the beauty that is right in front of them.

Until yesterday.

As I was running around the house doing last minute tasks before our BIG CYCLING TRIP, Rick walked out of the office with a weird look on his face.  “Well, I just checked MyChart for the results of that mole I had removed.  It’s Melanoma and the doctor wants to see me this afternoon.  They have a cancellation.”

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of my emotional reactions to this sort of news.  The first wave of understanding is a stab in the gut which is quickly followed by acute pragmatism. I become a clear-minded problem-solver, a response that has been well-honed from years as a counselor. I rarely panic or over-react. Typically, I’m your girl in emergencies. 

This time was no different. “OK then. What time? Do you still want to go to the gym? Did they say anything else? Next steps?” 

What neither one of us said was, “How bad is this?  What does this mean?  Do we cancel the trip? Do we even want to go on this trip now?  Who cares about a stupid trip. This. This is our life right now.  

So, we went to the gym. Rick waiting for a call to confirm his appointment.  He was silent, I talked incessantly.   

Home to shower and then back into the car for the appointment. I had secretly checked in with Dr. Google about Melanoma.  And like every diagnosis, the spectrum of possibility was huge. I really don’t recommend Dr. Google.  What a flake.

Once at the clinic, there was a very short wait, and Rick was swept into the exam room by an incredibly kind and efficient nurse. She got Rick settled and the doctor came in within a few minutes. I had asked Rick if I could join him for his appointment. That is, to hear what the doctor said and be a second set of ears. I’m really glad I did and highly recommend this.  When there is a lot of important information shared, having another person present is so helpful. 

The good news.  Stage zero (there really is such a thing) Melanoma.  Most of it removed during the biopsy.  Very treatable with a 95% chance of full recovery.  

The less than good news.  Surgery is required to remove the rest of the cancer cells.  The doctor said Rick could wait up to four weeks to have this done – but, warned that after that it was uncertain what those pesky, unreliable cancer cells would do. Two dates were available. This Monday or October 5. Would we like to talk about it privately? 

Yes.

After the nurse and doctor left the room, it took Rick about 30 seconds to say, “I just want it done. I don’t want this hanging over my head during our trip.”  I totally concurred.

So instead of riding from Milwaukee to a town called Belgium this Monday, Rick will have the necessary surgery to remove every last one of those cancer cells.  

The trip?  It can wait.  

I mean, for better or worse, life is happening.