I've kept all the paperwork from my cancer treatment in two box files. They were pushed to the back of a cupboard in 2018 when I got my all clear. I hadn't looked at them till last week when I needed some details for my current dental problem to be referred to the hospital. I was nearly in tears when I rummaged through them as they bought back so many unhappy memories. Today I have decided that I really need to sort the files out as there are some things in there that could be useful. Things like the direct dial phone number of the appointments clerk at the hospital in case I need to chase them up.
I'm glad now that I tackled the files because there are actually a few items in there that make me smile. During my cancer treatment in 2013 I got to know several patients and several of them shared my sense of humour and did things to cheer me up. The first thing I've spotted is a bingo card. One of the ladies made up bingo cards with various scans and procedures on. There was a prize on offer for the first patient to get a full house. I was doing pretty well. There was much jealously when I got a PET/CT scan as they are one of the rarer ones. However I needed an MRI scan to complete my card and I never got one. I recall being sent for a third CT scan and trying to unsuccessfully persuade the Consultant that an MRI scan would be better.
My husband seems less worried now. He has stopped cleaning out the kitchen cupboards, which is his way of distracting himself. He's going out to see friends this afternoon which will be perfect for my daily distraction. We do not share the same musical taste so I always use headphones if he's at home. However when I get the house to myself I can lay on the sofa with my chosen music on the music centre speakers.
This afternoon's playlist is already planned. It needs to be cheerful music that lifts my spirits and reminds me of happy childhood days. For me there is only one album to start with. It's the CD that I took into Radiotherapy when I was invited to bring something along to help me relax. I've never forgotten the expressions on the faces of the staff when the opening bars of "Shang-A-Lang" filled the room.
