[Oxford63] Re: Our reunion

[Anne Aschenbach]

Hi Susan,

Was upset to hear your news and recall my own indescribable terror at being diagnosed with breast cancer almost eight years ago...after hearing the word "cancer" followed by "mastectomy" and "chemotherapy" I immediately started picking out music for my funeral!!   Then, after sister Margaret the pharmacist ordered Karl to "get that woman some Xanax", we moved on to the process of getting well.  Looking back today, I think yes, it was difficult...but with wonderful doctors, new developments in treatment (which are getting better every day!) and mountains of support from Karl and our family and friends it now seems like just another hurdle that came our way, we went over it, it wasn't easy (one day, 3 days after my last treatment, I spent a day in bed WISHING I'd die, convinced my family would make it just fine without me - that fatigue can be incredible!!), but the next day was better and of course now it seems ages ago and I'd do it again if I had to!  Susan, I'm sure Zach will be fine, please know that we'll be thinking of you lots.  

By the way, tell him food may become an important issue during chemo, so here are a few personal helpful hints: I loved and lived on cold, crisp, red seedless grapes, Starbucks or Haagen-Daz coffee ice cream, saltines (never want to eat another one ever), and, as I recall, good firm, ripe tomatoes worked too.  I became addicted to the Food Channel!  An occasional glass of Champagne tasted and felt, with the weird things that happen in your mouth, wonderful...again, cold and crisp, and bubbly.  A bit can help you to keep smiling too!!

Our best wishes and positive thoughts to you, Stewart, Zach and Ben...hang in there!  And Hello and hugs to fellow survivors Joan, Susie and Bunk, too.

Love, Anne   

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: MVSPS at aol.com 
  To: oxford63 at cyber-community.com 
  Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2008 5:43 PM
  Subject: [Oxford63] Re: Our reunion


  Hello everyone -

  Have been looking forward to our 45th with camera in hand!

  Yet, recently, reality has come to the forefront . . . after 4 weeks of tests at Sloan-Kettering, my younger son, Zach, has been diagnosed with cancer . . . testicular. The prognosis is great, yet he must undergo weeks of chemo. He is such an inspiration, at 27: going to work everyday, shooting on the weekends: sporting clays, et al - as he puts it, with every clay pigeon I kill ( a dead shot and award winner), I also kill this cancer. And he is also socializing. Yes, scared, but going forward with knowledge and head held high.

  By virtue of Sloan and many questions asked, he knows what is ahead . . . hair loss, nausea, fatigue . . .
  the great thing is that he has been with his dad, Stewart, every step of the way! Such a bonding! And he has been communicating with me and his brother, Ben.

  I have been doing research, so I also knows what is ahead. His chemo starts the weekend of reunion - by virtue of unknown reactions, I must remain here for him. Yes, we are all optimistic. Am now wearing a Livestrong for him, as are my entire family and friends, for Zach has the same kind of cancer that Lance Armstrong had, yet it has not traveled to the brain . . . the yellow bracelet is encouragement for me.

  Take lots of pics, ladies, and send them to me . . . yes, shall be in next K-O News!

  Love to you all - Happy 45th - and remember the 60 is the new 50!

  Susan





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