Beautiful Stranger

Earlier this month, at my physical therapy waiting area, I met a young woman who recently got diagnosed with leukemia. Interestingly, she was a radiation oncologist resident at Mount Sinai hospital. We connected via issues we face as young adults with cancer. She was sweet, but seem bitter and jaded from her experiences. Understandably so, I felt a bit unnerved as she was sharing her story. Long story short, she was determine unfit by the hospital's Wellness Board to treat patients. Since she can no longer work as a resident, she is being evicted from the hospital's housing apartment for residents. To top it off, the day she got diagnosed, her boyfriend left her. After we departed, I thought a lot about her. I'm not sure if I could help her emotionally without causing myself stress, which was one of the reasons, I did not ask for her contact information. I hope she's doing better than I left her.

She reminds me of  how extraordinarily lucky I am to have an incredible network of supportive family and friends in my life. The holidays, specifically Thanksgiving, mark the anniversary of my life After Cancer. I made it to my third year. Three years is a long time for someone with stage IV. I'm hoping for more anniversaries to celebrate with the people I love so dearly. Thank you all so much for your love, support, patience and reading my blog. :)