Back from the brink

more of an update than an essay this morning

Lyn

This past winter, I wrote here twice about my friend Lyn, who was dealing with a cancer diagnosis. Her prognosis appeared grim at that time. A few months into treatment, Lyn's prognosis is much improved. She said to me a couple of weeks ago, "I feel like I have been given my life back!" She has.

Lyn and I went out one evening recently to celebrate. She was feeling so well that she had a cocktail (her first since my birthday dinner in December, when she wasn't well but didn't yet know why). Lyn and her husband will soon travel to California for a family wedding. Later this month she will undergo a surgery. By the end of the summer, cancer treatments should be behind her. Her hair will grow back and she will go on living. What a gift--for her, for her husband Jon, and for her extended family and friends.

Sometimes, medical professionals are wrong, and sometimes their errors bring good news. I feel beyond grateful for this particular good news. One of my closest friends is back from the brink and is feeling elated. I am feeling grateful.