Dear family and friends: How you can help me

May 2014

Dear Friends and Family,

I am sending one email so I can catch all of you up at one time. I want to try to answer the questions people have asked:

I have been getting some tests and met with the oncologist today.

I have multiple myeloma and will need radiation and chemotherapy over the months to come.

There has been a great deal of progress in cancer research and treatment.  The doctor sees my cancer as similar to a chronic condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure.  He can treat it now and if it comes back in the future, he expects there to be even more options.

I am getting opinions at both MD Anderson/Cooper in NJ and "over the bridge" at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. I want to get all the help that I can.

I am open to talking about what is happening, but at the same time careful not to get into discussions that drain me or put scary ideas into my head. I have found that my imagination can create all kinds of scenarios, so I am not feeding it.

I have to get used to all of this before I can talk about things that might be down the road.

It's a vulnerable time. I am learning how to ask for what I need and I will let you know if I need to change the subject.

Everyone seems to know an awful story about someone who went through a difficult time with cancer.  I may have a difficult time or I may not.  But this type of story is a no-no.

I have been hearing some inspirational thoughts and am keeping a notebook to refer to when I can use inspiration.  Maybe you would enjoy them too.  Here are just a few:

Temporary inconvenience, long-term improvement.

The best way to get something done is to start.

I don't know why sickness happens, but it does.

I will be ok.  I will get through this.

I'm not the only one steering my life.

I tried to write this email earlier today, but for some reason the computer had a list of meditations from last fall that I could not get to budge. I decided to take note.

The title was '21 Days of Gratitude'.  The first day was to practice gratitude for setting goals and letting go.  I sure could relate to that one.  Now that I know what I have, I can start setting goals and let go of some fears about the what if's.

Maybe you would like to practice gratitude too.  It turned out to be fun. It's good to remember our blessings when we are up to it.

People have asked what they can do to help.  If you are so inclined, prayers, positive and inspirational thoughts, positive energy, a meal and so forth are uplifting and helpful.

Thank you for all your caring and support.  It helps my husband and me to do what we need to do at this time.

July 2016

Well, it's been a challenging couple of years.  Thank goodness I am experiencing less of the "inconvenience" and more of the "improvement".  I hope it is long term.

You have been a wonderful support – thank you!  I could feel your good wishes and prayers surrounding my house.  I wish I could see how your many different points of view interacted with one another.

The way people can be there for people experiencing cancer treatments could be the secret to world peace.

May I be a source of comfort for you should you need it some day.

Ginger Brodie is a retired social worker, wife, mother and grandmother.

Read more Diagnosis: Cancer here »