Wednesday, June 10, 2026

     I am a healthy older woman, I tell myself.  But looking at MY CHART indicates something different. A long list of medical words saying I am not so healthy. I sleep and eat well. I can walk and drive my car. I read books and watch TV.  I meet friends in the parks. These are my words describing my life, not medical words.

     But sometimes I forget and am discouraged by the medical words. Yes in the last 5 years, I have had 6 surgeries and many chemo and immunotherapy treatments but so what. I swallow four prescribed pills every morning, I avoid taking showers. I take naps. Who gets to decide how healthy I actually am.

     I did find a good book to start reading. NOTES ON A FOREIGN COUNTRY by the journalist Suzy Hansen. She writes about her long experiences in Turkey and what she learned about her home county, the United States. She has a friendly writing voice.

     I met with three friends for lunch. Three long time friends. Such a treat to talk and laugh with people I love. Old friends are not replaceable and yet making new friends can be ok. And yet old friends are the best. And in the evening we love the latest CLARKSON FARM TV series.