We Get What We Need

My good fortune continues in my journey to kick melanoma's ass. Of all the places my cancer could have spread to, the liver as a location is preferable to other places such as the bones which are difficult to treat.  This is because:

• Whenever a part of the liver has to be removed, it can regenerate itself.
• Since chemo is processed through the liver, it is easy for chemo drugs to reach this organ.
• You can live with only 10% of your liver function, unlike other organs such as the pancreas. 

As Charlotte Joko Beck (American Zen Teacher and Writer, 1917-2011) once said:

"Life always gives us exactly the teacher we need at every moment.  This includes every mosquito, every misfortune, every red light, every traffic jam, every obnoxious supervisor (or employee), every illness, every loss, every moment of joy or depression, every addiction, every piece of garbage, every breath."

Fortunately I have been a good cancer student. It could even be said  I have been at the top of my class for the last fifteen months.  Next lesson is scheduled for Friday.  I am headed down to Karmanos for Chemo treatment #2.  Thankfully, teachers love students who sleep in class.  Hopefully the other patients have ear plugs so they won't notice my snoring (ha ha)!