PATHOLOGY REPORT

 So—

As long as I don’t talk about ‘it’

Or write about ‘it’

 ‘It’ remains much more

Surreal than real

The ‘it’ I’m referring to is

The pathology report that

Stunned our family

(And my doctors) into

A numbed state of disbelief

And speaking for myself

I’ve not yet processed

Yesterday’s news concerning

The fact that the small mass

Seen on last week’s PET scan is

A cancerous tumor situated

Subcutaneously on

The left flank of my body (which is

No where near my right lung, which

Nine months ago, was

Surgically removed

And so, dear friends, here is

All I can tell you, right now:

Though my mind is clouded

My spirit remains buoyed by

This awareness—

I plan to enjoy whatever time

I have left with

Beloved family and

Treasured friends to

The best of my ability

I think you’d also like

To know that

My case will be presented at

Mayo’s tumor conference, tomorrow

After which, my oncologist and surgeon

Will discuss a strategic plan in hopes of

Prolonging my love of life for

As long as is humanly possible

As always, I’ll keep you apprised of

Whatever happens, next

🙋🏻‍♀️Annie