The smell of rain

Romeo

Though optimistic, I am not blind to the reality of pancreatic cancer (pc). It has one of the lowest survival rates of all the cancers. Just 6% of patients survive beyond five years. Astronaut Sally Ride succumbed to pc at age 61, seventeen months after her initial diagnosis. My oncological surgeon cheerfully told me that I have a 50% chance for two years and 25% for five years or more.

In the face of what is essentially a death sentence, one can hardly avoid becoming an existentialist. Once the shock of a terminal diagnosis passes, there is a growing sense of urgency. So little time! I must do something. But... what should I do?

As noted previously on this blog, I have enjoyed a life of fulfillment, with a good measure of adventure and accomplishment–no regrets, no important goals unrealized, few desires unfulfilled. My "bucket list" is actually quite short, and for the most part contains frivolous indulgences, e.g., riding a Segway personal transporter.

Maybe all I really need is to practice enjoying each day as it comes–reveling in the taste of barbecue, the company of family and friends, the care of Romeo, the smell of rain, the lyrics of Leonard Cohen, a joyful walk in the woods, the pursuit of Spirit...

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