We all spent the week-end with Mom and Mike before Mom starts her radiation treatments on Tuesday.  Since she won’t want any company if she’s feeling lousy, we decided to invade their space before the treatments begin.  I’m sure they were thrilled that we brought along the PS2 and Guitar Hero for their listening pleasure.  Actually, I think they did enjoy watching little Slash and Axel Rose work their magic on the mock Stratocaster all week-end.  I’m positive it kept her mind off of cancer, radiation treatments, and the big-ass pills she has to take – at least for a while.

A few of my high school classmates work at the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo and, ironically, one of them was Mom’s nurse during the intake process last Tuesday.  Stacie didn’t know it was my mom until another friend told her, so maybe Mom will get some VIP treatment in addition to her gamma rays or whatever rays they use.  Just having someone acknowledge you and make you feel like you aren’t just another medical record number can be pretty uplifting when you’re in the throes of doctoring.  I hope it’s as positive of an experience as it can be.   Although I am interested to see if she glows in the dark next week!

Mom and Mark bonded over a few Karmen stories this weekend – not that there’s anything real interesting for them to talk about - I made sure to add a few high school party stories to their discussion just to get her ire up.  I’m thinking that having the desire to kick my ass next time she sees me might keep her energy level up and add a little fire to her resolve.   I’ll keep on throwing her nuggets about my bouts with stupidity to keep her pissed off and fighting. 

Besides, I know I can run faster than she can.