Tests, Allies and Enemies

Christopher Vogler's structure for the hero says after he crosses the First Threshold, the hero naturally encounters new challenges and Tests, in addition to making Allies and Enemies. He also begins to learn the rules of the "Special World".

(Vogler is the author of The Writer's Journey, and it is his mythical structure I'm so freely using for my own journey.)

Next week I will have more tests to ensure the cancer is localized and has not spread its grasping fingers elsewhere in my body. The CAT scan is scheduled for Tuesday morning, but may change. I also will have an MGA (multiple gate access or heart scan). They pronounce it MUGA; I've been telling people I'm going to have muggle test to see if I'm a non-magical creature.

As of late yesterday both were scheduled for Tuesday, but within a half-hour of each other and in different parts of the city. Given that my super powers apparently don't include flying, running super fast or popping from place to place, I expect my test schedule to change. The woman booking everything says it all has to be done before the chemo can start, so I hope Thursday's event doesn't get bumped because of the test schedule.

While I can't attest to the Enemies part at this point, the Allies are lining up behind me.

Rob's family is jumping on my blog and sending prayers via email. We didn't want to tell his parents before his Dad's surgery for fear of distracting him from his own issues. Darrell still doesn't know, unless Eileen told him today, but everyone else should pretty much be in the loop or will be by the end of the weekend.

Darrell's surgery has been a welcome distraction from my own issues. He had a bit of a setback yesterday and received some blood. He's frustrated and depressed and only wants to go home, but is instead confined to the ICU with three other patients. He did shave today and you could tell that made him feel somewhat better. He was waiting for a heart specialist to talk to him as there is fear he had a heart attack yesterday. Eileen decided to travel back to Kentville to be near him (after 60 years I expect neither of them like the separation), so we drove back to the city early.

There was package in the mail today from my dear friend Lisa. She seems to have a sixth sense about things and has a habit of randomly mailing me unexpected gifts. Today's bounty includes a hardbound journal, a faith token for my pocket, a book to make me smile and rich dark chocolate. How well my friend knows me.

Kim in Quebec also called to add her voice to the choir of supporters. It was really good to talk with her and we chatted until her daughter decided picking up the dachshund by the head was a good thing. I let Kim go, so she could convince her otherwise.

The weather, just for the record, is crap. Cold and snow. I'm looking forward to spring.