Thoughts from the T-Shirt Lady

Recently, I had a phone call from my best friend in California, telling me that the doctors have discovered cancer in several places.

A little background - my father was a career navy man, so we as a family moved around a lot. I was born in California, moved away and then went back in 1961 - when I was in 9th grade. There I met a girl who was to become my best friend. We lived about 3 blocks from each other, went to the same high school, and walked to school every day.

Over the years, we have been in touch with each other during trying times as well as good times. I frequently went to California for work - and whenever I did, we made arrangements to get together for several days. It was great reliving old times and catching up!

Now to the present day - she was at work, and while there, she fell down and broke her femur. Once at the hospital, xrays were done, and the cancer was detected. What she has is Multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cell, which is an incurable but treatable disease. If not for the break…

She has been through surgery for the break, in rehab to learn how to move correctly, and help herself, and on to her sister’s home. My best friend’s house is 2 stories, and her sister’s is 1 - so it was best not to have to climb stairs.

She will have chemo and I think radiation too - we chat every so often, so she can bring me up to date with how she is doing.

I’ll have more as time goes on.

Sandi