As I sit down to write this I have lots of emotions
going through me. I am beyond excited to get this opportunity to be a fellow at
MD Anderson for a year. I am blessed beyond belief for all of the supportive
people who helped me get to where I am. I am in awe of the program, and what
the hospital stands for. Tomorrow is usual first day stuff, orientation, sign
up for benefits, and more orientation.
But, I know as
the days unfold, some days will be long,
maybe some will be short or "normal." I know there will probably be
days where I am fighting to hold back tears, and other days when a patient goes
into remission that will fill my heart with joy. I know I will be touched in ways by patients
and their families that I never would have guessed. I know I'll probably end up
forming lifelong relationships with new friends, and colleagues. I will be stretched
when I don't necessarily want to be stretched, but it will be worth it and good.
It will be hard.
I won't always know what I'm doing. I will have to ask a lot of questions. Some
days I'll wonder what I have gotten myself into, and others I'll wonder if I
picked the right place to be. But, I'll
also know my work is bigger than me. I know I'll be part of a team that is
fighting to end cancer. I will be lucky enough to have an abundant amount of
resources at my fingertips. I will get to learn from the best, and I feel so
incredibly lucky to be able to do so.
So, tonight, my "summer" comes to an end. No
more laying by the pool and reading my books. No more going to the gym whenever
I want. No more home baked goods for the brothers, well maybe I'll still make
time for that :). Tonight, marks the closing of one chapter, and tomorrow when
I wake up I will be starting a new chapter. A chapter that is new, and
exciting, and yet scary and daunting at the same time. But, with all that said,
I could not be more excited or proud to be joining the team that is
"Making Cancer History!"
-M
