Well, it’s been quite a month. I had surgery last week, and the tumor from my breast was removed. Then came the waiting, which is never fun. Exactly how big was the cancer? Was it as unaggressive as previous tests indicated? Would the margins be clear, or would I have to go in for more surgery? 

I am happy to report that given I have cancer, the news was far better than I had hoped. The cancer was even smaller and less aggressive than earlier tests indicated—which means radiation and hormone therapy but no chemo—and the margins were clear. No more surgery! 

As to be expected, I have been tired and sore, but I have the good cheer and kind concern of family and friends to buoy my spirits. Cards, emails, phone calls, flowers, and gifts have all come my way, and, yes, they do make a big difference. I’ve always known this intellectually and have done my best to be supportive when family and friends have been ill. But there is nothing like going through it yourself to really understand how important such support is. 

On the day of my surgery, my daughter Shannon took the day off and came to our house so that she could take care of our dog, Liam, as well as make some chicken soup for me. She followed a Martha Stewart recipe, which involved taking a small chicken, with the skin removed, and simmering it with some vegetables for an hour or so to make a fragrant broth. Then, the broth was strained, more vegetables were added, and when they were cooked, the meat from the chicken went into the soup. 

Oh, how lovely it tasted! I hadn’t eaten anything except toast since the day before, and my throat was sore from the respirator. That chicken soup lived up to its chicken soup reputation. It was warm, soothing, nourishing, and just plain good. So readers, if someone in your circle of family or friends needs tending, do not hesitate to make them chicken soup. (As long, of course, as they aren’t vegetarians.) It will be very much appreciated. 

Then, on the weekend after my surgery, my friend Kate Johnson called and asked, “How about if Bob [her husband] and I come for a visit this Saturday, and we’ll bring the meal—beef Bolognese, wine, homemade bread, and peach shortbread?” Naturally, I said, “Yes, please!” as soon as she had finished asking the question. 

So on a warm, sunny day, Bob and Kate came bearing food, a present (the book Reckless by Cornelia Funke), and cards. We sat on the patio and had cheese, crackers, and wine while our dog Liam cavorted with their dog Jamie—a yellow Lab. Finches, chickadees, and nuthatches fluttered at the bird feeders at the edge of the patio. Crickets sang their fall song. When it became too cool and damp to stay on the patio, we went inside for a wonderful meal of smooth yet tangy beef Bolognese on pasta, bread as good as only homemade bread can be, and peach shortbread with the right amount of crumble. 

These are two meals I won’t forget.