Life's Synchronicity

Near Synchronicity: Less than 12 hours after meeting City of Hope CEO Michael Friedman, a book club friend sent an email invitation to an event sponsored by the University of Tulane. I peaked at the published 28-name guest list and saw that Dr. Friedman (Class of '68) and his wife Dr. Elizabeth Short plan to attend. But I won't be there because I'll be checked in at "Hotel Hope" during the event.

Double Synchronicity: I attended a cooking class last night at the Pasadena Buddhist Temple. Several months ago, I invited a woman I met at an Alhambra sushi bar. She has become a regular at the class, but we've never managed to show up on the same night. Until last night. I shared my latest diagnosis and treatment news with her, and she volunteered that she had just completed her second mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She was back to teaching yoga classes less than four days later. What a woman! Two of her yoga students, who also attended last night's class, said that Amini is gifted at helping her students get in touch with their needs. Sign me up!

Four months ago, at this same cooking class, I became reacquainted with an old friend I first met at Mommy and Me Class in Pasadena 17 years ago. She is now a nurse in the hematology department, specializing in bone and stem cell transplant at (you guessed it) City of Hope.

The Power of Two: I plan to attend a writers' group in Encino this morning. After the meeting, I'll play homage to two of the gurus in my life. I'll follow the advice of Jonathan Gold, my favorite food critic, and get takeout food from Alcazar, an Armenian restaurant that Gold considers the best of the best.

And to follow the lead of guru Paula, the Encino double dipping will help me come close to unleashing the "power of three" by grouping two activities together. And just to add a little dose to the "freaky factor," it turns out that Alcazar is just a few steps down from the restaurant that's hosting the writing meeting. (Cue "Twilight Zone" music now.)

When I recently shared similar stories with Skye, she asked, "Do you think these things happen to you more often, or are you just more aware of them?"

I think part of it is being unafraid to go to a sushi bar alone, striking up a conversation with the couple sitting next to me and letting things unfold from there.

What do YOU think?

Surprises at the City of Hope

My follow-up visit at CofH today included a blood draw, a consultation with Dr. Forman, a mini chemo infusion and at least two surprises.

I was surprised to learn from Dr. Forman that my white blood cell count, which was drawn last Friday, had plummeted from 1,000 to 400. Dr. Forman was concerned enough that he thought about calling me at home last weekend. The surprising thing is that I didn't feel "fatigued" at all. As a matter of fact, I had an active weekend that included a dinner party on Saturday night (thanks, Debbie!) and a large gathering of Andrew's family on Sunday. I've taken time for "resting" during the day, but haven't napped once since I checked out of Hotel Hope a week ago. It's encouraging to see that I'm still feeling energetic in spite of the white blood cell dip. I received an inoculation to help me keep the count up during the next round. (NOTE added July 2007: At the time I wrote this, I didn't understand that white blood cells have nothing to do with fatigue.)

While scheduling my next appointments, I spotted City of Hope CEO and President Dr. Michael Friedman, a diminutive but dapper man in a trademark bow tie. He stopped to chat with a volunteer and then with Dannie, my scheduler. I thought about introducing myself to him, but didn't want to be presumptuous. The next thing I know, he's introducing himself to ME because it turns out I'm the person he's looking for.

My friend Barbara R., who is on the Hillside's board with Dr. Friedman's wife Libby, is responsible for the connection. He said that he tried to visit me while I was an in-patient, but I had already checked out. Cindy, Andrew and I sat down and chatted for several pleasant minutes with Dr. Friedman. When he asked how I was being treated, I told him that I had the best doctor in the house. He disagreed and said that Dr. Forman isn't just the best in the house; he's one of the best in the world. I did tell him that I'd experienced a couple of administrative snafus along the way, but everything was satisfactorily resolved. He gave me his card and asked me to call him personally if anything ever came up.

It was no surprise that Dr. Friedman, like Dr. Forman, seems to be that rare combination of genius and graciousness.