So it was with some trepidation we returned to the UK to see the oncologist. A regular three month appointment; the mark of time in my life, my very own health metronome. A long journey, an anxious, thoughtful time and then suddenly we were there, in the hospital.
Time stops...tick, tock, tick, tock...everything on hold again!
Now criticise the NHS all you may, I have nothing but praise and that day was no exception! Arriving ten minutes early we barely had chance to sit when we were called to the next 'Sub Wait'. This time it was straight through and we found ourselves sitting in the consultants room trying to make light, be confident, stay focussed.
"Terrible events in Cannes?" she said, " Shock about Brexit" she said, but no medical reference, no examination, no studying of notes or muttered conversations with colleagues. Finally, in confusion, Ron said "Well what happens now" and, she looked a little confused, as if suddenly caught in a an inappropriate situation. Then she smiled and said, " Well how are you?" "I'm good, feeling tired, but fine"" That's great " she replied...."
"Well what happens next?" Ron repeated."Well" said the oncologist, "you can go back to France" "When?" we retorted, " Today if you want" she said, smiling and completely at ease. So there it was 'not symptomatic' therefore no scans, examinations, no drugs and no treatment...just smiles...amazing!
Now in our local French town of Ernee in the Pay de la Loire is a famous chocolatier; in fact a huge chocolate factory called 'Monbana'. Before leaving we had purchased some of their exclusive chocolates as a gift for the oncologist and her team. Now seemed the appropriate time to give them to her and so with returning smiles, this is what we did.
Her response surprised us even further, but to understand you must first know her name. My oncologist, beautiful, highly intelligent, efficient and highly talented in her field is call Mrs Bhana.
She smiled broadly at the gift and thanked us, saying how very personal and thoughtful this was. Because, she proceeded to explain, in her families origins, the family name was 'Bana' and we had brought these chocolates specifically for her. 'Mon' or 'My', 'Bana '...'Monbana'! Now that's the sort of wonderful coincidence that rarely occurs. We all ended up smiling broadly at each other; each content in this chocolate triangle.
Sometimes life, it seems, has a wonderful way of surprising you, what is it they say,' life being stranger than the script of a book'. There it was, life facing us full on, giving hope and healing in that moment of humanity
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