As many of my friends, family members, colleagues, Signal Tribune readers and casual strangers often remind me, I am fortunate to still have my mother with me. At 96 years of age, Mom is happy, healthy and, as she says, “not afraid to buy green bananas.”
Just four years short of being a centenarian, we give credit to Dr. Robert Nagourney for the past eight years of her life.
After being diagnosed with stage-four ovarian cancer, at age 88, her doctors gave her six months to live. Looking for a second opinion, my physician, Dr. Bitter, convinced me that local oncologist Dr. Nagouney was the one to consult. Mother did so, and after just a few months of treatment, she was on the road to a quick recovery. As she says to anyone who asks about her experience with chemotherapy, “I never felt sick, missed a meal or lost any hair.”
We understand that not all of Dr. Nagourney’s patients have it as easy as mom did; nevertheless, we are grateful for his kindness, support and brilliant mind. His nonprofit organization Vanguard Cancer Foundation gave a fundraiser last Saturday, Oct. 3— on Mother’s birthday. It was a lovely affair, and we were thrilled to help support the doctor’s efforts to treat those who may not have the means to finance needed cancer therapy.
After having a celebration of life on Saturday evening, we got up early on Sunday morning to get ready for Mom’s family birthday party. Brunch for 15 was on the agenda, and Delius Restaurant was the location. From noon to 3pm, we ate, drank and carried on with friends and local family members.
I certainly thank our server, Jerome, for taking care of us. Although we gave him a nice tip, I still think after all our shenanigans, he should be eligible for combat pay.
When the party was over, Mom, Steve and I were all ready for an afternoon nap. I guess two days of partying is just too much for all of us. However, a little fatigue is certainly worth the precious moments that we spent with Mom.
Happy birthday, Mom; always remember that “we love you more.”
