Hey, God, what’s going on? Give us a break already!
On Friday, Sophia’s surgeon called. An MRI test showed that something they’ve been watching for a year is still there, and at this point, another biopsy just cannot be trusted any longer, and a full surgery needs to be done to remove it. There is a 50/50 chance that is is cancerous.
WTF? Are you pissed at some blog post I wrote? Are you mad that we skipped over most of the Haggadah during the Passover Seder so we could eat dinner?
Well, we’re tired of this. Even the characters on “All My Children” get a break every once in a while from their soap opera drama.
Wasn’t it just three weeks ago that Sophia’s mother was in the hospital? Wasn’t it two weeks ago that Sophia had an exploratory surgery, because the medication that she was taking to prevent a breast cancer recurrence was suspected of causing another type of cancer?! Why would you play with our minds, like the producers of American Idol, by letting us celebrate the good results of that surgery, only to learn that there’s a plot twist a few moments later?
I have some news for you, God. Even the storyline is getting old. Didn’t Sophia already go through a breast cancer surgery and endless treatments three years ago? The recovery took such a long time and was very painful. And I really hate seeing Sophia in pain, you know? I love her. I really love her, despite whatever kind of crazy married/separated relationship we have going on. This news makes me very mad. And it makes Sophia very depressed.
Eh, God, you know what? I’m not even in the mood to talk to you right now. That’s right, I’m showing you the hand. I’m busy. We can negotiate later.
Right now, I want to talk to the readers of “Citizen of the Month.” If you have been a long time reader of this blog, you know Sophia. She is my real-life Lucy Ricardo — funny, wacky, kind, sometimes overly-assertive woman — who I write about on these pages all the time. She’s the strongest woman I know, but she’s not that strong right now.
She needs some serious cheering up. She knows many of you already through emails, comments, and our trip to Portland. She actually asks me at dinner what is going on in YOUR lives, as if we are gossiping about friends in the neighborhood.
The surgery is on May 9th. So, send her a card. Send a joke. Send her a message. Send a song. Send a voice email. Send a webcam greeting. Send a postcard. Send Sophia some TLC:
Neil Kramer
P.O. Box 475
Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
Oh I’m so sorry to hear this…I’ll get Little Orieyenta working on a card ASAP…she’s just like Hallmark, when you care to send the very best. Rufuah shelamah Sophia!
Sending you healing wishes and energy.
Oh my god. I’m so sorry to hear about Sophia. I hope everything comes out alright. You definitely need Sophia to keep you in line and call you on your shit.
All my best thoughts Sophia’s way; I have a feeling that she’s just about to prove to herself and the world that she’s 100 times stronger than anyone ever knew.
I’m sorry about this news and I will be sending some love and support Sophia’s way. xo
Neil,
As a Jersey theater chick, I was surprisingly behind in finally discovering Rent. And it’s not the kind of musical I tend to like. I finally listened to it maybe 2-3 years ago, and it grew on me. It’s like a modern day Hair.
Depressing as it may have been, pick yourself (and Sophia) the soundtrack and crank up La Vie Boheme anytime you need a lift.
Sophia, you are an awesome, strong woman, and that’s what it takes to get through times like these. You’re not alone. There are many ladies who’ve been through similar health trials. We’ll all be cheering you on and sending you love… XOXOX!
Postcard will be sent forthwith!
Also, I think it it would be a good use of our energies to Click to Fund Free Mammograms.
Thanks, Atomic. It is sort of depressing to hear how many woman have gone through similar circumstances. We’re still hoping it isn’t cancer this time. Does it make sense why anyone would put cancer in women’s breasts — perhaps the most beautiful things ever created? At least if there must be cancer, put it in the pinky toe.
Both you and Sophia are in my thoughts and prayers, too. I love love that pic of Sophia you selected, it’s lovely
Refuah shleimah to Sophia.
Sophia: I’ll be happy to put in a good word for you with the Man upstairs. I need your Hebrew name and your mother’s Hebrew name. (email me for quicker results)
Of course, feel free to pick my brain (such as it is) for medical questions. Hang in there!
Laurie — I’m a pretty bad photographer, but this one came out nice — maybe because Sophia told me exactly where to stand and take the shot.
Jack — Thanks.
Psychotoddler — Thanks. It is Sarah Rifka. Her mother’s name is Fanya. I don’t know her Hebrew name. And I still want you on this site soon as a guest, so we can all grill you with questions about medical care.
Neil, I am SO sorry y’all are going through this. Will keep you both in prayers, thoughts, send good karma, and everything else.
So sorry to read about this damn thing. Hope all will be well in the end. In the meantime, you are both in my thoughts.
sofia, i’d sing you goodwill wishes but i don’t think you would care for my wanna-be singer’s voice. most don’t, only when they’ve been drinking one too many drinks.
sending both of you good thoughts, prayers and positive vibes your way.
Oh Neil I’m so sorry to hear about Sophia. I will keep you both in my prayers.
Sophia: On May 1st, Lily of the Valley flowers are sold on the streets of France & Belgium as part of the May Day celebration. Friends & family give each other Lily of the Valley flowers as they are believed to bring good luck throughout the year. So tomorrow I’ll purchase a bunch in your name in hopes that it will bring you lots of luck & hope. Hang in there.
I send my good thoughts your way.
Illness and disease has met its match in Sophia. I have complete confidence in her strength and resiliency.
Oh darlings, this sucks! Lots of love and hugs from England…
Everything will be OK. I know it will.
My maternal grandmother is a two-time survivor of breast cancer. And she is the only living grandparent I have at this point. I think that says a lot. Sophia is just as feisty as my grandmother so I know that even if things are bad, she’ll make it through.
Now I feel inspired for a road trip — to Sebastapol. So that I can send Sophia a present I know she really needs.
I’m thinking about her. I will send her something. Something to cheer her up. I will think about it first and it will be something good. God bless. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sing this to the tune of Happy Birthday and if you do it with jazz hands I am sure it will make her smile
God is blessing you now!
God is blessing you now!
God is blessing you your wonderfuuuul!
God is blessing you now!
I am sending you both lots of love and healing light.
Tex… I can’t wait to try it, but… what are “jazz hands?”
Dear Sophia, I know you’re a tough broad – you have to be to put up with Neil – and you’re going to get past this latest challenge, because you’re strong and amazing! I’m sending you something in the mail, but for now, please know you’re very much in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping you’ll sail through the upcoming surgery and/or treatment with your usual good humour and fighting spirit! Bisous, Tara xo
Man, I’m angry, too. So angry, that I decided to vandalize God’s property to show Him just how pissed off I am about this.
So, like, do you know how hard it is to toilet paper a burning bush?
Sigh. Well, until I can afford more TP, I guess I’ll have to settle for sending you all my best wishes and good hopes, Sophia, for this to turn out as well as possible…because you deserve it.
xo
Syl.
Sophia, I hope that everything turns out well. Sending you positive thoughts from across the ocean and hoping they will do some good.
Neil, still love your writing. Don’t ever stop
Warm wishes to you both,
Angie
Okay, I need the Hebrew name. Sophia bat ? Or Sophia ______bat _____ _______.
Something like that.
Linda, thanks — It is Sarah Rifka. Her mother is Fanya, without a Hebrew name.
At certain times of my life I’ve certainly thought G-d was really pissed off at me or something. It just all seemed to hit the fan at once, and was SO NOT FAIR.
Here’s the good news… after Sophia gets through this, she, (and you,) have a run of great good luck coming.
Best to you both.
Sophia, good luck. I really hope for the best for you. Hugs and lots of it!
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well, I’m late to the party, but I’ll send some good vibes your way. And Neil, I know how hard it is to watch someone you love deal with this, so while I do send prayers and whatnots to Sophia, I’m sending some your way too. Hang in there. All this is manageable.
Sorry Neil, we were out of town until recently. Sorry to hear the bad news. Let us know if you need anything.
Hey Neil:
Sorry to hear the bad news. I hope everything’s okay. We’re no strangers to the C-word around here–my mother’s been battling Stage 4 for about five years now. There are always new treatments–there were three approved in the past year for breast cancer. Hang in there.
Thanks, Anne!
don’t know you… came across this site by accident.
keep fighting and keep good people around you!
i feel the love…