Pink Ribbons In Qatar

So, while it's true that cancer doesn't discriminate between races or nations, neither does compassion. I attended a cancer support group this evening where a group of about a dozen women (and one man) gathered together at a villa club house for a workshop on empowerment. Those present included several Indian women, two Americans, two British women, several Middle Eastern women, although two were married to Americans and had American citizenship. Everyone was friendly and kind, and the host was especially charming. Paul drove me to and from the meeting, and took Mia to the excitng Villagio Mall  Amusement Park while I was at the meeting. Apparenly the ambassador's wife is also a member but is currently out of the country.  I did receive an email from her invitiing me to attend (she is the friend of a friend of my next door neighbor). Friendships among expats are created readily, as are those between cancer survivors, so this group had all the elements of immediate bonding and nurturing. We will meet once a month.

And, I also found my way to the oncology hospital through a maze of red tape and miscommunication (and Paul's help!) where I met with a doctor. The hospital is very new and clean and efficiently run. Men and women are of course separated in each area (separate waiting lines, waiting rooms, etc...) and when I was examined by the male doctor, two female nurses were in the room. Everyone was very gentle, respectful, and noninvasive. Mia came with me and was given a lot of attention by the staff. (The nurse read a book with her during my examination.) I feel more secure having made contact with a doctor. I am going to begin physical therapy for the lymphedema I have in my left arm.  The physical therapist is Arabic, from Lebanon.  She speaks Engklish, Arabic, and French.(I observed this.) Unlike most Muslim women in Qatar, she does not wear a black veil. Rather, she wore a blue head scarf. The facility is very modern, although not as "exciting" as Midwest Orthopedics in Westchester where I received physicasl therapy for my knee.