A Funny Jean Story

Many of you may remember my younger sister Jean. Jean is a beautiful, humorous soul who gives the family many instances of laughter. The following took place in the spring of 2006. She is still very much "with us", although the transplant has not taken place. One has to be cancer-free for five years in order to be considered for one. I hope you enjoy this. She would be laughing with you if she were present!

A FUNNY JEAN STORY

My sister Jean recently underwent extensive medical testing to see if she were healthy enough for a lung transplant. She told a story on herself that had me laughing so hard I nearly fell out of my chair. The story goes like this:

Jean had visited a medical professional building for a variety of tests. She had just had blood and sputum (she said she had never heard spit called this before) samples taken and she was directed to the next office where two pulmonary technicians were awaiting her. She went in and said to them, "Well, I've just had a blood test and a scrotum test, now what are you going to do?" The two technicians burst out laughing. After explaining to her what she had said and what it meant, they all had a big laugh and were in good spirits while they conducted the scheduled breathing tests. As she was leaving, Jean, in her inimitable fashion, turned to them and said, "I guess you will always remember me as the sperm lady!" Whereupon, the technicians lost it again!

Later she repeated the story at the beauty salon she goes to, getting the words mixed up again, as Jean often does. Her "nail lady", recognizing a good story, rehearsed Jean over and over on the word "sputum" so she could properly tell her story! 

Unfortunately – or as it turns out, fortunately, one of her tests was a long overdue mammogram. It detected a lump in her breast which has indefinitely postponed consideration for a lung transplant.

Jean called me to tell me that the biopsy showed the lump was malignant and they were going to operate. I asked her if they would have to do a mastectomy. She replied, “Oh, no, the doctor said they definitely weren’t going to do a vasectomy!” No matter how serious the occasion, I could not help laughing at her. When I told her what she said, we both roared. 

Suddenly, she whispered, “You don’t suppose I’m a man inside trying to get out, do you??” 

Gotta love her!

A side note. Jean has since had a lumpectomy and the doctors felt certain they removed the entire malignancy. She did not have to have chemotherapy or radiation. She’s doing quite well, and is very philosophical about the whole experience. She went for the lung transplant series of tests against her better judgment. She really was frightened of the transplant and not sure she wanted one. Now she believes the whole purpose of this experience was to discover the lump in her breast. 

God works in mysterious ways indeed.

Marilyn

2006