My 1st Relay for Life as a survivor

This past Friday and Saturday was our local Relay for Life.  It's the 3rd one here in my small town and my second time attending.  But this time I am a cancer survivor and it was so emotional.  My DD and I attended the survivors dinner before the start of the event.  Then we went to the track (we cheated and walked back instead of waiting for the shuttles, we were SO excited) and met up with my DH and DS who joined us for the survivor lap.  Wow, I didn't expect to be so overwhelmed with all the emotion.  I could barely talk as I realized that I will walk that lap each year I am able just to show cancer it does not have me.  There were so many lovely people there and one incredibly feisty lady who told me she is a 33 year survivor of breast cancer.  She said "and you will be too" it just grabbed me so hard to hear that.  I've thought in terms of 10 years being good, 20 years being great and anything beyond that almost too much to hope for.  But she kick started something in me that really needed it.  I have been down in the dumps lately from all of this.  And the weight gain too.  Everything else in my life is good.  So why keep looking for doom and gloom?  I am alive!  I am healthy!  And I have a wonderful family and an awesome God!  So here's to the new phase of this part of my life, re-capturing my life, my essence and my dreams! 

 

On the topic of putting things in persective did anyone watch the show on Discovery about the "Boy whose skin fell off"?  Jonny Sullivan was 36 when he died of skin cancer that was a result of a rare skin disorder that causes the skin to literally fall off when bumped or bruised.  It is a long name I can't remember now but it is called EB.  There is an organization called dEBra that accepts donations for a cure.  It was a sad but poignant portrayal of Jonny's spirit.  He knew how much time he had left and used it to gain exposure to dEBra and also plan his funeral.  If you didn't see it and it is replayed someday watch it, it is a wonderful documentary.

 

Well I have my appointment with the gyn on Friday morning.  I will be discussing the lump and a possible hyster.  Hold my hand and send me a feather or two.  I only tell you now because I don't seem to get on here much with so many things going on.  And possibly right after the dr. we may leave for the weekend to go to the in-laws out of state.  I will post from there if I can but if you don't hear from me I will be back Monday.

 

Love and hugs,

I have done several Relay for Life walks, Mia, and I know what you mean about the emotional side of it. I usually have tears streaming down my face by the time I am around the track. Some years the survivors here walk their lap to Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life." It seems like such an appropriate song with all the luminaries lit with candles. When I was diagnosed in 1996, I had to tell a group of friends in a club to which I belonged. I got the same response you did from the long-term survivor. My friend Charlotte had had a double mast. 33 years earlier. She assured me I would be just fine. And, nine years later, I still am. Sadly, my friend died of something other than cancer. Thanks for sharing your story. Good luck with the gyn appointment and the trip. Hugs, Lauri

I have not participated yet in an event like that, but will.  It was great to read your post, because I was having a bit of a downer week last week and couldn't figure out why.  I've been so positive throughout the whole thing.  I guess what we need is that 'kick' to get us started again.  I sort of had one and I feel better.

Well it's exactly as you hoped cupycake, he couldn't find it!  He did the breast exam and didn't even pause where it had been.  I'll watch that area during my next self exam but I am not worried like I had been.  With the last one the doc felt it right away so I feel much much better now!

I am going to start a new thread with the details about the hyst. and all that.  But in the meantime thanks to all for the prayers!  It worked!

Love and hugs,