Through this blog, I will be sharing my journal entries, which began in 2009 when I received my initial diagnosis. Journaling was a way for me to put all of my thoughts and emotions in writing. This served as an amazing coping tool and also offered a means to provide updates to family and friends. It allowed others to grasp my approach on how I wanted to handle things and what I needed from them. At that time, I was participating in sprint triathlons and half-marathon relays, so I set my mind on how I prepared for these events, so I didn’t get lost in the overwhelming concept that I had cancer.
October 2009
Now that I no longer have restrictions from my biopsy, I decided to go for a run to clear my head and put things in perspective. As I ran, I decided I am going to tackle this journey of breast cancer like my triathlons and marathon relays. I have to take each part of the event and train for it (get educated). If I concentrate on the whole distance or worry about a leg cramp (let’s not even go there), it can be overwhelming. It’s good to know what to do (have the information ready if needed) but I need to pace myself, or it will affect my performance for the rest of the race. One event at a time ... breathe ... one appointment at a time ... breathe ....
I need to ask people who have completed these events (breast cancer survivors) what strategies worked for them to prepare. I need to surround myself with people who believe I will complete the race (kick breast cancer’s ass). Anyone who doubts my ability (thinks the worst case scenario and comes to me in tears to tell me of everyone they know who died of breast cancer) will need to watch from the sidelines, because they can slow my pace. I don’t mean to be disrespectful when I say that, I simply can’t be thrown off-course. This is an important race!
At this point, I’m not sure which event I am signing up for, but I may need to stop often to refuel (cocktails, laughter and prayer). Be ready for the call! Or I may need to run by myself for a while to focus. I will keep you posted.
My finish line is sure to have a tearful release of jubilated completion, so be sure to meet me there…. Better yet, run with me, it’s a beautiful day!
Share Your Thoughts
What approach to fighting cancer did you take? How did you prepare or "train" for treatment? Share your comments below.
