Perfect Timing
Yesterday morning, I woke up to painfully throbbing fingertips and eyes so puffy it looked like I had been crying the previous night. The reason? Water retention – from the pre-chemo steroid or Taxol or fake PMS or maybe all three. I tried sweating out the fluid with a long walk Sunday morning. I followed up the walk with a whole day devoted to drinking lots of water. I tried drinking a Diet Coke to see if its diuretic properties could provide some relief. I walked again in the evening and even ate a lot of watermelon. Unfortunately, all my efforts proved futile.
My “new” body is uncomfortable – the throbbing fingers, the hair loss, the weight gain, the hot flashes, the itchy, spotted, dry skin on my head and face, the overloaded brain that’s trying to cope – all cruddy, cancer, side effect, yuck stuff.
And then just when I was well into day two of “I’m so over cancer/chemo”, along came a package for me at work. I opened it up to find a scarf and a note from a friend who’s been in remission for a year - “Hang in there! I have never enjoyed my life more than after the chemo!”
How's that for perfect timing?! In a two sentences, I felt validated ("Yes, this is a tough thing to go through; I know.") and encouraged ("Believe me; your life will mean more than you ever imagined once you're through this.")
I will make my way through this! Love, Lisa
-MESSAGES-
You always astonish me You always amaze me with your candor, wit, and spirit. Indeed you make us all value life because of your vivacity, Your energy sustains more people than you may realize. With thanks, P.
Hey Mena! Were your ears burning today? I was at a meeting at Arnold and the topic of organizing my office came up. I won't bore you with the story...but if your ears were burning, it wasn't the taxol! I was so touched by the gift that you got! You have no idea how blessed I feel to be surrounded by two strong women that face adversity with dignity, courage and beauty!!!! I just bought a new CD by my new favorite artist, Templeton Thompson. I'll have you listen to it sometime. She has a great song on there about waking up grateful. When I listen to that song it's a real wake up call when I want to whine about trivial things. It sounds so overstated, but you are an inspiration to me!!!! I can tell I'm having a mood swing because I'm getting all teary eyed! Better go! Million hugs! Pause
hi lisa Yes, you will get through this. What perfect time to get such a thoughtful gift. Good luck! -K. D.
Hey Lady We support you 100% and know you are gonna get through this. It was a treat as always getting to see you on Sunday and hope for more visits soon! Love, K.C.
Timing is Everything It’s amazing how one other person can lift your spirits; it’s a validation of self in a way. Of course your treatment is miserable and difficult to deal with but it is what it is. Personally I don't believe that you have to suffer to come out the other end healthy and secure; but right now those are the facts and you are a trouper. Who else would try to walk away the bloat and discomfort? Most of us would take to bed or hide in the corner and wish it to pass.
Your form of will power is unusual; you make it work for you. You aren't denying yourself something, you are meeting it head on. You are truly an exceptional person and we love you follic-ally challenged or not.
FRIENDS What a wonderful friend! Your attitude is amazing. Even though you might have moments of "down" your UPLIFTING reaction to life always comes shining through. My prayers are still with you, Lisa. XOXO
This message isn't really for Lisa - it's for all of Lisa's FRIENDS. FYI - I wanted to let all of you know I attended a school-related meeting with Lisa yesterday for four hours. To ease some of your worries, I'd like to share with you some info that relieved some of mine. 1 - she still looks like Lisa. Just add a hip scarf. She looks GOOD. 2 - she's still at the top of her mental game. She was processing data and information that made my head swirl. 3 - her sense of humor is still tops. She made me laugh and giggle too many times to count. 4 - when you talk to her, you temporarily "forget" what she's going through - she's still the Lisa we know and love. She still asks how YOU're doing; she still does all of her Lisa - like things.
I haven't seen Lisa in a while, and I felt so much better after seeing her. She's such a champ. If you think this is a silly post, you probably have different worries than I had for her. The point is - she's just as amazing as ever, and I wanted all of you to know it.
Respectfully, D. S.
There's still time to join Team Millenbah OK - 60 days til the race for the cure in Houston (October 6th). Team Millenbah has made an awesome showing so far, we are the 5th highest fundraising team of the 341 teams registered! Now I know you’re thinking - Houston - October - Heat - Humidity - Running!!! but you have options, you can walk or even sleep in! So join the team, get your friends and family to support the team and let's make a difference for Lisa and all other breast cancer survivors present and future! Thanks! Mary and Kelly