Round #8, Tues. Feb. 10th
Dear Family and Friends,
I am ready for round #8 on Tuesday, February 10th. I had some tough days this last round and did not feel like myself, but my focus is on the completion of chemotherapy at the end of this month.
About a year ago, I was faced with a very good friend’s illness. We spent a great deal of time talking about healing, getting through a diagnosis and treatment. She asked me how I got through my initial breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in 1998. (As you probably remember, Dave and I were only 32 yeas old, and Kathryn was three years old and Molly six months old. It was very overwhelming…for everyone involved.) I told her that I had to dig deep and tap into courage, even though I didn’t think I had any. At times, it’s hard to believe that one has courage in the face of such adversity, but I have found that no matter what I have faced, there is always courage. I explained to my friend that when things become too overwhelming, I need to allow myself to count on those who love me to help me along. I told her, …“Having courage sometimes means leaning on others when things get to be too much in handling alone….”
Well, those words I shared with her over a year ago have been ringing true since my recurrence in September. I have needed to rely on others when I felt that my courage was not up to par. We all have courage, sometimes we just need that friendly smile of a friend, a hug from a loved one or an email from a neighbor to remind us that we are cared for and loved. (Reminds me of the Cowardly Lion. He always had courage, he just needed his friends to bolster him up!) In knowing that there are people cheering me on from near and far, gives my courage a boost. To this day, my friend reminds me of my quote and recites it back to me during my treatment.
So during round #8, I will think of you and how much I appreciate you letting me “lean on you” to help bolster my COURAGE.
After this round, one more round of chemo to go! I can do this!
Love and good health to you and all you love,
Sue
MANTRAS:
Round One: Believe
Round Two: Family
Round Three: Thankful
Round Four: Friendship
Round Five: Kindness
Round Six: Love
Round Seven: Future
Round Eight: Courage
Projected last day of chemo: Tuesday, February 24th