My dear friend, Lisa, was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I can honestly say that the news of her illness took my breath way. I couldn’t believe we were standing in my living room talking about breast cancer again — just two years after my own treatment! I think I was in shock for a few days because I was unable to sleep or wrap my head around her words. Lisa’s sudden announcement triggered feelings and thoughts that were buried way down deep inside – and with those three little words I have Cancer, it all came flooding back. Questions starting popping into my head. What’s going to happen? How did this happen? Is my friend going to be ok? These may be standard questions for most, BUT I know this stuff – I know the answers to these questions! So, yes, I do have a general idea of how and why this happened, I get what’s going to happen next (treatment wise) AND I know my friend will be ok. Breathe Cathy, breathe.
I’ve come to realize that it is almost easier to be the one going through a health crisis than the ones who are watching it happen. Now, here I am, face to face with the same disease that rocked my family’s world … watching, in slow motion, as it takes it’s toll on another sweet, undeserving family. Ugh.
Lisa begins chemo today. Six rounds, one every three weeks – yep, I know the drill.
Rather than dwelling on my past, it’s important for me to focus on Lisa (you think?) and her future. Whenever I get in a tizzy about things, I think of the line from the movie Moonstruck – when Cher tells Nicolas Cage to SNAP OUT OF IT! So, I am officially snapping out it and moving forward. The lasagna is in the oven as I type and cookies will be baked this afternoon.
Lisa has coped really well with her new challenge and has even given me a great new website to share. MyLifeLine.org is a nonprofit organization that empowers cancer patients and caregivers to feel connected and inspired during the cancer treatment process. Through a free, convenient, personal website, cancer patients, and caregivers can organize their own online community of family and friends. When you share information (once) on your own terms through your personal website, you reserve more energy for healing and recovery. Research shows the outpouring of support will lift the spirits and impact the healing process of all people touched by cancer. FREE, personal websites for cancer patients, survivors and loved ones!
I’ve gone on this website and successfully (if you knew me you would think this is funny) signed up to bring Lisa’s family dinner tonight. I received a reminder email too – fantastic. LOVE the easy to navigate categories like Updates, Inspiring Messages, Learning Links, and Helping Calendar. A great website at a time when people need help most … MyLifeLine.org
