I had planned to continue the story but decided that I wanted to give a shout out to all of the Warrior Women in my life. Cancer can be a lonely place and I have built quite a support system to help me out.
The Warrior Women title came from a close friend of the family. When I went public with what I had going on, she shared her recent melanoma story with me. She also called us 'Warrior Women' because we fight on tirelessly and don't let things destroy us. (we also wonder how our parents put up with us!) She has been a tremendous source of support. The name has been kicking around for months and I recently got a nice gift and card from her family once again reminding me that we are Warrior Women.
My friend Edith is also a Warrior Woman. She's been through a lot and I know I can call her at any point and she'll set my ass back on the warrior path. She has also had many conversations informing my cancer that it is not welcome and better find somewhere else to go because it is not going to take me over. I like that about her-she takes no crap and tells it like it is.
My Reiki friend is also one of my warriors. She helped me to realize I need to get my head on straight (Who knew it was sideways all this time and why didn't anyone tell me). We also have a very powerful shared experience that sold me on this alternative stuff. I didn't tell her where my mole was located. When she got to the spot, my mole felt ON FIRE to the point I almost asked her to stop. She told me that her hands were ICE COLD. Huh. I plan to have her come back soon to see where my head is located now.
My friend who is an oncology nurse has been another one of my warriors. She has been a great source of 'inside information' and has really helped me to stay the course as a warrior. She's quick with a hug and a smile and always has some great advice. She is also a cancer survivor and I was so beyond honored that she walked for ME at the Relay for Life. I still get warrior tears when I think about it. Next year I'll be joining Relay as a warrior survivor and I can't wait.
My sister-another warrior. She has been able to handle so much with such grace and strength the last few years. She has been a great source of support when I am having a tough time. The other day she sent me a text about how she is pretty sure I am tired of all of this by now. Yes, yes I was, but I need to keep going. She at least gave me the opportunity to acknowledge that I am tired of some of this stuff but I also have to make peace with it and deal while living life.
Another Warrior Woman-my Weight Watchers leader/part mermaid. She started the Optimism Project. I was tired of the negative life and many other people were as well so the Optimism Project was born. She has helped to keep this warrior optimistic in so many ways. I was so excited to have my surgery because of the optimism. No nerves, just let's get this done! Same thing with the clinical trial. I signed the paperwork ON MY BIRTHDAY-what better gift to give myself than the chance to kick cancer to the curb and get my life back on track. The nurse was so excited she was hugging me because of my attitude. My oncologist is so impressed with my positive attitude that she's glad I'm part of the trial-attitude is everything. My oncology nurse said to me on Monday that I'm always thinking but never upset or nervous, just asking factual questions and processing info. I'm always upbeat and energetic and she likes that about me. It is far better to be an optimistic warrior than a negative one. The armor of optimism was a great gift from the mermaid.
There are dozens of other Warrior Women out there who have helped. Thank you to all of them! I would not have gotten this far without the warriors. Oh, and men, you are not forgotten either, but this is a chick entry today.
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