Hello Everyone:
Well here we are on the last day of February 2011. It’s amazing how quickly time sometimes passes. Last Wednesday, February 23rd, I had my last chemo session and rang the bell aptly named, the “Bravery Bell” as I walked out. Thank you to those who came to cheer me on and be there as I completed the most taxing and crucial step in my journey. I have to share that I was so excited the night before the treatment. Almost giddy….when I thought of the moment of the bell ringing and my friends and family around me, it always brought tears to my eyes. Couldn’t believe the day was coming and so close at hand. Hardly imaginable back last November when the treatments started! Then the moment came, and I rang the bell proudly with my blond wig – it was a bit of a shock to everyone who showed up as I did not disclose the hairstyle choice beforehand. I got a few ‘second glances’ – guess to make sure that it was me under that hair! A man in the next corner told me I looked and sounded like “Hannah Montana” (loud and obnoxious?!). I thanked all those who were there, especially the nurses and told them that I hoped not to see them again under these circumstances! However, the last laugh was on me, as I realized after we left that I had left behind my “neulasta” (immune drug shot that I needed the next day), and had to go back to get it! When I walked back, my nurse Sharon brought out my neulasta right away as she “heard” me. What can I say, I wore a pair of leopard print Manolo Blahnik stilettos with my jeans to chemo that day. Leaving my mother and others shaking their heads – – and saying, “WHO does that?!”.
This last treatment has taken its toll on me. I know it’s the cancer trying to last and linger as the chemo, my body, my mind and spirit keep the fight on to make it weaker and get rid of it. And, of course, all of you who have kept right there with me every step of the way and more so recently in some darker days. It is in knowing that your positive thoughts and prayers are with me that helps me get through some days with just a little cry and then I can smile and soldier on. It’s amazing.
Talking, speaking and seeing others who are in similar circumstances, I am humbled and know how wonderfully blessed and cared for I am in my life.
In June, I have been asked to model and speak at a fund-raiser being put on by a nutritionist at the Women’s Fitness Club of Canada. Maybe some of you will want to come – I am going to fund-raise for them as well – they are raising funds for Women’s cancer and the Wig Salon at PMH. I want to do what I can to help inspire people and create awareness. To pass on my good fortune and blessings to others. Pay it Forward.
Next step: surgery. That will happen in the next month or so. Going to need some more mental preparation for that. But, after chemo, how bad could it be?!
Hugs, Love, Laughs, Tears and a few Fears (left to face),
your warrior, Winnie xo