Good evening all:
It’s been just over a month since my last radiation treatment. I am recovering well and working on getting my strength back. My body is still feeling the effects of the chemo and radiation. Not to mention that I continue to take Tamoxifen (for the next 5 years) – which causes me to have aches, pains and hot flashes……I have resorted to carrying a fan with me everywhere I go. It’s much better, more effective and prettier than using a sheet of paper, magazine or a menu. This ‘ol girl has taken a beating in the last year and then some!
I have started Yoga classes. It is to help with my health and wellness. That, and to “quiet the mind”. I have never taken yoga before and I called the instructor ahead of time to let her know of my situation (being a newbie and a recent cancer survivor). I told her if she mentions a pose in the class that I would have no idea what she would be referring to – I needed visual help. That said, even though I didn’t know anything about yoga poses, breathing techniques etc…..I did manage to find a yoga outfit in my closet. Imagine that! LOL. Lululemon even! In the first 10 minutes – my mind was still wandering and I actually thought, “I feel a little bored – and I’m supposed to quiet my mind for another hour?!”. I got through it – by the time you’re focusing on balance, posture, and breathing I couldn’t think about anything else. I’ve had 2 classes now and am enjoying it. I have to. I signed up for 14 classes and paid up front (yes – before I even did the first one to ‘try’).
On Sunday, October 2nd, I am happy to report that Winnie‘s Warriors had a team in CIBC’s RUN FOR THE CURE. It was a rainy, grey and cold day. My team of 8 was put together fairly last minute. My brother encouraged me to participate in my first run/walk and I am glad that I did. I went to the Survivor’s tent to get a special T-shirt donated by New Balance. It’s quite nice. Dry fit, and of course, pink. They had sizes for everyone. Small to XXL. I thought that was great and thoughtful. I walked up to the volunteer and she asked if I was a survivor. I smiled and said “yes”. However, it still seems a little strange to say it out loud. I asked her if I needed to show her anything – she now smiled and said “no”. I told her all I had to show her were “scars” anyway. Not so pretty. We had a good laugh together. I don’t think they get too many people asking for T-shirts who shouldn’t – – that would be wrong on so many levels. Even if they are nice and free.
After that, for a moment I was on my own, standing in the middle of King’s College Circle. A place I hadn’t been since I graduated from University in 1994. I took in the PEOPLE. What a crowd. The spirit. The comraderie. The laughter. The smiles. The tears. The hugs. The costumes. Quite something. I felt overwhelmed. I could feel my own goosebumps and my own tears welling up. Everyone was there for a reason. A common cause and goal. And, not only was I there for all those other people, my faithful teammates, I was there running for ME. WOW!!
(ok – I power walked…..). As we started – and left the circle, the music was playing, and people were cheering. I was so inspired. I was honoured to be there. I was proud of how far I had come in my journey. The feeling was, in a word, AMAZING. So, I thank my warriors who joined me and especially to Bubba and Naomi who orchestrated. There was a “Wall of Hope” in the middle of the field. People wrote names, messages, and memories. “WINNIE‘s WARRIORS” is also there.
When I finished my race, a volunteer asked me if I was a survivor. I was wearing my pink t-shirt. Again, I said “yes”. She handed me a pink candle. The tag attached said:
“The spirit of the Run lives all year long. When we wake up each day. When we reach out our hands. When we love, laugh and when our hearts fill with hope. Celebrating 25 years of courage, impact and hope. Together we can create a future without breast cancer.”
Let’s hope so.
Next year, there will be a Winnie‘s Warriors Team 2012. I invite you all.
Big hugs,
Winnie xo
Warrior and Survivor.