I was the honor survivor again this year and gave my speech. Here is my speech. I hope you enjoy.
I was first diagnosed with melanoma on my left calf muscle 15 years ago. I was very lucky to have surgery and then go on living my life as a normal invincible 21 year old. Then 14 years later I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, this time I was still very lucky given a 95 % cure rate. When I was first diagnosed a friend told me God only gives you what you can handle and you have the strength to handle this. I also think that a positive attitude and being a little stubborn helped in my treatments.
When I first found out I that I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, my sister took it upon herself to go to the doctor with me. I really think it’s because my doctor is very entertaining. When I was in chemo someone always went with me, my parents, my sister, or one of my friends.
Before my first treatment while in the waiting room at the Cancer Center I saw Julie Benson a swimming mom in for treatment. It’s amazing how much one person's presence can help calm someone. Julie also gave me words of wisdom from her experience. I'm amazed with all the words of encouragement, and generosity people have shown. I must say this wasn’t easy but it's a lot easier with the support that others gave me.
During a pre shaving hair cut, I was in the hairstylist chair telling her I wasn’t going to spend my money on a wig. I was going to be a hat and big earring girl (thanks to a cousin for the earring collection) when I lost my hair. She told me to call the Cancer Society and I could get a wig from them. It was fun trying on different wigs and trying to figure out my new look. I also took the Look Good, Feel Better class which was so much fun. Not only getting tons of new make up but also being with women who had gone through different cancers and were in different stages of cancer treatment.
I also took advantage of the Neighbor to Neighbor program at Unity Hospital. I was able to get massages, healing touch. Pilate’s from Pilates on the Porch by far my favorite. I wasn’t able to do much for exercise during my treatment so that made me feel like I was doing something.
Other then some respiratory problems I didn’t have any major problems with my chemo or radiation. On November 20, 2009 I was told I was lymphoma free and I could get my life back to normal. It’s a new normal I can’t do 100 things on one day but I can still do a lot of things with a nap in the mix. I also had all exercise restrictions removed. I will say my dad wasn’t overly impressed with the doctor the day he said I could start running with no limits. I’m not back to where I was physically but I’m getting there in time. I had a goal of running a half marathon last October and another one this fall. I have been lucky to run with my dad, sister or a friend. They are super good to me and don’t let me go run by myself and are helping me reach my goals.
After the opening ceremonies, they started the laps for the relay. The first lap is the survivor lap, followed by the caregiver lap and then the team lap.
The second lap caregivers where added. My sister is right behind me and my parents are in the white shirts.
Daryl (my dad), Dena (my sister), myself, Carol (my mom), and Tom Mathews (a family friend)
Our team lap Gabe's CrewTom Mathews, and my dad are carrying the banner. The team consisted of Daryl and Carol, Dena and Chris Bucksa, Tom Mathews, Steve and Kathy Feeny, and Rick and Cindy Scheevel. Thank you to Tricia and Judy for coming to support me during my speech. Thanks to Jenny Hines for coming and singing the National Anthem. Thanks to Bryan, Jessica, and Kennandi for coming and walking with us later in the evening.
Thank you to Monica Mathews for the art work for the banner and Jenny Giese from RPM graphics for making the banner.
Chris and Dena before one of the theme laps later in the night.Relay will be the same weekend next year.
Anna
