Three Years

I have been ruminating on “three years” since last Friday. Such a short and long measure of time, yet a tremendously life altering distance.

As memorialized on my passport, February 26, 2018 was the date I drove to Detroit to renew my passport. I had a trip planned to Cambodia and Vietnam with my son Mike only a few weeks away and my passport was expiring. It was on that date I went to my Urgent Care facility because of a pain on my side that wouldn’t go away during that six-hour drive. Good thing we planned that trip, good thing my passport was expiring. Otherwise, I would have never gone to the doctor.

As you know, that pain ended up being two Ovarian cysts the size of grapefruits. The cysts were cancerous, thus starting a new journey in my life (not quite the one I had planned!)

It has been quite a winding path with hills, valleys and streams to be crossed. I could not have traveled this path without the support of my family and friends. The other day, I was attempting to hike part of the Buckeye Trail to a beautiful waterfall. But, the trail was steep and covered in ice. I made it a few yards, but turned back knowing how easily I could slip on the ice and fall down the cliff. This journey was best traveled with a companion. A perfect analogy of life!

There have been tough times - Exorcist style vomiting on my nurses for days following surgery is something I will never forget, and I am sure they will not either! But, I also had good times. I was able to go on the trip to Cambodia and Vietnam (between chemo treatments.) It was a once in a lifetime experience, seeing Anchor Wat at sunrise and sunset, cruising Ha Long Bay and all the other adventures in between.

I continued to work during and after chemo. My boss, Lois Riemer is an inspiration of strength and resiliency as she went through her own cancer journey years prior. My clients and co-workers were such a source of joy and encouragement. However, I needed time to reset and felt a tug in the cancer advocacy world.

I became involved with OCRA Survivors Teaching Students program. We go into medical schools to tell our stories of diagnosis and treatment. To educate on the signs and symptoms of a cancer that whispers. This group of women is such a blessing in my life.

In November 2019 I got involved in A Fresh Chapter and participated in their program in Peru with other cancer survivors. Volunteering in a Lima children’s cancer ward was the highlight of my time in Peru - I fell in love with the children.

My check-up in December showed cancer had metastasized to my colon and another round of chemo was needed. I had an allergic reaction after three treatments and ended up in the hospital every three weeks for chemo. This was at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. I so appreciated the kindness of the staff in the cancer ward. They were absolutely wonderful as no visitors were allowed.

The chemo didn’t zap the cancer, but shrunk it in half. I am currently on an oral therapy, a PARP inhibitor. I’m able to manage the side effects – just don’t bring anything smelly into my house!! My joy is spending time in nature and I get out as often as I can. I love the sights, sounds, smells and feeling of being in the woods.

Recently I started mentoring other ovarian cancer patients through a program called 4th Angel. This has been a growing experience for me, a little scary at first as I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. But I am so thankful that I can encourage others and share helpful tidbits on navigating cancer and treatment.

My husband has been by my side supporting me through this journey. The ups and downs creating upheaval in our lives. Honestly, I don’t know how he puts up with me! I’m a bit of a germaphobe with COVID – hopefully we will be eligible for the vaccine shortly.

My kids have been so helpful and caring. We were able to travel to South Korea for Mike’s wedding the Spring of 2019 - such a joyful occasion! He and his wife, Sangah, moved to Ohio that Fall. Gina visits when she can and we video chat often. (She moved from Los Angeles to London and back to Los Angeles during those three years!)

I continue to keep in contact with so many friends via email, calls, texts, Facebook, and LinkedIn. We span what I consider lifetimes from high school, Hawaii days, family, work friends and clients, advocacy groups, and hiking friends AKA my tribe! These friendships enrich and strengthen my life in so many ways.

So, now you understand why “three years” is such a unique measure of time. So many changes, so many challenges, so many blessings. I am grateful to have shared them with you and look forward to more adventures in the coming years.

What lies behind us

and what lies before us

are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

....Henry S. Haskins