Before our 14 mile run--could not have done this one without Kay.
A few months ago (see 8/25/12 blog) I shared with you that one of my good friends and consistent running buddies was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer--no symptoms to warn her, it was just found with her routine 50 year-old colonoscopy exam. On the day that she shared her horrible news with me, I was not the picture of strength that I would have hoped I could have been. I just looked at her and burst into tears and could not stop. At the time I warned her that I would do everything I could to support her, but that she might see a few more tears shed along the way. It wasn't that I had any doubt she could beat this thing...I just felt so helpless.
I know this blog doesn't really seem to have anything to do with my journey from flabby to flabulous, but I feel I have learned a few things since August that I would like to share with you. That feeling of helplessness has gone and this chick has gone into fight mode.
First, we all worked on creating a sense of normalcy for Kay. We continued to run together throughout her treatment, so she had something to look forward to. We also made sure to not dwell on her fight, but we also didn't ignore it and pretend she wasn't up for the fight of her life. We had an understanding--we would ask her how things were going, and if she wanted to talk, we were there to listen. If she wasn't up for gabbing, at least she would know we were concerned and thinking about her. Fortunately, she kept her spirits up throughout the process, and we all learned a lot about what it takes to fight this disease.
I also learned that it was important to let Kay know on a regular basis how much she was loved and appreciated. We all made sure to send emails, cards, and leave messages to remind her that she was never far from our thoughts. I have learned over the last few years that life can fly by if we allow ourselves to get caught up in the busyness. We need to stop to live in the moment and take time to touch base with those we love. I know that Kay appreciated this, and in turn it forced me to slow down and not let work and triathlon training completely take over my life.
Finally it helps to have something to focus on besides her cancer fight. The harder my swimming, biking, and running got, the more Kay would send me supportive messages and push me on our weekly training. One thing I have learned about Kay is that this girl is a fighter. Throughout her five weeks of radiation and chemo medication treatment, she hardly missed our Tuesday/Thursday early morning runs. Even yesterday, four days before her big cancer surgery, she ran 12 of my 14 miles with me so I wouldn't be by myself. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I am so thankful to have her behind me.
So now to the true reason I felt compelled to write this blog about Kay this week. I need the help of all my friends and family. On Wednesday Kay goes in for major surgery and I need a flood of prayers, good wishes, and love to be sent her way. My biggest hope is that when the surgeons go in, they find that the cancer has retreated. So please join me in sending our best wishes to Kay this week for a safe surgery, for good news to come from their observations, and for a speedy recovery. We love you Kay and we can't wait until you are back on the road with us!
I know this blog doesn't really seem to have anything to do with my journey from flabby to flabulous, but I feel I have learned a few things since August that I would like to share with you. That feeling of helplessness has gone and this chick has gone into fight mode.
First, we all worked on creating a sense of normalcy for Kay. We continued to run together throughout her treatment, so she had something to look forward to. We also made sure to not dwell on her fight, but we also didn't ignore it and pretend she wasn't up for the fight of her life. We had an understanding--we would ask her how things were going, and if she wanted to talk, we were there to listen. If she wasn't up for gabbing, at least she would know we were concerned and thinking about her. Fortunately, she kept her spirits up throughout the process, and we all learned a lot about what it takes to fight this disease.
I also learned that it was important to let Kay know on a regular basis how much she was loved and appreciated. We all made sure to send emails, cards, and leave messages to remind her that she was never far from our thoughts. I have learned over the last few years that life can fly by if we allow ourselves to get caught up in the busyness. We need to stop to live in the moment and take time to touch base with those we love. I know that Kay appreciated this, and in turn it forced me to slow down and not let work and triathlon training completely take over my life.
Finally it helps to have something to focus on besides her cancer fight. The harder my swimming, biking, and running got, the more Kay would send me supportive messages and push me on our weekly training. One thing I have learned about Kay is that this girl is a fighter. Throughout her five weeks of radiation and chemo medication treatment, she hardly missed our Tuesday/Thursday early morning runs. Even yesterday, four days before her big cancer surgery, she ran 12 of my 14 miles with me so I wouldn't be by myself. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I am so thankful to have her behind me.
So now to the true reason I felt compelled to write this blog about Kay this week. I need the help of all my friends and family. On Wednesday Kay goes in for major surgery and I need a flood of prayers, good wishes, and love to be sent her way. My biggest hope is that when the surgeons go in, they find that the cancer has retreated. So please join me in sending our best wishes to Kay this week for a safe surgery, for good news to come from their observations, and for a speedy recovery. We love you Kay and we can't wait until you are back on the road with us!
Early morning hill runs with my running buddies--Love you Kay!
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