Becca here. I'm going to leave most of the blogging to John, since he's doing such a fantastic job. I just wanted to drop by and say a huge thank you to everyone from the bottom of my heart.
I have been overwhelmed, amazed, and honored by all the love, support, encouragement, and help my family and friends have showered upon me. I tried to think of everything I'm thankful for. There's a lot, so I'm sure I've forgotten something...but here goes.
*******
E-mails, phone calls, cards, notes, and letters
Visits...coffee at Blue Moon, lunch at Noon Hill, drinks at Zebra's. A crazy drive from Rochester in a blizzard for a 6 hour visit. A dinner party at our house that went on, keeping our kids and my mom very well fed and entertained, despite the fact that we couldn't make it.
Kid watching, wrangling, and feeding -- of both the pre-planned and last-minute/panicked/emergency variety
Books! Cook books, book books, and magazines to keep me entertained, distracted, and inspired. Journals to help me remember.
Food! Healthy treats, sinful sweets, and everything in between. Care packages...lasagna in the ER...chocolate in the hospital room...pots of soup and stew and pasta (and all this before the official 'culinary coordination,' which is about to begin...)
Support, help, and an amazing amount of flexibility from my work colleagues, both near and far
Gorgeous flowers
Dropping all plans to meet me at the hospital...or drive me to the hospital...at a moment's notice
Advice, wisdom, inspiration, humor, and unwavering support from the way-too-many breast cancer survivors I know
My amazing team of doctors and nurses. My amazing team of doctor friends who help translate my pathology reports, make sure I'm being well cared-for, and talk me in from the ledge.
A million 'last hurrah' parties the week before chemo started
Support for John and the kids, for whom I really think this will be tougher than it will be for me
*******
My primary care doc said this is my mountain. I didn't ask to have to climb it, but there it is. I have to climb it, and I will. It will be a tough climb, but I'll make it.
It's as if I'm standing here with all of Mt. Everest before me. I've only taken the first few steps. But I'm not alone -- all of you are there -- you've flown to Nepal with me, and have set up the most awesome base camp, with goodies and fun things to do and lots of cool flags flying. And I have a feeling I'll have more than a few sherpas helping carry my bags to the summit.
So, thanks to all of you, for everything. I feel so very lucky -- I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for.
Friday, January 9, 2009
2 comments:
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Hi, guys.
ReplyDeleteI came across this e-mail just as I was headed to bed, and I couldn't stop until I read it all.
I'm stunned by this news, and lifted by the totally positive, head-on way that you're approaching it. Pointy boots, indeed! Go at it.
My mom's a breast cancer survivor, and this tale brings back all the vocabulary and schedules, conditional and unconditional decisions, and complex emotions that went with it. I feel for you all.
Hang in there - live as large as you can during this time, and celebrate small victories. Take care of each other. Sleep, wear pink, eat chocolate, shave your heads. Hair grows back. With the right drugs, cancer doesn't.
Much love, Ed Barker
Bless you, Becca – what a wonderful message! and great images. We are glad to be part of your base camp, and will be steadfast sherpas. Love from John and Pokey
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