August 5, 2004
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Life Lessons…
Yesterday I learned that one of my co-workers has cancer that has spread across the right side of her brain. She didn’t say anything, but she had a doctors appointment in the morning and when she returned…well, it was obvious that she wasn’t her self.
She had gone in for chemo & radiation treatment…so her eyes said it all…along with the discoloration of her skin. She has a history of brain cancer and it had been in remission for a few years now…but a couple of weeks ago she learned that it had returned. I took one look at her yesterday and just knew. I’ve had many friends that have died from cancer and I know that look they all get right after treatment. It’s awful.
You’d think that she’d be emotional about this whole ordeal (hell, I would)…but you know what she said to me? She looked right at me, smiled and said, “It’s okay…it’ll go back into remission. I only have 4 more treatments left and then I’m done.”
One thing about her is that she has a contagious personality. She is always in a good mood and being around her will uplift anyone’s spirit. She’s one of the happiest people that I know…and she’s genuine. No pretending…no putting on a show, with her it’s the real deal. That’s what I like most about her!
I know for a fact that if I were in her place, there’s no way that I could have the same attitude towards it all. But not her…no way, she’s facing this with a complete positive attitude. A “conquer them all” attitude that is not only commendable…but entirely honorable.
I’m in awe of her in that regard…the ability to look death in the face and say, “you know what…you just aren’t going to win!”…in other words
Yes…she is truly remarkable and so are all of those who do the same every day.
Comments (16)
I am also in awe of people who can take that stand against what is happening to them… but then I think, I truly have no idea what I would do, unless it was happening to me… I could only hope to accept it with grace
I’ll keep your coworker in my prayers.
that’s terrible….hopefully the chemo will help, hoping all the best for your friend.
I could never be that strong…
I’m sorry to hear that though…
That is extremely sad, workign at the hospital I see so many sick people especially cancer patients and transplatn patients, and I just can’t imagine being in their situation, it makes me be thankful every day for my health. Then I had a co worker lose both of her parents in a car accident the other night, and she was 20 I believe, I just can’t believe it.
Atleast she is keeping apositive attitude though, it woudl be hard
Wow. she is really one amazing person. I hope that if something bad should happen to me I have 1/2 of the hope she is showing.
She is a remarkable lady , I wish her the best and will think about her
wow that’s something.i’m really impressed that she has so much strenght. i’ll keep her in my thoughts too.
Thank you for the reminder. It seems that so often when we are feeling good, we take it for granted … don’t even give it a second thought. I’m amazed at the strength people have to face adversity. I think about people who are ill or people who live in wartorn countries or refugee camps, and I am in awe of the strength and resiliency of the human spirit in times of strife. Maybe we are all much stronger than we think we are, but the strength doesn’t truly show itself until a time of trial. Your friend is an inspiration.
What bravery and what spirit. The spirit wins over death so many times. I had a friend that lived for 10 years after she was told she had months. It was her kind and beautiful spirit
id be a mess
A positive attitude will carry her a long way toward a normal life. My hubby has been battleing with medications for essential tremons. I’m beginning th think that the cure is worse that the illness. But he is trying really hard to keep his spirits up.
I hope she makes it. With that much spirit she deseves to win.
that is an amazing resolve not to let the cancer beat her.
I live in fear of re-occurances of previous ailments.
I don’t know how people handle it…
I don’t know HOW I’d handle it– when just thinking about it sometimes makes me all, angst-sy.
I hope your friend goes into remission. she sounds like a wonderful person.
wow.
People say I’ve been given a bad break, but as I stand here today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.
remember that?
love you!