Stayin’ Alive; Stayin’ Alive

Living a life with cancer.

I’m okay!

I think people believe I’m already in bed on the brink of death. So not true. I probably look healthier than I have in the last 6-8 months on chemo!  I walk 2-3 miles most days – today I walked 4½ miles. Also, I can finally ride my bike about 10 miles again! I enjoy almost a full glass of wine whenever I want.  So, do not worry about me, just yet.  

I am writing this from Door County, my own heaven on earth. I stopped by the National Shrine Our Lady of Good Help on the way to Door. According to their website “the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared there to Adele Brise in 1859. It is a humble, quiet place of refuge, noble in simplicity…” It is my refuge; my place for prayer, mindfulness and simplicity.

As I decided that it was time to enjoy my life with “feeling well time”, I am focusing on my simple lifestyle, my synergy as I call it. I try to eat well, sleep good hours, continue my exercising everyday, believe in the healing power of people, space in the outdoors, my beliefs in God and positivity. 

Being on chemo won’t change the outcome, but it will make my present life unbelievably hard. So, I am forging forward living. I’m awaiting the joy in the birth of my first grandchild, a girl, in July!  My adoring dog, Riley just arrived on my doorstep April 30th. Who knew in one’s time of need, a little angel would appear who needs loving too. She lived next door, but was so shy I hardly knew her. When her own loving owner, Pastor Tim suddenly passed on, Riley needed a home and we needed her. My spunky new best friend has been a great adventure.

The doctor can’t predict how long I have to live, so I decided I will be here for at least a year. It’s like one of those curiosity questions people ask… if you knew you only had a year to live, what would you do?  My answer: just what I’m doing. I’ve lived a life I’ve loved (most of the time). Sometimes I’m just fine with this and other times I am sad and sometimes angry. I worry more about the people who love me. 

Overall I’m okay.

Now, this writing begs the question for you……  if you only had one year to live, are you already living a life you love?