Those who know me, know that I more than enjoy the occasional 18 hole round. Every time I play, my partners routinely ask about Holly and how things are going. One of the tough things about cancer is that I don’t have a lot to relate to that I can share. Most people have no idea. Holly’s post the other week about it being hungover for 11 months was a good analogy.
Recently, the amazing Kate Thaxton had a really good post about why cancer to her is like putting.
It is amazing how the little victories have become so important. It is probably more important to recognize how these little battles lead up to winning the war.
This morning, Holly and I were talking about the days that she was home from the hospital after her surgery. She was down 25 pounds and needed to be held up to take a shower. Today, taking a shower is no problem. The battle is having the energy to make it through the day. In a few months, the battle will be to get her strength back to pre-diagnosis levels. A few months after that, hopefully, it will be higher still.
Sadly, the war never ends. The battles subside for a little while. There will hopefully be a nice peace accord that culminates every few months with a routine check-up. No dirty fighting during the truce, but we will forever be in a war.
Like any war, though, you have to appreciate the small victories to truly appreciate the overall war. You also have to do the occasional happy dance.
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Tags: chemotherapy, golf
To win a war you have to have good strong soldiers and you two are the strongest cancer soldiers I know. Everyday is Thanksgiving when I think of your family…lots of love and hugs, MOM
You don’t know me, but my niece, Julie, is one of Holly’s very (very VERY) close friends. As you may have guessed, Julie shared Holly’s story with me when I saw her a few weeks ago (despite the heartbreaking circumstances, it was such a gift to be allowed to spend time with both Julie and her amazing husband, Mike)… and I was so moved I wanted to check up on Holly’s progress. There are no words to express how much I admire the way you — and your friends — have banded together in order to support Holly in all ways that are both meaningful and effective. From all I know, and from what I see, if anyone can emerge victorious from this battle, it’s your lovely wife.
Anyway, I just wanted to send you all a few virtual hugs and let you know that Holly’s story and amazing spirit have touched folks from near AND far (in my case, all the way out in Connecticut).
Remember: “Life is a Journey, NOT a destination”… may the Journey you’re on with Holly be endless and filled with abundant joy!
PS: The “Happy Dance” is a Very Good Thing — here’s hoping you guys find a reason to do some variation of it each and every day! : )