Reflections on 3 Days

It's been quite a number of day since my initial breast cancer diagnosis. Some of those days were very difficult and painful. Others were easy physically but emotionally trying. The days that I spent working with the Breast Cancer 3-day were quite enlightening. An important transition occurred for me this past weekend. I am still not sure that I can quite articulate it but I am closer.

I made a transition from patient to survivor this weekend. Up until last week, I viewed myself as a woman with breast cancer. Being among thousands of women this past weekend helped me to rethink how I view myself...One of the questions asked over and over was "Why did you become involved?" When asked this, I started out by saying "I have it." But then I began to think more critically about this response. I was diagnosed, had bilateral mastectomies followed by chemo. I have been cleared by my surgeon and my oncologist. I don't HAVE it anymore, I HAD it. I am no longer a patient, or as some would like to think, a victim. I am a survivor. I got through it. I am done with treatment. I am back to school and work in the ED and soon, hockey. I am returning to my life as it was before I was diagnosed...or at least as much of my life as I can because I know that my life will never be the same again. Having lived through a cancer diagnosis and treatment permanently alters one's life and perspective.

Today I am a survivor of a disease that still kills thousands of women, and some men, each year. While it has not quite been six months since my diagnosis, I have undergone some incredible transformations. Seeing myself as a survivor is just one of them. Each day it seems as though I learn something else.

The 3-Day Walk

This past weekend was an incredible experience for me. I cannot yet, put my feelings into words. At this point, I will just share some photos...

Luck Revisited

When my cancer was diagnosed, well meaning people told me I was lucky because it was diagnosed early, that my lymph nodes were not involved, that I had health insurance. While their sentiments were true, and I know, well-intentioned, I did not feel lucky. What was lucky about being diagnosed with cancer? What was lucky about losing your breasts and undergoing chemotherapy?

Today, nearly six months after my diagnosis I am able to consider my luck in a different light. Yes. I was fortunate that I was diagnosed early, that my lymph nodes were not involved and that I had great health insurance. I was also fortunate to have a very supportive network of family and friends and I was very fortunate to have a relatively easy time though my chemo. What I am most fortunate to have is have had the opportunity to enjoy the summer and turn 49. I also have a different attitude toward returning to school this year. Typically I begin to dread the start of school. It means the end of sleeping late, reading fiction and wearing flip flops. This year it signifies that which is normal...being able to go to work.

I am also fortunate to be able to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk. The walk officially starts tomorrow and there are estimated to be 3,000 walkers. I have volunteered to be a part of the medical crew and am assigned to work in the main medical facility 'in camp'. Today I have a training session to attend and am very excited to do my part. Look for an update next week.

So back to luck. It's all in how you define it. And today, I feel lucky.

You've missed the boat...

The first Taste for the Cure is a wonderful memory. 19 guests, a beautiful summer evenings and lots of food and wine. The second cruise schedule for August 21 is FULL! So if you were thinking of coming, you've missed the boat...literally. If you RSVPed before today, you've got a spot.

Another Taste for the Cure

Here's another opportunity to join the fight against breast cancer. As many of you know, the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk is fast approaching. Another one of our friends has made the commitment to walk: Shelly Swenson. She needs to raise $2200 in pledges to participate and she needs your help... so due to popular demand:


Another Taste for the Cure!

Who: You and your guest(s).

What: Wine-tasting party.

Where: Aboard Mary and Mary's boat on the beautiful St. Croix River.

How: Bring your favorite bottle of wine to share and a $20 (suggested) donation. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. If you don't want to do the tasting part, just come along for the ride!

When: Tuesday, August 21 at 7 pm. We will return to the dock by 10 pm.

If you can't make it for this fun and relaxing evening, you can still contribute funds to Shelly by clicking: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=202293&lis=1&kntae202293=5EACAE5F978F4B7286199A78D874C5A4&supId=57913367

If you are intereseted in participating, please contact me at mackenburg@comcast.net or Shelly as soon as possible. The cruise is available to a limited number of guests. Be one of the cool kids and join us!