I remember talking with her on the way out that night. We shared our stories. I told her that I felt like my story was nothing compared to what she had gone through. She said to me that,"...cancer is cancer. It doesn't matter the outcome, it affects you just the same."
I got in my car and just cried.
I thought about her story and what she had gone through and what she continues to go through because of this disease. I thought about my short lived cancer story. I felt overwhelmed with feelings of gratefulness and also guilt. Why did I get off so easily when so many people were suffering? Right then, I knew that being in this program was exactly where I needed to be 4 weeks after my surgery and 2 months (almost to the day) of being diagnosed.
The program was great and the coaches/volunteers were amazing. I'm talking these were REAL people. People that cared...people who genuinely wanted you to come, run, talk, and have fun. I will forever be grateful to Jay, Vicki, Dane, Barbara, Laura, Patrick, and the others that ran with us occasionally. I am also grateful for meeting Jennifer. We formed a true friendship based on the one thing we had in common. We had cancer. We are survivors. We shared something that most people don't understand. Because of that, we have hung out a few times, have run together, and talk often....all outside of the program. Jennifer is a piece of my story now.
Now onto the race...
It was an extremely exciting and emotional experience. The whole group met downtown before the race and did some stretching and talking. Coach Jay tried to get us pumped up and also told us to remember where we came from...The message was run. Run for those who cannot run. Run because you are able to. You are healthy. You are strong. You can do this! His words were powerful to me and I am sure, to Jennifer too. I had to hold back the tears.
Vicki, Jennifer, me, and Jay at the race. |
Jennifer and me after the race. |
I ran for me. I ran for those who couldn't. And, I finished. I ran across that finish line in 34 minutes fighting back the tears. I felt so accomplished and so powerful. I had come a long way and I was proud. A special thank you to Laura and Vicki for running along my side the entire way. You ladies are the best!
Three days after this race, I returned to Johns Hopkins for my 3 month post-op appointment. My blood work came back normal. Happy day!
I have continued to run now that the program is over....not as much as I had been doing but, it's better than nothing. I just did my 2nd 5k yesterday...the Columbia Metric Marathon 5k. I kicked some butt, if I do say so myself. I ran 3 minutes faster than the BRF 5k...31 minutes! I couldn't believe it! Yay, me! I want to continue running and stay strong and healthy.
Also, I have joined the 2012 Team Fight group and I am looking forward to running with a group of people who are so devoted to working with cancer survivors and towards the fight against cancer. This journey has been amazing so far and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead!