Two weeks ago today I joined a global club I never expected nor wanted to be part of – - women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer – - and like countless who have gone before me and sadly countless who will join this club after me, I have found myself face to face with the prospect of my own mortality.
Despite already having undergone a partial mastectomy with axillary node surgery It is early days for me. I still face endless Dr’s app’ts, bone/lung & liver scans, chemo, radiation and whatever else this disease throws at me and in such a short time I have already cried a million tears and faced a million fears BUT I am looking forward to “finding hope” for my own situation and to a time where I may make a contribution to “finding hope” for others. Finding my own hope will let me look forward to joining the next level of this global club – - as a breast cancer survivor – - joining my gorgeous baby sister Michelle and the indeterminate number of courageous women just like her.
I am blessed with an awesome loving & supportive group of family, friends & colleagues from whom I know I must learn how to accept help as I move forward in the long haul ahead. I hope to be well enough in October 2009 to have many of my beloved “team” join me in October for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run (walk, push me in a wheelchair) for the Cure, so that we may soon see this club forever close its door to new members.
Yours in search of hope & strength,
Colleen Curtis