Wednesday, March 5, 2008

My story


March 5th 2008 I was diagnosed with lung cancer; My sister Russy's birthday so you can imagine what a day we were all having.
My mom Bokkie/Jeanette and other sister Philippa had to be told, and of course my own family, who were just as devastated as me.
It was like being punched in the face and kicked in the stomach at the same time.
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Classic. Did them all.
Pretty well, I might add.

Then came the scramble to get the best advice and help worldwide from the best of the best in every cancer center. It is amazing how many people we know who can and want to help. Scores of doctors' visits and the tests began and the decisions of where to go continued.

News of the cancer went from stage 1 at first to stage 3b: Very tough news to deal with for all of us. This is what we now have to deal with, so let's get it on.
The battle continues at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. I am thrilled with the team we have
assembled, and together we will deal with this bump in the road of life.

I dedicate this blog to my family. For without their support, love and affection I would be lost.
To my good friends (and there are many), I cannot adequately express how much you all mean to me.
To my flying family at UPS, What can I say. Your prayers and offers of help for me and my family are positively overwhelming.
Lastly, to Diana, Robyn and Michael who have made this battle all the more important to win, I simply will not allow myself to do anything less than triumph in this war that I am forced to fight. You are everything to me.