You probably came here to catch up on how Ironman weekend went and how NY Marathon training is going. Today I have a different story to tell you.
When I was a kid, my Dad would tell the best jokes. I would always try to remember them, but I was terrible at telling the joke just the right way or not spoiling the punch line. I want to tell you the first joke that I remember being able to retell, even if I don’t do a very good job of it.
This guy goes out of town, and asks his friend to watch his cat. So after a few days, he calls his friend to see how it’s going. The friend says, “Your cat died.” The guy is very upset and tells his friend, “That’s not how you break bad news to someone! You have to warm them up a bit. The first time I call, you say- your cat is on the roof and we can’t get him down. Then the next time you say, he fell down but he’s in the hospital, and then finally say- we did the best we could but he died.” The friend says, “Gee, I’m sorry. I guess I need to tell you that your grandma is on the roof.” Rim-shot…
So, dear blogger friends, I have something to tell you. My boobs are on the roof.
I have breast cancer. I’m having a bi-lateral mastectomy on September 22nd. I don’t know yet what other treatment I will need after the surgery.
Funny how some words we use to identify ourselves take years of work, like “college graduate” or “marathoner.” Some parts of our identity evolve over time and involve decisions like being “married” or being a “parent.” And then some words are thrust upon us in a moment with absolutely no warning: Cancer Patient. Now I move on to focus on earning the word “survivor” as part of how I describe myself. I know it will require all of my courage and strength, but I also know that I have a lot of guts and am ready for the challenge.
So while this new C word is part of my life, it’s not my whole life. I’m still a runner and plan on being a runner through all the ups and downs of my life. This is a running blog, and that’s what it’s going to stay. Obviously this is going to impact my running life and you’ll hear about that, but I won’t give y0u the blow by blow of my treatment. I’ll give you the Ironman update later this week. I’m still running and savoring how wonderful it feels to be in my body right now. I’m burning the feeling in my brain so that, on those really tough days, I’ll remember how it felt. I know that I’ll feel that way again. I’m thankful for my body and for all of the people around me that I have supporting me. I count everyone who reads this blog as part of that support system. Thanks for sharing your time and yourself with me and I know that it’s just a matter of time until I won’t be typing the C word anymore.
{ 18 comments }
Oh Beth…I’m so sorry. You have a great attitude and of course you’ll get through this. Thank goodness for being in great shape. I really don’t know what to say, except that I’ll be thinking of you a lot and sending all the positive energy vibes I can muster ((((())))) Big hug for you and your family!
Beth,
I want you to know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. You are incredibly strong and fit, and if there is anyone who can conquer this, it is you. And I have absolutely no doubt that you WILL beat this! Please take care of yourself, and all my best to you.
Jean
Beth,
So sorry and thank you for telling us all. That is very hard thing to do I know as I am a “C” survivor 6 years ago who did not tell anyone until afterward. (Well my employer due to FMLA) I hope it was detected early and you have a favorable outcome. You have a great family bond that will be the best help you can get. I understand it may be difficult to keep us all up to date and I will keep you successful surgery and post-op in my prayers.
Wow, that’s an odd/interesting/positive/unusual way to break the news. “My boobs are on the roof” makes you want to laugh/cry at the same time.
Prayers and all the best to you. You seem to have a great attitude and that’ll help. My mother-in-law and sister are survivors, I certainly hope you can join them.
Just read your post. Totally not what I expected, I’m shocked.
words that describe you: funny, brave, courageous, strong, bright, beautiful, determined, loved, loving and survivor.
Do what ever you need to do; write what ever you need to write; feel what ever you need to feel.
We’ll all be here for you.
hugs… amyb
Of all days to happen upon your blog. I take the kismet to mean I’m meant to be one of your (hopefully many) supporters. So that’s what I shall do. I am sorry you’re going thru this but hopeful you will be counting yourself among the survivors soon. You’re attitude and strength of character are amazing!
This is no excuse for missing our Turkey Trot meeting! I’ll give you a possible break for this year if you need it but next year – no slack. I’ll expect you to be there in uniform ready to run.
Kathy beat a heart attack a couple years ago. There’s no reason why you won’t beat this and be ready to run (and swim and bike). Stay positive and we’ll be sending good thoughts your way!
Oh Beth! I am so sorry to hear about the breast cancer. Good luck with your surgery on the 22nd. You are going to be just fine:) You are a strong and beautiful person and I know that you will come out on top! I wish you the best of luck and please let me know if you need anything. I am just down the road….I am serious!
I am sending you positive well wishes, love and hugs! I will be thinking of you and your family. know that I will be praying for you too. Take care Beth!
e-mail me please….jkaiser4 at fairview.org
If you could figure out the Disney monorail system, you’ll get this figured out/whipped too… with a little help from your friends
We’ll be keeping an eye on your progress here and you and your family will be in our thoughts.
Having been a witness to my mother and mother and law surviving their battles and coming out the other side more vibrant women I’m confident you will do the same.
My prayers are with you and yours!
Beth,
I’m a colleague of Mike’s from CWT – just writing to add my gusto and fist pumps to your cheerleading squad. If there’s any family I know that can weather marathons, it’s the Koettings. My thoughts are with you! Gimme a “B!” Gimme an “E!”
Becky Waller
I really don’t know what to say. I am going to send you a note, but I am going to run for you in Chicago. We can also walk the turkey trot together. You are strong and awesome.
Oh, Sweet Beth, I just checked out your blog since I’m back to blogging and I’m just 100% here for you. You are a POSITIVE, strong and healthy woman and you are a survivor…but this can’t be easy and my love and prayers are with you! There will always be other races and marathons and you’ll be back as an even stronger inspiration before you know it!
Hugs and thanks for sharing. xoxo
OH sorry, sorry, sorrry, sorrrry!
Thanks for letting us know.
When Don was diagnosed with myeloma, he said he wanted everyone to know because he needed their prayers.
You have our prayers for your surgery… and the good days to come.
Wow.
I think that’s one of the bravest posts I’ve ever read. You are a strong, smart person, and because of that you will succeed. A survivor.
Be well, Don
Oh Beth, I am so sorry. I will absolutely be praying for you.
Psalm 121 has always been a comfort to me, and I hope it is to you as well. May all your running be to Him. ♥
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Beth,
Just want you to know how much I admire your positive attitude. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cecilia Fallert
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