40. Chemo Courage

I'll be honest.  After I got my diagnosis, I lost it and caved in like a house of cards.  I wish I had known then about the response to their cancer diagnoses of the following two awesome ladies: Karen D. and Peggy O.  It might have made all the difference to me!

I have known Karen for a number of years and had heard that she had been treated for cancer some time back.  This winter I ran into her and we renewed contact.  She was in my shoes a number of years ago and has been doing well for about 3 years now.  She is a great resource and inspiration to me.  Here is how she reacted to her cancer diagnosis:  "I don't have time for this!"   Her doctor sat there stunned and did not know how to respond!  A great, no a terrific reply!!!

I met Peggy at the cancer clinic.  Going by all outward appearances you'd be easily fooled:  she is petite, quiet and seems frail.  But make no mistake about it, she is a powerhouse!  She was diagnosed as having "3 months to live".  That was 6 to 7 years ago!  Her reaction to her diagnosis:  "That is NOT going to work for me!"  Oncologist: "What do you mean?"  Peggy: "I have grandchildren that I am going to see grow up!"  Peggy has 5 grandchildren that were quite young at the time.   WOW!!!  What a lady!

Now that is Courage with a capital C!  Not that these ladies were in denial.  They were just not going to let the disease define nor slow them down.  Kudos to them! 

I think this song is tailor-made for them: Let 'em talk  by Rosie and the Riveters:    exactly that!

Back in a couple of days with some musings on spring, finally! 😉  Take care!