Yesterday marked 1 month since my diagnoses and it was definetly one of the hardest days I've experienced, right next to the day I had to fly back to Cobourg. I spent the majority of my day at the Cobourg Hospital. I had a CT scan in the morning followed by a chemo teaching session. There I learnt more information about my chemotherapy and about the Cobourg Cancer Clinic. It was overwhelming walking into the cancer centre because all of a sudden it became real. All at once information was tossed at me. I looked around and saw all the chairs where people sit to get their chemo. I also saw many sick patients and knowing that I'll be in their place very shortly was a hard fact for me to swallow.
After the chemo session, my parents and I went to participate at the Cobourg Relay for Life. My Mom was on the team "Hey Jude" in memory of my Aunt Judy who passed away in November 2015 from Lung and Brain Cancer. Even though I am currently battling Cancer, I was allowed to walk in the survivors lap. I felt very out of place because all of this is still very new and to me I'm not a survivor. My parents reminded me that I will be a survivor. I walked that lap with my dad, my #1 supporter as we both had tears running down our faces. That lap was when all my emotions from earlier that day and now came to me. As we walked around the track, my family from down below was cheering me on. At relay for life, I met up with one of my past teachers who battled Breast Cancer. It's unfortunate that cancer affects some of the most amazing people. What I also realized is that cancer affects everyone, your friends and family. I come from a family with a cancer in our family history, but I didn't think it would ever happen to me, especially at 20. I'm so lucky and fortunate to have a large family supporting me as well as close friends who I consider my own family. Even during Relay, I was messaging my friends from back in Newfoundland saying that when I'm cured we should all do our own team one day. That moment they surprised me and told me that in September they will be walking in the Lymphoma Awarness 5K race in St. John's. I am forever grateful for them. This week I was able to get out of the house a few times and spend time with friends. I get extremely bored at home because I'm used to being busy all the time. My boredness as even got to the extent to where I scrapbook (haha) and for those of you who know me, I don't like to write and this blog is something very new to me! I'm very pleased that all my doctors appointments and treatment plans are falling into place. Next week I have a bone marrow biopsy and I will also have my PICC line inserted. June 27, is the day of my first chemotherapy. Even though this week has been an emotional roller coaster and it's only just the beginning, I keep reminding my self this is only a chapter of my life, not my whole story. I have Cancer, but the Cancer doesn't have me. I am reminded that you never know what someone is going through. Sometimes on bad days I think this situation is awful but I have to to think of all the positive things. I have caught this very early and I also have a great support system which some people unfortunately don't have. Pleas e be kind to one another and support your loved ones on any journey they are on. ❤️
4 Comments
Marc Mireault
6/18/2017 09:34:38 am
Hi Katie
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Jennifer
6/19/2017 07:03:57 am
Hi Katie!!
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Lisa-Marie
6/20/2017 08:35:39 am
You are a little trooper and you have the right attitude!! Your mind and your body are in sync and with this frame of mind your body will heal !! Good job kiddo !! (If you want to spend time on the water just call us and will come pick you up)
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Katie
6/25/2017 04:48:02 pm
Thank you for the encouragement! Haha I'll keep that in mind!
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Author: Katie BarkerJust an average Sailor who battled Cancer and won! Archives
August 2018
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