May 30, 2012: Gina celebrated her 45th birthday. Her sister Marie had her first chemo treatment.
Yesterday, June 13, 2012, Gina finished her last treatment.
Yesterday, June 13, 2012, Marie's hair started falling out, so she shaved her head.
Today, June 14, I got my crew assignment for the San Francisco 3-Day (Pit Stop 1!)
Today, June 14, marks one year since Gina's first chemotherapy session.
Today, June 14, is Marie's 50th birthday.
Talk about bittersweet!
But that's cancer for you. It sucks: it makes you sad, it makes you scared, it makes your hair fall out, it takes over your life. But it also gives: it teaches you to appreciate things more, and it teaches you what is and what isn't important (like hair!). It teaches you how strong you are, and it shows you who your friends are and how wonderful they can be.
Some days are good, some days are great, and some days suck. The question is, which will you dwell on, the bad or the good?
I don't have cancer. I can grow my hair back if I want to. I don't know what it's like to hear the words, "you have cancer." But cancer has definitely made me sad, and it has definitely scared me shitless. But today, on Marie's birthday, on the one year anniversary of Gina's first treatment, and on the first day of Gina's cancer-free life, I want to celebrate!
Thank you, cancer, for reminding me that taking care of myself is important--not just for me, but for my family as well.
Thank you, cancer, for bringing my best friend and I back together. I have loved every minute of it.
Thank you, cancer, for all of the wonderful people I have met in the fight against you!!
Thank you cancer, for bringing Marie back to her family and friends...we like having her around!
Thank you cancer, for making every day and every special occasion that much sweeter! I promise to never take another birthday, Christmas, or beautiful sunset for granted!
Happy Birthday, Mary! Congratulations, Gina! Fuck you, cancer!
Mary and her son, Michael
