That Elusive Finish Line

Halfmarathon01172010a

Hi, Helen!

So back in September you inspired me to do my first half-marathon, and well, it was on Sunday, January 17. It wasn’t pretty (like, NOT. AT. ALL), but I finished, and what I lacked in finishing time, I would be happy to make up to you with my (in)famous karaoke version of The Rose. Just ask Kim or Denise. Though if you do ask them, I can tell you with near certainty that they’ll tell you to cut your losses and let it be sufficient that I crossed the finish line, even if I did have to walk the majority of the course. Because my voice is nothing like Bette Midler.

Not even with a couple cocktails in me.

Not unless you also have a couple cocktails in you, too.

NEVERTHELESS.

I hear you’re kicking cancer’s backside and that is not at all surprising. I just want you to know that Jen, the kids, and I continue to support Team Helen from down the road in Houston, Texas. We think about you, we pray for you, and you inspired me to continue with my goal of doing a half-marathon when I would have otherwise hung up the running shoes back in, oh, October.

And that’s the main lesson I’ve learned in this journey: that with the support and encouragement of family and friends, we'll most certainly get through whatever Race we are presented with. But the single most important thing in any given challenge is having the courage to show up.

With much love,

Rachel

(Click here for a link to my blog post about the inspiration you unwittingly provided in my half-marathon quest - http://www.motherhoodsquared.com/blog/ )

Hi Helen,

Well January is half over, so unless something has changed since your 12/10 post, that means that your chemo is almost finished!  WOO-HOO!  We are sending you lots of good thoughts and we are so proud of the grace and determination you exemplify.

Look forward to seeing you soon, much love from Mary-jo and Dawn

Hola Helen I'm friends of Eileen Collazo & her sister Yvone!!!

Hi Helen, I am so proud of you when I read your comments. You seem to have so much courage & hope. I survived Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's Follicular Lymphoma & had 6 rounds of CHOP with Rituxan from March 2006 til June 2006 & then once a week for four consecutive weekds, I had maintenance Rituxan every 6 months for 2 years & still on remission. Praying to God that keeps me healthy, as my last Pet Scan of Oct 12th shows some activity in the lymph nodes of my throat/neck, but with much hope for the future. I'm praying every night to the Italian Saint of Cancer: St Peregrine & put you in my prayers nightly. Hugs/God Bless!!! Gisela (Cell# 504-338-7960, Home# 504-861-1153 or Work 504-816-3321).  Please call me if you would like to chat. Adios!!!!

new post for Team Helen

Dear Friends:

Just wanted to update everyone on my progress and thank you all for your continued support on my journey.  Your calls, emails, letters, posts, etc have continued to inspire me and to lift my spirits. I could not have come this far without you.

 

As of today, (Thursday, December 10), I have completed 4 of my 6 courses of treatment, which leaves me with 2 more (or 4 actual chemo treatments).  My numbers are coming in great – my last CA 125 was 21.  I tried to convince Dr. Cheng that we could stop now, but she wasn’t buying it – said we needed to stay the course.  J  She did, however, adjust my schedule so that I will be able to have a treatment 3 days before Christmas, which will allow me to travel to Selma to spend Christmas with my family.  My estimation is that I will be through with these treatments by the end of January – YIPEE!  I am feeling pretty good these days, my hair is slowly beginning to grow back, and I have continued to work at my job and with our non-profit organization, Girls First.  Both of these distractions have helped me stay strong and focused on the future.

 

I am beginning to plan ahead to have a life again when chemo ends.  In February I will be riding once again during Mardi Gras in the Krewe of Iris, and in March, Missie and I are planning a real celebration – probably going to some beach where we can play golf and gamble – life doesn’t get much better than that!

 

I know I still have a ways to go, but just wanted to let you all know again how thankful I am for each of you and to ask that you hang on with me just a little bit longer.    I am looking forward to seeing you all in the new year, if not before.  I hope you all have a great holiday season.

 

All my love,

Helen

Candy Update

Just wanted to give you the drop!   Our annual candy delivery is due next Monday or Tuesday.   Hope you can get a bite!.   Hope your holidays are memory filled with warm and lovely times.   Merry Christmas & wishing you a happy, healthy New Year.   Allen & Susan Roddy Lagniappe Signs