I know that sounds like an expletive or an insult, but it's true. My mother married my father while she was finishing her Ph.D. in Romance Languages at the University of Washington, and to this day she speaks six or seven languages fluently. She even still writes to me in French sometimes...good thing I held on to my Petite Larousse...but I digress.
So, on my long run today (only 8.5 miles), I thought about my blog title, "Running With Cancer." The little preposition "with" can be interpreted two different ways -- first, it can mean you're running with something that is a part of you, your body -- like running with a headache, or running with a cold. Second, it can mean you're running with something outside of yourself -- like running with a friend, or running with your dog, or running with your local club. So, when I say "Running With Cancer," which is it?
If you talk to many cancer patients or survivors, you'll start to notice a fascinating trend. Most refer to their disease in the third person -- not something that is a part of their body or a part of them, but something that is independent of them. "The cancer is back," spoken of almost like an unwelcome relative. "Doctors are treating the cancer with radiation." "The cancer isn't responding well to chemotherapy." In almost ten years of fighting this disease, raising funds for cancer awareness and research, speaking publicly, and sharing with various support groups and fellow fighters and survivors, I very rarely hear any of them speak of their disease as something inside them...it is a foe, a hostile intruder, an unwelcome relative.
So there it is. I'm Running With Cancer -- but doing so in the sense that it is running alongside me. It does not define me. It is not me. This is a race like any other -- and I will win. I've sprinted ahead twice, and it has caught up both times...but I'm watching Cancer's pace, saving my energy, biding my time, and I'm making my move...leaving Cancer behind, this time for good.
13 comments:
Welcome! Best of luck with your blog and your running. Hey 8.5 miles isn't an "only"! Great job!
Great post & wonderful outlook! Looking forward to following your journey!
Warmest welcome! Look forward to joining you for a few miles...not quite a marathon though. If Momo hasn't already mentioned the write2fight blog, I encourage you to write a post for write2fight.com.
Michael,
I had cancer back in '91. A lot of times I often wonder how I would feel if cancer comes back again.
In '91 I was 11. I did not the severly of the disease. I simply just follow the advice of the hospital and the doctors.
It's funny how you mention cancer as a third person. There are times when I think cancer will come back. Not necessary being paranoid but it ain't impossible either.
On race days, there are times when I think about those who still have cancer. And the race becomes an analogy of a battle against cancer....in short..we have to run it to the ground.
Thanks for the reminder and have a good day.
That's a nice blog name, me and my girlfriend put on a race called..www.runningfromcancer.com so it's a little different, but we are trying to fight it all the way..best wishes to you!
Welcome to blogland. I will be interested to read your journey. I am a nursing student who hopes to specialize in Oncology.
Good luck to you.
Welcome to blogland!
I meant to add that I can't wait to read about more of your runs! And 8.5 miles is awesome!
Cancer. I can't imagine what you've gone through but I know you must be one tough man. I've watched a few family members battle the disease already, it's a long road. God must have great plans for you!! I'm new to blogland as well but have found it to be both theraputic and as a way to keep myself accountable. Good luck with it all!
life is about perspective. Sounds like you have found yours and it's a great one to have!!
Hi there - Momo sent me ... and I'm already on your sidebar?! That's cool.
So - you're in Monterey, a marathon runner, Christian, and a new dad? Have we met already? If not, we should. Feel free to drop me an e-mail sometime.
Happy blogging.
And I thought running and triathlon were not for wimps. Running with cancer brings the subject of strength and perseverance and overcoming odds up to a totally new level.
I will be looking forward to you helping me understand a bit more through your blog.
Welcome aboard!
Momo guided me here. Nice 8.5! Welcome to the blogospere! :) You're in my prayers!
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