Janet needs help...

Today, I learned of the passing of an acquaintance of mine. We met at The Yoga Loft and soon discovered that we had something in common… We were both living with colon cancer, mine stage III and hers stage IV. Having been diagnosed quite a bit earlier than me, Lesli was the more experienced regarding treatment and protocol. I marveled at her appearance, engagement, and resilience… No way; how could this woman have stage IV cancer? That is often the reaction I get about my diagnosis and, to tell you the truth, I am often in disbelief myself.

 

Late last year, after a year and a half of remission, my cancer quietly returned… I knew something was off and requested my regularly scheduled scan be moved up. As many of you know, in January, I had surgery to remove what visible cancer they could find… A month later, there were additional spots on my liver. As I prepared to begin another round of chemotherapy, I often thought about Lesli… I wanted her advice, her wisdom, her experience; however, being so wrapped up in my own treatment, I never found the time to check in with her. But Lesli was always on my mind. This morning, a random email sent to Lesli bounced back. My stomach sank. I googled her name, and there it was, her obituary. Lesli, my acquaintance and stage IV colon cancer survivor, was gone… She died on June 1st. I had missed her. UGH!!! She lived with grace and courage and colon cancer for seven years. Her body and mind endured so much, yet whenever I saw her, she was cheerful and had a smile on her face. She didn’t know it, but Lesli was my hope, my proof that one could live a full life with or even recover from stage IV colon cancer.

 

For several weeks, Matthew has been encouraging me to put together a GoFundMe and, just like reaching out to Lesli, I’ve been putting it off.

 

I now understand that I don’t have time to put it off. I need help. Stage IV colon cancer is

rarely cured through conventional treatments/protocols, which I have dutifully been receiving and following. I am blessed to have health insurance that covers much of this treatment, however, it covers none of the alternative, lesser-known/understood treatments that I believe are necessary to extend my life and perhaps even cure my cancer. In order to put my complete attention on healing, I’ve left my job… Cancer treatment, research, and self-advocacy is a full-time gig! Many days I would have been too sick to go to work anyway. Unfortunately, short-term disability pay doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the financial battle I am facing… In reality, it hardly covers the cost of food.

 

It's not easy for me to ask for help… Again! I am a caregiver by nature, and learning to receive is probably essential to my healing. Illness is scary, but it can also offer opportunities for growth. On my quest for peace and healing, I am choosing a path of opportunity, curiosity, and exploration rather than fear. Over the past few years, I have learned so much about myself, friendship, community, acceptance, motivation, love, resilience, honesty, connection, grief, forgiveness, breath, not to mention cancer. In many ways, I feel like my life is just beginning and, believe it or not, I am grateful for the awakening.

 

Our crazy-paced lives/worlds collide, intertwine and separate again and again. I’ve been

blessed by so many amazing people in my life… Friends, teachers, loved ones, and acquaintances. We have laughed, learned, cried, practiced, adventured, played, and even argued together. We have supported each other and fought for one another. Serious consideration of my own mortality has caused all sorts of reminiscing… Fleeting, joyful, sad, bittersweet. As I enter my next phase of healing, I could use all of your help. And, even if we haven’t met, perhaps my story resonates with you… I could use your help too. It truly does take a village… Or maybe even a city or state. I am acutely aware of the challenging economic situation. If you are unable to offer financial assistance, I would still love to hear from you. And, if you believe my experience would be helpful to someone you know or know someone whose experience may be beneficial to me, please feel free to share or connect us.

 

I’m thinking of you, Lesli... Thank you for being.

 

With abundant love and sincere gratitude,

Janet

 

P.S. I’ve set up a CaringBridge page for this leg of my medical adventure. If you are so

inclined, please follow me there.