Withstanding the Hurricane through Solidarity

I remember that it was in July when I met with my Professor Jen and as usual I was crying on her shoulder that she is so generous with. As I wiped away the tears she asked me, Do you have a support team because you need one? What??? I was wondering a team for what? I just stared at her because it didn't make any sense for me. But, now I get it and I realize the importance of having a team of support who I can call on when I am feeling sad or overwhelmed or even to go for the numerous doctor's appointments. Well, today I have been thinking and I came to the conclusion that I definitely need to carefully pick a team of support readily and physically available for me that I will do the honour and call, "My Companions of Hope". I realize Tinashe cannot do this alone and take me to all the appointments alone .. share all this enormous burden.... its just too much for her. Of course, I will continue to appreciate all the love and sentiments from both local and afar, its just that I do need a team physically available. So, I am going to reach out to a couple of close friends who are willing to play an active and integral part in my journey. Stay tuned......right now, I need to go and lie down am not feeling too great today. Its that nagging pain in my chest. It just makes it hard to breathe or sit. Feels like so much pressure in my chest and feels like its being twisted. Just want to lay down. Will continue this conversation later.

Hope, Musings and Reflections

A winning attitude is what I intend to keep throughout this journey. I know it will not be easy but I will fight to WIN! It is difficult but, the outpouring messages of love and hope from all my friends and family are making a difference. I am taking this reality that confronts me and looking it straight in the eye without denying what will be or what can be. What I need up my sleeve is a funny bone because if I can laugh at it I can live with it. Today, is a new day and I am holding onto hope and making a choice to live and not let worry get the best of me. So, I am writing this letter to help me start anew.

Dear Hodgkins Lymphoma,  How dare you? I do not recall giving you the permission to invade my body. I am here to tell you that this is my body and I will fight you with all my might. I know and I know that there is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonics so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow.

It is hope that I hold on to right now and I plan to rearrange my life to make it worth living again just like before. I am planning on turning this journey into an awakening... a breakthrough and dynamic life giving experience.  I vehemently refuse to quit! Like my favourite philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, "He who has a 'why' to live can bear with almost any 'how'".