Reaching Back

May 1st is the date I use for marking my cancer survival. The doctor uses Dec. 20, but for those of us who have been through the journey. Surgery is the marker.

When I was diagnosed with BC, numerous women reached back to help me make the journey. MaryAnn Romano, Blanch LaCroix, and Betty Tussing were stalwarts. They taught much about questioning, living, and laughing.

When I was past my treatments, I too reached back to help others starting the journey. One of the most special women was Arleen Bryan. We wrote to each other as sisters, because indeed her sister Jo is my sister. I only met Arleen once in person. We had a fabulous day on a NC mountain top. The last thing Arleen said to me was "We're going to make it." Unfortunately Arleen did not make it. But we shared a bond that goes deeper than just fellow travelers; we were sisters and we strengthened each other.

Over the years, I have reached back to numerous women; most without names. We could share our fears, our frustrations, our tears, and our unflagging hope.

I am now 17 years out, and my reaching back has changed. I did not have the same treatments that women today are getting. My treatment almost killed me and it has left my immune system impaired [not debilitatingly so, just annoyingly so].

But cancer patients still lose their hair, they still throw up, and they still get treatments canceled. So not all our ties are gone. They still fear, question, and hope.

I have discovered that I am now an "inspiration", not because I am a super hero, but because I am 17 years out. And to someone who is worrying if she will make it one year or five years out, 17 years is a beacon. Although I never take a day for granted, I have become a bit blase about being a long-termer. God has given me a new way to reach back.

I hate welcoming women to the sisterhood of BC, but it is a strong sisterhood filled with many women who reach back. I am honored to be part of that long chain of love.