Boy how things change. I was supposed to be riding this year. September 2, 2009 marked five years since I was diagnosed with cancer. On September 5, 2009, the clock was reset. I have cancer AGAIN. I hate cancer for making it so I couldn’t ride with my team when it was SO cold. I hate it for making it so I couldn’t ride the Natchez Trace. But, because of a supportive husband, an understanding team, and a doctor who was willing to let me have a little fun, I am along for the ride.
It is amazing to be along on this journey. Last year, I saw it all from the road. This year I am seeing it from the team car. Each shift I have ridden along with Anne to “birddog” the course and provide some comic relief for the riders. It’s really been fun. It has been great to be involved and not sitting at home feeling sorry for myself. I took my first chemo treatment almost 2 weeks ago. It’s about time for me to start loosing my hair. I know it is about to happen, but when you are looking for small animals and transition points along the way- it’s easy to forget for a while.
We often say that this trip is not about the bike ride, it is about the cause. My team is the perfect example of this statement. When I can’t ride, I can’t share the workload. Every member of the team has to ride a little bit harder because there is one less person to pull. My teammates still have me stand in the rider pictures and watch out for me just like I am on the bike with them. I wish every person who ever has to get chemo could have an experience like I am having this week. It just takes the sting out of having cancer.
So things change, but I am gettin’ by with a little help from my friends.
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8 users responded in this post
I cannot imagine you EVER feeling sorry for yourself.
And do not doubt for a minute that you are still important to your team. Maybe even more important.
Love you! Miss you!
Laurens,
Reading your blog has more impact on me, your teammates, and friends than I think you realize. It appears that you have made the correct decision regarding the ride…but deep down, I think you always knew that this was the place for you to be at this time in your life. We love you Laurens…LIVESTRONG ! ! ! !
I am so glad you made this trip! I can’t wait to see you in Austin. Duke might enjoy any leftover road kill…..Maggie says not so much. My Mom is even getting on the internet to follow you guys!
I love you more, LBF.
Laurens,
I really enjoyed talking to you today. Thanks for being such a good friend to Robin and Scott.We are praying for you all to be safe and well. Hope that you get to ride a little in the sunshine!!!!! Can’t wait to see you in Austin!!!!!
Murray
Laurens, you are BEAUTIFUL!! I can’t write much here cause I am so emotional right now but you know how I feel about you doing this ride this year! You WOMAN are def my HERO!! praying you stay well and safe!
love ya lots!!
*snort*
laurens you are a true gift frm
god. it is fighters like u that make ur team want to endure the cold. we want u to beat this. u inspire us because u understand the rider mentality. you get y we want to do this when people look at us and say…. why would u want to ride your bike to texas. that is stupid. it is not stupid it is the most rewarding thing ever. you are one hundred percent important. i know robin and will agree w me and your team would probably eat the road kill just to make u laugh. okay maybe not eat it but the would do just about anything u asked them to. chin up see u soon.
I’m so glad you were able to make the trip! I was supposed to have chemo this past Monday. My “down days” are usually Thurs-Sat/Sun after a treatment. I told my Dr. that I was going to Texas and I was going to feel good. Chemo can wait a week! Know that we are here for you and love you! Susan
Your amazing!!!! Thanks for sharing. I’m so happy that you are able to be with the best group of people I know. Stay strong sister!
xoxo Rene
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