There are endless topics to write about when you blog as a two-time cancer survivor. Most weeks are planned topics, some topics are fun, and then there are delightful moments in your week leading to an unanticipated topic. You are inspired, and you know what the topic of your blog will be for the week. Who inspires you as a breast cancer survivor?
This week it was my two friends, Jim, and Sean, who I met in my Livestrong class at the local YMCA. Both men have survived brain cancer. Both men endured physical impairment and fought to make a comeback to their now “new normal” life.
I was at the gym doing my weekly workout. I had completed my cardio on the elliptical machine. I was finishing on weights. I do weights three to four times a week. The prescription I am on to keep my cancer at bay is negatively affecting my bone density. To avoid a fracture and to help minimize bone loss, this is a very important part of my work out. I know these gentlemen had similar goals and why they were there. I’m just glad I ran into them. They always inspire me, every time I see them.
I stepped over to one weight machine, and there they both stood. They looked up and we all smiled at each other and immediately began to joust each other.
“Hey, where have you two been lately?” I inquired with an ornery grin on my face.
They both simultaneously and sheepishly laughed and said, “We’ve been here! Where have YOU been?”, implying I’d been in absentia from working out and sweating a bit at the YMCA.
What is the unspoken bond among cancer survivors? It is the minute you look into their eyes and you immediately have common topics to talk about. What kind of cancer did you have? How are you doing? Where were you treated? Who was your oncologist? How long ago were you diagnosed?
Why do cancer survivors have immediate respect for each other? Because they’ve walked the walk. It may have been a different type of cancer, but they know. They know about scans, how family is affected, waiting for results, worrying about recurrence, and the feeling of euphoria when results of tests come back clear.
I have had all these discussion and conversations with Jim and Sean. The common bond we have at the gym is one of fighting for physical strength. Maintaining balance on days when we don’t feel so strong. But it is also about the competitive spirit it takes to be in this cancer arena. We have been in classes together for Live Strong when one slyly tried to outdo the other. We’d loudly say across the room, “Overachiever!” Was it competitive spirit or pure jubilation watching a fellow survivor succeed at an intense work out or hitting the punching bag like a champion?
I remember the days in our class when we would show each other tips for good form. We’d encourage each other to keep going. “Yes! You can do it! Look at you go!”
I’m so glad I saw my friends at the YMCA. They continue to inspire me.
Who Inspires You as a Breast Cancer Survivor?
