Relay Time.....

eihtak
eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

Hi all,

Hoping today finds everyone with at least some sense of well-being along this adventure!

So, I live in a rural area and most residents that care to participate attend the relay in a close neighboring town that does a big event. While my town does a relay, we are included in the same district and ours is much smaller. Anyhow, the honorary spokesman for my town has had a conflict and I was just asked to fill in! I said yes, as I really don't mind public speaking and will be comfortable with the smaller crowd, but trying to put my thoughts in order without rambling on for too long. My story alone in brief form is lengthy and on-going.....I have not always been involved or even oddly supportive of the relays in how they are run but a couple years ago someone brought something important to my attention. She had been dx and was in treatment for cervical cancer that also involved pelvic radiation. She was at a point of managing treatment but feeling unattractive and discouraged about her "fried-up" femininity. She said that seeing me at a picnic in my summer skirt, pretty scarf, and joyful laughter with my grandkids changed her life! I was taken back and no real novel response, but thanked her and wished her well as she continued. It later dawned on me that the importance of "walking the lap" is not so much for ourselves, but for the inspiration we may unknowingly be offering to those on our heels. 

I will be sure to include the dreaded word "ANAL" in my speech and assume I will see that common look that tends to follow, but if anyone has any suggestions on "best relay speeches" I'd love the input!

katheryn

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited June 2016 #2
    katheryn

    The one and only speaking engagement I've had since my diagnosis was to the doctors attending the conference in Atlanta last year for the International Anal Neoplasia Society.  I was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof--because I loathe public speaking!  Your audience will be different than the one I spoke to, so I would not get too technical about anything.  Just simply tell your story--where you began and leading up to where you are now.  You are certain to be an inspiration! 

  • tanda
    tanda Member Posts: 174 Member
    #3
    Katheryn

    You might want to mention that there are many sources of information and communities of people that offer support and information.   Since you live in a rural area and have a rare cancer (2%) finding a community such as this one( and a few others devoted to a.c ) was an inspiration.  If I didn't have access to some of the online patient groups and  the medical literature, I don't know how I would have coped...the doctors just don't have time to answer all sorts of questions ,especially about "self care. 

     jints,etc/

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited June 2016 #4
    mp327 said:

    katheryn

    The one and only speaking engagement I've had since my diagnosis was to the doctors attending the conference in Atlanta last year for the International Anal Neoplasia Society.  I was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof--because I loathe public speaking!  Your audience will be different than the one I spoke to, so I would not get too technical about anything.  Just simply tell your story--where you began and leading up to where you are now.  You are certain to be an inspiration! 

    Martha....

    Hi,

    Although I'm comfortable speaking (in general) I too would have been a basket of nerves with the crowd you faced! You are right though, anything technical to a relay crowd is not what they want to hear so will plan on keeping it simple. Speeches are easiest when you can just talk confidently about the subject, and since this will be as you say "my story" I know the material. Thank you!

    katheryn

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited June 2016 #5
    tanda said:

    Katheryn

    You might want to mention that there are many sources of information and communities of people that offer support and information.   Since you live in a rural area and have a rare cancer (2%) finding a community such as this one( and a few others devoted to a.c ) was an inspiration.  If I didn't have access to some of the online patient groups and  the medical literature, I don't know how I would have coped...the doctors just don't have time to answer all sorts of questions ,especially about "self care. 

     jints,etc/

    tanda.....

    Hi,

    That is a great suggestion, thank you! I was not aware of this or any other group when initially treated so felt like the only one in the world with anal cancer.....I had heard about Farrah Fawcet but only knew that she had not survived so that was less than helpful. I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this site but sooooo very thankful that I did for the continued journey. I will be sure to pass this information on.

    katheryn

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