October 15, 2003

Five years ago today, cancer was removed from my body, and after chemo therapy and a few bumps in the road, I remain cancer free. I have changed, grown, and am, hopefully, a better, kinder, and more compassionate friend and person because of my experience.

Five years is a milestone in the world of cancer, but it has never been a destination. I want to celebrate surviving – not being a “survivor.” This will always be a continuing, never ending journey. You all know that. Stages, markers. treatment, remission, cure???..... all are a part of the terminology that defines each of our lives. Emotional highs and lows characterize each day.... joy and sadness. Yet each night we are grateful for surviving another day.

I thought long and hard on how to best celebrate my wellness. A party??? No, then it would be all about me, and it is now no longer about me. It is now about you...those of you who are in the ring fighting like I did so long ago...those of you advocating for a loved one... those of you who have lost someone dear to you and still come here to check on us and lend someone in need a kind word of comfort or support. The past five years may have been difficult, but by being a part of this extended family, I have found purpose and meaning in dealing with a disease that has taken far too many of our friends. The healing bags I create are an expression of hope and caring that I try to share with my friends. The concept started with one red heart a friend gave me while I was waiting on the gurney to be wheeled back to surgery. After my operation, I placed the heart into a bag and others added small inspirational keepsakes to it. My bag always accompanies me to each doctor’s visit and scan appointment. Each little token, each word, each angel has power, and combined they create a compelling symbol of hope.

I want to commemorate the five years of my journey by sending each of you a healing bag, (blessing bag, if you are the caretaker) created by me with love and in honest belief in its power. I want to celebrate my wellness by sharing this conviction with all of you. Since treatment plans and regimens have changed these last few years, I don’t have the experience or knowledge to add to some of your posts, but I can send you a tangible reminder of my hope and belief in the power of unity. Hopefully, the bag will let you know that I think of each of you and look forward to the day when you can share your five year anniversary with me.

If this happens to be something you would like, please send me your mailing address in a private email. I will spend the next few weeks mailing these out.

We are all surviving!

With love,

Kay