Going To My First RELAY FOR LIFE --- My UPDATE On How It Went! :)))))
I have lots of friends and family going to walk with us..too many to mention, which makes me feel a lot stronger, buttttttttttttttt
I guess I am just not for sure that I can handle it emotionally. I am so proud to be a bc survivor and so grateful to have fought so hard to get where I am today.
I think what bothers me so much is seeing the luminaries with all of the names on them. Does that make sense? I know my name will be on them, along with so many other cancer survivors and some that didn't survive.
My hubby, the sweet man that he is, will probably be holding me up doing the survivor lap, if I even do it. He told me to just hang on to his strong arm and he will drag me around the track. lol Drag me? Ok, maybe not drag me, but, I feel I will need something to help me to walk that lap.
Has anyone else felt this way, or, is it just me being too emotional? Can you offer any advice, or, if I feel too scared, should I just not go, or, maybe just not walk the survivor's lap?
I thought I was really prepared to do this until I heard from a friend that has mets to her bones now, and, she cancelled out from going with us, which I understand.
Sorry this is so long, just hoping my bc sisters in pink can help me.
Love you all,
Sue
p.s. maybe i need another lightning bug ring from my hubby...perhaps that would help me?
Comments
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We will be with you!
I think once you get there Sue, you will start to feel stronger and better about being there. I haven't been to one myself either yet.
And, you have your husband, friends and family there to help you if you feel it might be too overwhelming.
I also want to thank you for taking us with you! I am always so honored when one of our sisters here takes us with them to these relays.
If you need another lightning bug ring to help you, I am sure your husband will give you one. I love that post.
Good luck to you Sue and I am very sorry about your friend. I will put her in my prayers.
Try to have fun at the relay, and, thanks again.
Hugs, Megan0 -
For me, too...
The first one - although I was truly enthusiastic - also brought some apprehension & nervousness. I was barely done with rads at that time; so, not really feeling very "strong" at all, in any way. I'll admit - it was unexpectedly emotional for me.
The Relays that have followed - very different. I'm super calm, and full of both hope & pride.
You'll be fine, I'm sure. :-)
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Thank you Megan and Susan!Christmas Girl said:For me, too...
The first one - although I was truly enthusiastic - also brought some apprehension & nervousness. I was barely done with rads at that time; so, not really feeling very "strong" at all, in any way. I'll admit - it was unexpectedly emotional for me.
The Relays that have followed - very different. I'm super calm, and full of both hope & pride.
You'll be fine, I'm sure. :-)
Kind regards, Susan
Thank you Megan and Susan! I am glad to know that it isn't just me having a bad case of the nerves.
Normally, nothing really bothers me, which is why this surprises me. I am usually just happy go lucky and don't sweat over anything that comes my way anymore.
But, the closer the Relay gets, the more nervous I am.
Thanks for you kind words, both of you!
I will be taking you with me!
Sue 0 -
You can do it!!
Sue, I did my first (and only) walk last year. I was in the beginning of rads at the time. It was a very emotional situation and especially the survivors photo. I was so astounded that there were so many survivors. That really is a very good thing!! Our walk was on the beach and there was no survivors walk just the photo. I was proud to be a part of the photo and to also raise money to help towards finding a cure.
If you can't walk, I'm sure that hubby of yours will carry you around the track in his arms. He truly is a wonderful man and I'm sure he'll provide the support you need. You are a survivor. You went through treatments to get to this point and you deserve the recognition. Stand tall and walk with you head held high!! We'll all be with you in spirit.0 -
The relay you did MyTurnNowMyTurnNow said:You can do it!!
Sue, I did my first (and only) walk last year. I was in the beginning of rads at the time. It was a very emotional situation and especially the survivors photo. I was so astounded that there were so many survivors. That really is a very good thing!! Our walk was on the beach and there was no survivors walk just the photo. I was proud to be a part of the photo and to also raise money to help towards finding a cure.
If you can't walk, I'm sure that hubby of yours will carry you around the track in his arms. He truly is a wonderful man and I'm sure he'll provide the support you need. You are a survivor. You went through treatments to get to this point and you deserve the recognition. Stand tall and walk with you head held high!! We'll all be with you in spirit.
The relay you did MyTurnNow sounds awesome! Having one on the beach would be great!
I am happy that you got to go and that you enjoyed it so much!
Thanks for the compliment on my hubby, he is pretty wonderful. I will have to make sure he PUMPS up before the relay, just incase he has to carry me. lol
And, you are so right, I am a survivor!!!!
You will all be with me in spirit! Thanks so much!
Sue 0 -
If you feel a lot ofRitzy said:The relay you did MyTurnNow
The relay you did MyTurnNow sounds awesome! Having one on the beach would be great!
I am happy that you got to go and that you enjoyed it so much!
Thanks for the compliment on my hubby, he is pretty wonderful. I will have to make sure he PUMPS up before the relay, just incase he has to carry me. lol
And, you are so right, I am a survivor!!!!
You will all be with me in spirit! Thanks so much!
Sue
If you feel a lot of strength behind you, next to you and just plain surrounding you at your relay Sue, it will be all of us helping you.
Just from seeing what you post about your hubby, I bet he would love to carry you in his arms, just like MyTurn wrote.
I am hoping that you go and hoping more that you enjoy it! Be sure and let us know how it goes.
Thank you for walking for us!0 -
I did my first relay before I had my bc.....and I was a mess...It is the name on those bags...Way too many emotions....It was a sad and glad thing....I will be going for that survivor lap in August.....Sounds like your husband will be right there for you..... Many Blessings!!!!0
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Ok Diane, I will rememberDianeBC said:If you feel a lot of
If you feel a lot of strength behind you, next to you and just plain surrounding you at your relay Sue, it will be all of us helping you.
Just from seeing what you post about your hubby, I bet he would love to carry you in his arms, just like MyTurn wrote.
I am hoping that you go and hoping more that you enjoy it! Be sure and let us know how it goes.
Thank you for walking for us!
Ok Diane, I will remember that if I feel some pushing! lol
I hope I go and I am hoping that I do enjoy it!
Sue 0 -
That is what I am afraid ofwaffle8 said:I did my first relay before I had my bc.....and I was a mess...It is the name on those bags...Way too many emotions....It was a sad and glad thing....I will be going for that survivor lap in August.....Sounds like your husband will be right there for you..... Many Blessings!!!!
That is what I am afraid of Waffle, seeing all of the names on the luminaries, including mine. I guess it is a sad and a glad thing like you said. Although, I am hoping more glad.
Wishing you good luck in August when you walk your survivor's lap. You have earned it!
Thanks for your blessings Waffle!
Sue 0 -
Ritzy~
I am going to the
Ritzy~
I am going to the Relay this weekend too! So~ you don't need another lightning bug ring; we have each other!!
I have this "thing" I do at the Relay~ I picture all of the names of the ones who p ost here on the boards and while I walk I semi-silently chant their names! It makes sure all of the Kindred Spirits are with me, and it makes it so meaningful! IF I forget a name, I simply chant CSN CSN
One more thing...Nervous and Excited feel the same way...so just feel EXCITED!
Enjoy!
Hugs,
Chen0 -
You can do it!!
Yes, for me, it was emotional and almost surreal. I had walked years past for someone else and now, here I was walking as a cancer survivor.
I felt strong, yet weak at the same time, I was joyous to see so many survivors but sad for the ones that left us early. I caught the eye of many who looked at me with admiration as I wore the "pink" t-shirt. So for me, I experienced a myriad of many emotions. And you know what? I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I'll be walking with you guys in spirit.
You have a good support team, including that wonderful husband of yours who I would think would place a "lightning ring" on every one of your fingers!
Have fun. Sending prayers your way!
Sylvia0 -
Cool! Both of us will bechenheart said:Ritzy~
I am going to the
Ritzy~
I am going to the Relay this weekend too! So~ you don't need another lightning bug ring; we have each other!!
I have this "thing" I do at the Relay~ I picture all of the names of the ones who p ost here on the boards and while I walk I semi-silently chant their names! It makes sure all of the Kindred Spirits are with me, and it makes it so meaningful! IF I forget a name, I simply chant CSN CSN
One more thing...Nervous and Excited feel the same way...so just feel EXCITED!
Enjoy!
Hugs,
Chen
Cool! Both of us will be going. ( if I do go lol )
Just chanting CSN CSN is a good tip. I will do that.
I also thought I would print off Vicki's list that she had on her back when she did her relay, and, put it in my pocket. That way, I will have everyone right with me!
Wish I was excited like you, just nervous now.
Thanks!0 -
Are you sure Sea60? lolsea60 said:You can do it!!
Yes, for me, it was emotional and almost surreal. I had walked years past for someone else and now, here I was walking as a cancer survivor.
I felt strong, yet weak at the same time, I was joyous to see so many survivors but sad for the ones that left us early. I caught the eye of many who looked at me with admiration as I wore the "pink" t-shirt. So for me, I experienced a myriad of many emotions. And you know what? I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I'll be walking with you guys in spirit.
You have a good support team, including that wonderful husband of yours who I would think would place a "lightning ring" on every one of your fingers!
Have fun. Sending prayers your way!
Sylvia
I
Are you sure Sea60? lol
I am glad that your relay turned out to be so good for you! A myriad of many emotions is exactly what it is.
Not so sure my hubby would put a lightning ring on every finger, but, I know he would try. He would have to be catching a lot of those little flying creatures. lol
Thanks Sylvia! You are a sweetheart!
Sue 0 -
It IS emotional...but isn't that ok?
I spoke at one of my relays...and flubbed my whole prepared speech. But it didn't matter...
Know why?
Because all of the people there share the experience we have...hearing those dreadful 3 words...either themselves, or someone close. It is a reaching out to extended family...and no one gives a wink about tears...we all shed them!
I remember my experience in D.C. I was honored to be picked to represent my home state, California, in a HUGE relay for life in our nation's capitol, along with becoming a 2-year volunteer advocate for the ACS. One night, we had a luminaria walk....over 10,000 of us! And that morning, we had 'opened' the day with a survivor's walk, over 5,000 strong, around the reflection pool in front of the capitol on the mall.
I had given the name of a very dear friend who had gone before me with brain cancer. I vowed I would look for his candle, amongst the over 10,000 placed on the capitol steps. Miracle of all, I found it. And immediately burst into tears. I was quickly surrounded by many, many people who were offering comfort to me....I will never forget it!!!
Hugs, Kathi0 -
What an experience you hadKathiM said:It IS emotional...but isn't that ok?
I spoke at one of my relays...and flubbed my whole prepared speech. But it didn't matter...
Know why?
Because all of the people there share the experience we have...hearing those dreadful 3 words...either themselves, or someone close. It is a reaching out to extended family...and no one gives a wink about tears...we all shed them!
I remember my experience in D.C. I was honored to be picked to represent my home state, California, in a HUGE relay for life in our nation's capitol, along with becoming a 2-year volunteer advocate for the ACS. One night, we had a luminaria walk....over 10,000 of us! And that morning, we had 'opened' the day with a survivor's walk, over 5,000 strong, around the reflection pool in front of the capitol on the mall.
I had given the name of a very dear friend who had gone before me with brain cancer. I vowed I would look for his candle, amongst the over 10,000 placed on the capitol steps. Miracle of all, I found it. And immediately burst into tears. I was quickly surrounded by many, many people who were offering comfort to me....I will never forget it!!!
Hugs, Kathi
What an experience you had Kathi! Thanks for sharing that!
You are a true survivor in every way! I can't believe you found your friends candle amongst the 10,000 placed. It was meant to be, wasn't it?
I pray that my experience will be even somewhat close to yours.
You are an amazing woman Kathi!
Sue 0 -
I am sure it will beRitzy said:What an experience you had
What an experience you had Kathi! Thanks for sharing that!
You are a true survivor in every way! I can't believe you found your friends candle amongst the 10,000 placed. It was meant to be, wasn't it?
I pray that my experience will be even somewhat close to yours.
You are an amazing woman Kathi!
Sue
I am sure it will be emotional Ritzy, but, you have the strength to do it!
Just look at that crazy tail of yours swinging around! That proves you have strength!
You won't be alone. Besides your husband, family and friends, you will have us in your pocket. Remember?
♥ KYLEZ0 -
I agree, emotional would be
I agree, emotional would be OK.
Only you know if you could do it. I haven't done one since my diagnosis and my mom's death. I think the first one you walk in, whether it be this year, or later, it IS going to be emotional. And I think that may be good.
I know I'm not ready to go yet, but as has been said, know that when you go, we are all there with you. I think going and seeing all those luminaries, while emotional, could give you strength too.
Praying you'll have wisdom.
dh0 -
honored to have you bring us along
Thanks Ritzy for taking us with you on the relay for life. It's ok to get emotional. The first Memory walk I took after my Dad passed was a tough one. When I walk this year, in the Komen walk/run, it will be my first one as a survivor. All these years I have walked in honor of my Mom. This year, I walk for me and all of the Pink Warriors at CSN.I will be looking for a relay for life in my area.
Hugs, K0 -
SueKayNYC said:honored to have you bring us along
Thanks Ritzy for taking us with you on the relay for life. It's ok to get emotional. The first Memory walk I took after my Dad passed was a tough one. When I walk this year, in the Komen walk/run, it will be my first one as a survivor. All these years I have walked in honor of my Mom. This year, I walk for me and all of the Pink Warriors at CSN.I will be looking for a relay for life in my area.
Hugs, K
I am sure it will emotional and with support of your hubby and friends can do it. We will stay with you all the way cherishing every moment during the event. If for some reason you decide to cancel , it is OK too. Everyone will understand.
Wishing you easy time this weekend,
Big hug,
New Flower0 -
I get itKayNYC said:honored to have you bring us along
Thanks Ritzy for taking us with you on the relay for life. It's ok to get emotional. The first Memory walk I took after my Dad passed was a tough one. When I walk this year, in the Komen walk/run, it will be my first one as a survivor. All these years I have walked in honor of my Mom. This year, I walk for me and all of the Pink Warriors at CSN.I will be looking for a relay for life in my area.
Hugs, K
For years and years I've gone to the Revlon Walk in L.A., always for and with my friend. She died three years ago and we all did it, again, for her. This year I walked for her. And for me. I was still in radiation, but I had my red survivor hat and I got my rose. I cried and cried, but it was okay. It's who I am now, a woman with cancer waiting for my dance with NED.
It will be a rich wonderful experience. Go for it!!!
xo,
Victoria0
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