In my element.
Just when I thought I had life by the tail, I got sucker-punched right between the eyes. One day I’m playing beach volleyball with my amazing friends on Playa Serena, dancing with the President of Panama, soaking up ‘life’ … and the next day I’m being told I have breast cancer. Really? Me? The word ‘cancer’ alone is such an ‘ugly’ word – so unbefitting for a person who has worked hard their whole life to be healthy and fit. So here I am, back in Canada, with my socks, long pants and sweaters, waiting to find out my ‘sentence’.
Many friends have told me that I’m “one of the strongest women they know“. I’m not convinced that I’m worthy of that statement, but I suppose that life’s events create an inner strength strength that perhaps is more evident to the onlooker. I do know that I’ve risen to many challenges in my lifetime and hope to conquer this one as well. I am very blessed and grateful to have so many people around me, near and far, who have held me up over the last week – emotionally, spiritually and physically sometimes.
This blog has evolved from travel, to photos, to real estate in Panama and now it will begin to be my ‘journal’ of sorts, as I begin this next phase in my life – finding inner strength at a level we never really know we possess until the need arises. I plan to kick this monster to the curb, so feel free to follow along in my journey! I WILL win!
You WILL kick it’s butt for sure!
Thank you Steve – after all, you clearly have to teach me to surf still! (not sure if I’m kidding or not….yikes!)
Denise I am so sorry to hear you are going through this. I will be praying for you.
Paula Wilburn
Yes, you will win! I am confident of that. Hugs, prayer, good thoughts and energy are headed your way. ❤
Prayers from Texas said for you! Fight like a girl!
“Fight like a girl” did make me crack a BIG smile – thank you, I will!
Praying…… from a fellow Panama lover.
Although Kim and I have only known you for a short time, you are one of the strongest people we know and you will beat this! Love and miss you. See you soon xxx
Love and miss you guys SO much!!! I will continue to see the parts of the world that I have yet to see through your eyes and photos, so keep posting!!
And “win” you will!!! I know all to well the shock and utter fear of being given a cancer diagnosis. Believe me when I say you are not alone and you have the support and encouragement of thousands of women who have walked this journey. All the best!
Thank you Ingrid. This gives me a renewed determination and reason to return to the Dragon Boat Races!
I have come to know you more and more over the years. Your strength and integrity will take you far. I am not about to minimize what you are feeling and going through right now, but what I do know, you have a loving partner and numerous friends in the world including Peterborough and we trust in you !
Catch up again soon and thank you for sharing this personal piece with all of us !
Love and Hugs
Anne
Anne you are so sweet – thank you for your words my friend. They mean a lot. 🙂
Keep the positive attitude Denise. Sickness no matter what kind is a beast trying to consume your mind. Remember all of those lovely places you’ve seen and spend time there in your mind when it gets hard. Until then LIFE IS STILL BEAUTIFUL. Fighting with you. dana San Antonio,TX
Dana, YOU are my inspiration. I see your posts on Facebook and pray for you to get better. I hear the determination to live in your words and I am in awe for your strength to live on. Thank you for your wise advise – I WILL envision all the special places I’ve seen in the world, the amazing people like you that I have met along the way, and embracing life as you have. Hugs my friend.
Love you, and this WILL be kicked to the curb.
Hi cowgirl im so sorry to hear what your up against but you know you have a lot of friends who care and are praying for you you will win this. We miss you and your beautiful smile. stay strong and don’t lose your sence of humor. Remember,” save a horse ride a cowboy”
DOC HALLADAY
Thank you Doc :-). I so appreciate your thoughtful message. Hugs to you and Lise! When I come back to Panama I’ll teach you how to post photos right-side-up!
You are an amazing person and will overcome this “pothole” along your journey. Use your friends as needed , that’s what we are here for….
Love you gf!
I am deeply saddened by your news…..yes….it is not fair….that a lovely young vibrant woman such as yourself should be given this lot. Cancer plays no favorites. Yes, this will be the biggest fight of your life…but know that you are surrounded by many loving people who care about you deeply. We can all do our part in supporting you on this Journey by praying everyday. Wonderful things happen when you pray. So I challenge everyone to pray everyday for our lovely Denise. Send her healing energy, never ending strength and divine love..
Thank you Kate. Your support has been amazing and so appreciated :-).
Your words and spirit are an inspiration Denise! I have no doubt you will win this battle and with a huge cheerleading team too 🙂 We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers everyday. Looking forward to your return to the beaches of Panama 🙂
Big Hugs
Scott and Tina
Gracias amiga! It feels amazing and indescribable to have so many friends as my cheerleading team :-).
You will do this Denise! I don’t know you but read your story through a high school friends post. I am over half way through treatment and was also healthy and fit so it took me by surprise. Being fit will definitely help you through your journey so keep it up. If you ever want to chat or just have a question feel free to email me. ssbblloyd@rogers.com. I had people that went through it before me and they really helped. Cheers and good luck with everything. Sue
Thank you Sue – I will send you and email for sure!
Prayer and positive energy flowing north for you. Winning is what you do, and this is no exception.
Phyllis & Don
Thank you Phyllis & Don, I so appreciate your words of support!
So sorry to hear about this, given everything else you and Kirk have gone through. Good luck, be strong, don’t take no as an answer from anyone!
Lee & Tom
Denise,
You know that Keith and I know exactly what you are going through. Remain positive and continue on the path of healthy eating, meditating and reaching out to help others.
Thank you Ellie. Hugs to you and Keith!
Hi Denise,
I just found you here in the blogosphere—we share this triple negative experience, and I will be a faithful reader. I found my lumps October 2013, diagnosed December, started chemo December 30, partial mastectomy May 22, just starting radiation. Pop over and say hi if you like!
Jacquelyn
I will check out and follow your blog as well – thanks!