Friendship in the Fire

Just a few years ago I may have scoffed at the idea of making friends across the country through the internet.  Actually I never even thought about it.  But today, through this pancreatic cancer journey, online, I have met some amazing people.  Men and women from all walks of life, joined by a common cord.

Cancer.

They are strong, funny, sensitive, caring, struggling, overcoming, surviving souls.  They're called cyber friends.  Who knew that I could come to care so deeply for someone I've never met?  And yet it has happened time and time again.  It is a blessing I didn't see coming... Friendship in the Fire.

One of those friends has been a huge inspiration.  Her name is Jeanne and we "met" several months ago after she had been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Jeanne and mom had so much in common.  Both were nurses.  Both had lived healthy lifestyles, no risk factors.  Both were diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer.  Both were given just 4-6 months to live.  Both have given their doctors a run for their money!  Mom survived over 12 months.  Jeanne is passing her 6 month mark this week.  Both have chosen to live life well.

And that brings me to my Shout-Out today.  Jeanne this is for you!

Jeanne has made some remarkable decisions along this journey and one of them was to continue working out at her local fitness center.   She is working with a trainer to increase her endurance and to retain muscle mass, two big problem areas for pancreatic cancer patients.  Jeanne knows that there may come a time when her body weakens to a point that going to the gym is impossible, but until then she strengthens her body, and tells cancer that he picked the wrong girl for this fight!  She has so inspired the trainer and manager that they shared her story with the CEO, who asked her permission to share her story on his blog!  Here's the link:

One Year to Live

 Jeanne has chosen to live life well.  In the beginning she said she was "feeling robbed by the cancer."  It's so true.  What the cancer and the chemo does to the physical body can be devastating.  Jeanne choose to help her body help herself - at the gym. 

The way I see it, when you receive a terminal diagnosis there are two things you can do:

1) Lay down and get on with dying,

                or

2) Get up and get on with living.

So many of the pancreatic cancer patients I've met have the same Live Life Well motto.  And that deserves a Big Bravo!  The example you set is a path for all who follow.  I for one am deeply grateful for the legacy of strength and hope you are living.

Continuing in Grace, Jane