Overcoming Obstacles

It took me 6 months of training to prepare my mind, as well as my mind and body for a race. I’m so glad I signed up, and I must say reaching motivational goals is a step in moving forward.

Creating a goal

Blood cancer and any life-altering issue is not an easy walk, and it’s one to figure out in stages. The Mud Girl race was one that I approached as an uphill battle, not knowing what would be on the other end of it. This is similar to multiple myeloma. We go through the motions showing up for survival while hoping for the best.

Obstacles, even before the race

Sure enough, on the day of the race, the powers that be were trying to throw me off my game, whether stopping at the bank or getting gas at the last minute (please don’t ask), and finally receiving email alerts in route to heavy traffic and alternate route to the venue.

My start time of 9:00 AM started at 10:00 AM, but it wasn’t a big deal as the attitude of all volunteers was to have fun and go with the flow. The registration and all that comes with it was (here’s that familiar word…)a process. I expected one thing and got something else. However, it went relativley smooth and I was pleased with that.

I don’t recall the specifics when starting blood cancer treatment, only my anxiety of the Velcade injections to my abdomen. The anticipation of never doing this before, and the building up a quick relationship with the person helping us through these steps built up anxiety, for sure, and that was a similar feeling as the angst I had leading up to the race. It was a similar experience with all that comes with starting treatment, and thinking, "Can I do this?"

Helping hands were necessary

There were 3 instances in which a helping hand was appreciated and also paid forward. My 3rd course out of 17 or so was going well until I hit that deep mud ditch while almost sinking further, and a helping hand helped me balance and regroup while we all kept it moving. I continued the sentiment when helping another participant with the walking beams.

It made me think about a lot of trials in blood cancer that could not be completed if it wasn’t for many factors whether a medical team, family, friend, or stranger to help in getting us through makes a difference no matter how you want to look at it.

Climbing the cargo nets

So, the end was near with the ultimate climb up the A-like frame on the cargo nets. A few ladies were hesitant to trek up the steep climb, and one even said I could go in front of her, as she wasn’t mentally ready to approach this final round.

It took the skill of patience in climbing and holding on upward strategically, and isn’t that the same thing we do as blood cancer survivors? We climb with or without a squad, but at the end of the day, we have to put in the work that meets the goal of survival.

Cheers to one bucket list, “hum, what will the next one be”?

The time to fight is now, with integrity, grace, hope, and a smile….when you feel like it