Preparing for the Journey Ahead

Read Marilyn's story and track her journey…

On Monday I start chemo. I told my husband this morning that it's pretty screwed up when you fear the treatment more than you fear the disease. But he reminded me that the reason I don't fear the disease is because of the treatment. He's right. As of today I have a roughly 70 percent chance of survival and non-recurrence. After chemo, radiation and hormone therapy, I will have a 93 percent chance of survival and non-recurrence. As a recovering accountant, I respect those numbers.

I am ready. I want to put this mystery behind me. I want to know what it feels like to sit there with my compatriots as a member of a club that no one wants to be part of. I want to know how they are going to hook me up to the port, and what it feels like to have the drugs coursing through my veins. I want to know how I'm going to feel Monday night and Tuesday morning and next Friday night. I want to know whether chemo is going to kick my ass or whether I am going to be the victor—most likely it will be both.

Not to get too airy-fairy, but I see this as an exotic, exciting journey that will provide a lot of growth, a bit of pain and a few silver linings. I am soooo blessed to have so many people on this journey with me.

I'll catch you on the flip side.