In March of 2013 I was hospitalized on the 7th floor of the University of Washington hospital. I will spare you a repeat of the details as there are several posts outlining my stay if you care to read about them (Where’s Loretta and Another night in Paradise.)  I did spend some time walking the halls as I only needed to be in my room for antibiotic infusions.  During one of my sorties, I found a bell that is behind the main desk.  It was donated John Charles and Gwedolyn Sowray to be rung when one is finished cancer treatments.  I thought about ringing that bell from the first time I read the plaque until yesterday, when I actually did ring that bell.

I had a doctor’s appointment (shocking, I  know) at UW so thought I would take a side trip to the 7th floor.  I felt a bit weird going and asking to ring the bell but the staff were thrilled.  They said they love when former patients come back and ring.  They also said that not many do come back.  I was asked if I wanted to ring it by myself or have some staff present.  I opted for staff.  The front desk person called around and soon there was a small but very enthusiastic group to celebrate the ring.  I asked if the bell was really loud and was told to just ring it as hard as I wanted.  So I did.  It was loud.  Loud in that deep, resonance that vibrates into your inner soul.  I rang it three times.

When I got home, I did a bit of research to see how and when the ringing of a bell to signify the end of cancer treatment started.    What I found was this poem written by Navy Rear Admiral Irve Le Moyne.

Ringing out

Ring this bell

Three times well

Its toll to clearly say,

My treatment’s done

This course is run

And I am on my way!

Admiral Le Moyne had head and neck cancer and was treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 1996 he had a bell installed outside the main campus Radiation Treatment Center.  Ringing the bell three times symbolizes the restoration of balance, harmony and life energy.  So here’s to a life that has balance, harmony and lots of energy!

I am mile 12.  When I found out I was mile 12 I cried.  I was humbled to be asked to be mile 12. Being mile 12 was suppose to help my friend Nicki but instead I think it helped me even more than it helped her.

Last week Nicki sent an e-mail out to ask for some help from her friends. Nicki was going to run a 1/2 marathon in Victoria, BC on Sunday, October 13.  She has been dealing with some very serious health problems over the last year as well as other life issues.  As Nicki wrote in her e-mail :

” …I have stubbornly continued to run. It’s felt important to me to run and race because I’ve told myself that, if I can run, I can’t be “that” sick. And, even though my health has been challenging and frustrating, it hasn’t gotten the best of me.”

She was telling her coach how she thought  that she might not be able to complete that race. This is what her coach said:

“So this is what you need to do: Use this as a race to focus on the good in your life. Pick 13 positive things or people and dedicate a mile to each of them. Use the energy they will send or give you to get through that mile. Don’t worry or focus on the time, it is not important this time around. You are doing the race because you love running and the race atmosphere. It is a freedom different from other things in your life and brings out your strength and determination. You win by getting to the finish line. So clear your thoughts, focus on you and your loved ones. Make me one of your miles and I will send so much energy you will float to the next miles before you know it. Draw in energy from the greenery around you and there will be plenty of it along this beautiful route. Keep up, not down and know there are a lot of us supporting you.”

That is what Nicki did and she chose me as mile 12:

“Mile 12. Loretta. Because you are one of the strongest, most determined, bad-asses I know. When I need to feel strong, I think of you because you inspire me.”

Why you ask, am I writing about this?  I think this is a wonderful idea for anyone going through chemo and/or radiation.   A many of you know, before I started treatment I was given a beautiful gift of bracelets, flowers and words of encouragement. I have one bracelet for each week I was having chemo (20) and each radiation session (33).

53 bracelets to remind me of everyone sending me positive thoughts.  Well wishes written on slips of colorful paper helping me get through these difficult months.  I put the bracelets in a basket that also contains all the words of encouragement.  I like to randomly pull one out and read it.  The words and the bracelets give me strength.

Nicki completed her 1/2 marathon.  I am on the way to completing my treatment. Never underestimate the power of positive energy and the love of friends and family.  Never hesitate to ask for their help.

An apropos comic from XKCD.

I guess as they improve technology, they also reduce the number of alignment targets needed.  Or maybe that is the improvement.