By Jill Porter
All my friends on FB: A very dear friend has just completed her last WABDL powerlifting competition for whatever time it takes for her to heal from upcoming cancer treatment a THIRD time.
Please, if you ever talk with a cancer patient, DO NOT tell us that just because there have been so many advances for our diagnosis, it is not considered terminal, and/or you have (hopefully) not EVER experienced cancer treatment physically, it is fine and will be easy.
Marlene Wexler will face this challenge a third time with great faith, inner strength, and all the support we can provide. Some individuals have already said the above which not only hurts to the core, but has no positive affect to help her move through this again. If you have never had to endure what it is like being the patient on the receiving end no matter whether surgery, chemo, and/or radiation treatment, you cannot ever comprehend the struggle for those who have done so. It takes every part of your being to first face the unknown, but then to go through the incredibly fatiguing effort so you can be whole again and thrive in life.
Fatigue from cancer treatment is like nothing you can (and hopefully will not) ever imagine!!! It IS NOT like being tired from lifting too heavy, from running too far, from staying up too late, etc. It wipes your whole body out so badly that even existing takes great effort. Don’t tell her it isn’t that bad! Don’t tell her “at least you aren’t going to die”! And don’t ever tell her you feel sorry for her!
Marlene Wexler is prepared and has the faith and strength thankfully to want to fight again. TELL her you are behind her, tell her you can’t wait to see her compete on the platform again, tell her you stand beside her with whatever support she needs, AND tell her you love her for being that incredible example of how to face life’s challenges when presented before you because she needs as much from us as she always gives to everyone she meets.
GO GET EM’ Marlene and better see your face competing as soon as you finish and heal the body and mind!!!!! Always here whether you need me or not…I AM YOUR ROCK!!!