Hello, my friends. Like you, I am at war with Stage Four RCC. I’ve learned so much from everyone of you. This week marks the fifth anniversary of my diagnosis. Like many of you, it just seemed like it was one excruciating event after another. Since the worst of it seemed to be the decimation of my left femur, I endured many operations, learning to walk four times. Finally a wonderful surgery implanted an artificial femur. It works for me.
I have always been goal driven and I love Scotland, so last year, I got an all terrain walker, returned to Scotland to celebrate my 70th birthday by climbing Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano in Edinburgh. I climbed the rock face on my 40th Birthday, but could I do it again? I did, short leg, Stage Four Cancer, and all! What do I plan for this year? I’m going to Comic Con in San Diego, dressed as Captain Leia.
Here I am in Scotland, stubbornly assaulting Arthur’s Seat. My birthday wish? May all of your fondest wishes come true.
Dear Viola – your words are inspirational not just to those of us in the kidney cancer community – but for everyone. Thank you for sharing – we’re looking forward to your next story complete with a picture of you as Captain Leia!
