Approaching my surgery im both excited and nervous. But one things I realized is that my experience has been identical to a 400m track race. As a pervious 400m track runner ive learned a few things about the 400m race. The race itself is a sprint but unlike the 100m or 200m sprints, the 400m sprint takes patience. Though my situation this year prevented me from participating in Track and Field this year, I had a 400m race of my own.
The first 100m you start out strong, giving yourself that adrenalin rush as you power off the starting blocks. My first 100m was the Tracheotomy surgery. Without anesthetic I lay on the operating table, and put on a brave face. This was a different kind of strong though; I couldn’t just push myself physically to give myself a good start to this journey. I had to be strong mentally to begin the battle to beat this.
At the 200m mark of the race you have to keep your pace and keep your focus. The second hundred meters of the race is normally the least focused on by the crowed; as the start and finish of the race excites most people. This is where the athlete individually needs to find the strength to push themselves to keep going strong. Chemotherapy was my 200m mark. It wasn’t anything exciting like a surgery, but it was a time in which I knew I needed to push myself and keep the pace going strong.
When you hit 300m you know your half way there, and now its time for you to pick up the pace. As you come around the corner you’re in sight of the finish line, and you know its the most important time of the race. The most important time of my race is my surgery to remove the tumor. Although its frightening, i can see the end and that is what i need to focus on.
The last 100m you have to give it your all and everything you have left. Push yourself to your limits because you know your almost there. Physically and mentally your shot and you don’t know how much longer your legs will hold you. The 6 weeks of Radiation will be my final 100m, mentally and physically exhausted from the last 5 months of treatment, I can see the finish line and i have to give it everything I’ve got.
You’ll have lots of fans cheering you on – congrats on hitting that final 100 m.
Im praying for you.
You will be fine! x
Good vibrations from the West Coast for your surgery tomorrow Carley. We’ll all be thinking of you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxooxxoxoxo Beth, Bruce, Katrina and Allie
And just like in a 400m race, I’m standing at the top of the last bend cheering at you to dig deeper, even though I know you’re about as deep as you can get. And like the 400, just when you think you can’t possibly take another step, you find yourself pushing even harder to cross that finish line. The finish is gruelling and punishing and impossible, yet strangely exhilarating and most definitely liberating. You’re doing great, Carley! So proud of you and all you have become. The finish line is in sight now….you don’t have to look pretty getting there, you just have to cross the line! Good luck tomorrow! Will be thinking of you!!!
Good luck Carley – from Alice’s family. We made a toast to you tonight and we are thinking about you and rooting for you.
Hey Carley, this is Katie T’s Auntie, wishing you the best. Extra prayers for you tonight. You are strong, tough, beautiful, smart extremely courageous, you will be just fine! Much love and big hugs headed your way,
Good luck on your surgery Carley!!! Xoxo
So proud to call you my best friend. Love you so much Car, will be thinking of you all day tomorrow. xxxooo
sending tons of love, hugs, prayers, and good wishes for tomorrow. Keep shining.
You are beyond amazing, beautiful, sweet & encouraging! i pray & wish you all the best!!!
Best wishes for tomorrow – will be thinking of you
what a great analogy – Carley, we wish you all the best for tomorrow and the rest of your sprint – we will be cheering for you at the finish line
Great analogy. Your almost there. I think of you often. Can’t wait to see you again.