Cancer

#CancerSucks


Cancer has touched my life yet again. As you might know if you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, my mother-in-law passed away October 24th, 2011 from cancer. Her name was Lynn…and I’m her namesake.

Now, another one of my mothers has been stricken with cancer. B-Cell Lymphoma. Just diagnosed Thursday May 10th, 2012. Penny Mathieu, my dad’s wife of over fifteen years, has run 21 marathons. Climbed mountains such as Kilimanjaro, Rainer, Mt. Blanc. She’s spent her life promoting good health being a nurse in England for many years, then when she came to America with my dad, she worked for the Heart Institute in Minnesota for several years.

And now cancer has rendered this active woman immobile due to some nerve damage to her spine from a tumor that was just discovered last Monday. Sure, now that some of the tumor was removed she might get some of her mobility back–but it’ll take time and much rehab. Add chemo on top of that…she’s got a mountain to climb.

Thank goodness she’s climbed a few, huh? She knows she can do it. She’s in GREAT spirits. She’s a fighter.

Only thing…she was scheduled to ride across Iowa in an annual event called RAGBRAI (CLICK HERE for a link to their site). She obviously can’t ride 480 miles across the state now…

BUT I can!

And that’s exactly what I’m going to do. My hubby was already slated to do the ride with my dad and Penny…so, I’m stepping in for Penny. We’re going to make it a fund-raiser as well. So stay tuned for details.

Please send up thoughts and prayers to Penny and my dad as they navigate the difficult road ahead of them. You guys ROCK!

NYT & USA Today Bestseller & ultra-runner known as #TheRunningWriter. Agents: Joyce Sweeney & Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

11 Comments

  • Deb Novack

    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your step mom. Cancer does suck my daughters ex-boyfriend just past from that undiscriminating disease and he was 37 yrs old.

    Deb

  • Teresa Morris-lloyd

    Lynn, I am so very sorry to hear that your step mom had cancer. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with her as well as with your family. I truly can relate with this, I have lost many loved ones and friends to cancer. Good luck in your ride!! I know you all will do good.

    Teresa

  • Lisa Kessler

    I’m so sorry for your stepmom’s diagnosis, Lynn…

    You are an amazing lady!!! That is SOOO cool that you’re riding for her!!!

    I hope it’s a huge success and tell her to keep fighting…

    *HUGS*

    Lisa

  • Kendall Grey

    Lynn, you’re one of the bravest people I know. I’m so amazed by you. Can’t wait to see the info on your fundraiser. I’ll definitely contribute. Rock on! I’m with you, my friend. Sending you and your family good vibes and much love.

  • Elle J Rossi

    Cancer does indeed suck! I lost my brother to lung cancer not long ago, and my heart breaks a little more each and every day.

    Your family is an inspiration. Ride, Lynn, ride! That will mean the world to Penny.

  • Amy Eye

    My goodness, Lynn. My prayers are being sent out to you and your family. I’m glad to hear that she has gotten some of her mobility back. That is a blessing, and that she was in such good physical condition before had to be great for her recovery as well. Please keep us updated on the fund raiser, and I’m so happy that you are filling in for her. I’m sure she couldn’t be prouder.

    Bless you and your family.