by Helaine Hepworth
When I thought cancer was approaching my life I ran and hid.
I lied, made excuses, withdrew, and denied it.
Turns out, cancer is a part of life. We are all touched by it somehow. We lose friends, family and co workers. I have always believed that we are taught lessons in our life experiences. Then we are obligated to pass on what we learned.
Many years ago both Wally and I had coworkers with late stage cancers.We visited, shared and somehow dealt with them on a totally honest level. Both people expressed thankfulness at our acceptance and honesty.
When cancer came closer to us with family members we used those lessons well, it helped us, it helped them. Toughest of all was our oldest child. A mere 25 years we had him. Yet we were able to talk honestly, and when he decided to refuse treatment and travel for his last few months. We gave him some money, a suitcase and our blessings. When my aunt made the decision to stop treatment it was easier to accept it, help care for her, and bake her muffins.
So why, when it was me did I hesitate. Hesitate? No, more like I froze. It did take me a long time to process it all. I kept it a secret for a long time. Trusting only a few people in my life. Slowly I crawled out of the Cancer Closet.
I am no longer hiding.
Saying over and over “It is what it is” “It is my turn.”
“Put on your big girl panties and deal with it.”
So here I am, hoping that I can give knowledge, hope, humor, care, and love to others out there that may be hiding. Expect a story now and then with the good, the bad, and the ugly but always with the truth.
Your a touch gal I know you will make it thru Prays and support from all of us here at TV I’m here if you need anything At the end of the phone too
With that great attitude, you are half-way there to beating the damn ‘C’ word!
Hi Helaine,
Sending you love, hugs & healing energy from New Mexico.
Richard & Debrann
TV Wannabees
Helaine,you touched my heart.
Hi Helaine,
Just went through it myself. There are good days and challenging days, and the good news is that I have grown through it. I hope it is an easy path for you. Totally recommend MD Anderson in Houston, #1 center in the country. Fortunately, living in an RV made it easier.
Best to you,
Jill Goldman, soon to be a leaseholder.
You are a blessing to us all Helaine. Don’t hesitate to call for anything.
Jimmy
We’ve always known you are special. You have the inherent ability to demonstrate and share logical and sensible paths through problems and troubled times in understandable language we listen to and admire. We’re all pulling for you. Please let us help in any way you may need.
Thank you, Helaine, just for being “you” and for sharing your unique perspectives with us. You will help many, I’m sure, and in so doing it will help you. I had a mastectomy about 30 years ago (can’t even remember the date) and have done well. Whatever the treatments you choose: go for it. The one word of advice I’ve never forgotten: “Keep on, keeping on”. Love and God Bless.
Helaine you are a breath of fresh air. The c word is a scary and a”why me” kind of word.
That stuff has been in my family way too much so I knew it would touch me at some point. And it did. Like you, I learned a lot about my self and my faith in God as that crappy meds coursed through my body.
Thanks for coming out of your closet to let us hold you up and encourage you and just plain love on you.
Here for you girlfriend. Prayers for strength emotionally, physically and hugs for healing.
Your courage is admirable, indeed, Helaine. With this latest publication, you have added candor that should encourage all of us to more realistically deal with the inevitability in life which we each face. It remains a great mystery why some of us, far less productive, do survive while others do not. God only knows, I guess. You do have my best wishes and please call on me if there is anything I can do to help you deal with your daily life.
And, thanks for your example of candor and bravery. Rick
Helaine, you’re an inspiration to all of us. Thanks for being so open and honest.
Thank you Helaine for sharing. Gives me strength to maintain
Through less trials and tribulations. Our prayers are with you
And we’re at end of your phone should you need ANYTHING.
Helaine, you are more than an inspiration to us all. Our prayers are with you.
Helaine …
Our gallant warrior princess.
Ride on.
Take us along on your courageous journey.
Your faithful friends, and fellow travelers.
Ride on.
Dear Helaine,
You amaze me with your humor & attitude during these tough times.
May you be richly blessed ❣️