[2022-07-29] Two years later
Two years ago today, after 10 hours in the emergency department of the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, I learned that I had ovarian cancer. I left the hospital reeling, and shared my frightening news with my common-law husband of 30 years on the way home. We were filled with uncertainty. What else could I say besides we would face the disease together?
And that's what we did. Six days after I was diagnosed with cancer, Chris and I got married. I always said it was like eloping, except it was to our backyard and with our two adult children, who were our witnesses and only guests.
Two days later, I launched this blog to chronicle my cancer journey. In the process of sharing my story, I've shared the story of my family as we've faced cancer together and kept right on living. I've also reflected the immense support I received from not only my husband and children but also extended family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers.
Now, two years later, my ovarian cancer has been treated and is at bay, and a second cancer—perianal skin cancer—has been treated and likely cured. Many of the questions we had two years ago (what stage was my cancer, would it respond to treatment, would I live for months or years) have since been answered. Uncertainties remain, but that is true for everyone.
Today—almost in celebration, though that wasn't our intent—Chris and I spent the day in Perth doing something very different from what we had done on July 29, 2020. On this gorgeous day (sunny, warm and breezy), we strolled around the picturesque Stewart Park, shared a plate of nachos on the Mex and Co. balcony overlooking the Tay Canal, traipsed around downtown Perth, stopping for cheese and jams at the Perth Cheese Shop, then enjoyed a latte and cappuccino at Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe, which also overlooks the Tay Canal. We drove home feeling grateful for our shared past, content with today's meanderings, and excited for our next day trip.
