The process was that a person has icy cold water tipped over them and then nominate the next person. The challenges objective was to raise awareness of cancer, provide an icy experience that could be similar to the experience of chemotherapy and to donate money to the cancer society of your choice.
I was nominated a few times, but the thought of placing icy cold water over my head didn't inspire me to make a difference to the cause. What did inspire me, was to reflect on my past Intense Cancer Experience (I-C-E). By this I mean my encounters with many of my whanau who have battled this hideous disease - some having positive outcomes, some still fighting and some loosing their battle.
Upon reflection, I'm astounded by the number of family members who have been affected. My fathers mum - Dorothy McManus, her sister-in-law - Ann Berryman, my fathers sister - Lindsay McManus, my mothers sisters - Lillian Paretovich, Raina Ruri, Nora Gagie, my mothers brother - Charles Haggie, his wife - Monica Haggie, my mum's mother - Elizabeth Haggie and also my mum - Maata McManus are some - just to name a few and not including my friends who have been affected.
My earliest memory is when I was 6 sitting in the hallway of my grandmothers hospital ward witnessing my father coming out from her room crying and wondering what was going on. At the time, all I wanted was to see her, but wasn't allowed. Later in life I learnt that that was her wish - she didn't want her grandchildren to see her as sick as she was and that was the only visit to the hospital that we were allowed to go. So both my parents could say their final farewell.
My most vivid memory is living with my mother when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Attending the specialist visit with her and being told the news. Taking in as much information and asking as many questions as possible. One thing that was vivid was the doctor stating that cancer continues to double in size until it's either removed or treated with radiation or chemotherapy. His advise to us was to have it removed as quickly as possible. When I asked when she was able to have the tumour removed, he stated in the public system it would take 3 months ... but privately he could do it within 3 days. I was appalled at the answer but knew what needed to be done. Reluctantly, my mother agreed to go privately. I say reluctantly, because in her mind she wanted to get "used to the idea" that she had cancer before making a decision. She thought that having the operation would be the hardest thing to do. She thought once the operation was over, then treatment would be easy. That couldn't be furthest from the truth. Over the months I witnessed my mother go through hell. Her body rejecting the toxins that were being pumped into her body. Her body changing. Her skin changing. Yes she lost her hair, and yes she looked burnt black after her radiation treatment and yes she was exhausted and wanted to just get it over and done with. Imagine the reaction when she went for her specialist appointment to be told that the cancer had disappeared. Elation! Overjoyed! Relief! The specialists told us that the results were positive due to the fact that mum's cancer was detected early. Over the next month I witnessed my mother heal. Her skin was flawless, her hair growing back thicker. Her body rejuvenating itself, inside and out. It really was a sight to see and made me realise just how much your body can self heal for the better.
My most recent and hands on experience was when my fathers sister was diagnosed with cancer and within 8 weeks, she was gone. She was a person living alone in a small two bedroom home, and after discussing it with my husband, I made the decision to ask if she would like to come home to my house. It was large enough (350 m2) to accommodate her along with my family of 4, plus my sister and her family (3), my parents and anyone else who would like to move in or visit to assist with her care during her final stages. My parents did move in along with many others and the roster started. The good, bad and the ugly was witnessed during those 8 weeks and my aunty went through hell. Her battle to live and her bodies fight to stay functioning, but unfortunately the cancer was detected too late and the battle was lost. She lived a lonely life in terms of having a partner but I know she was overjoyed to be surrounded with such love from her family, even when she took her last breath.
My husband has also had his fair share of cancer in his whanau. Both his father and brother died of bowel cancer and on his 42nd birthday in July, my husband became the oldest living male (on his fathers side) ever! Nearly two years ago he decided he would make a lifestyle change. He decided to go PALEO. A lot of people were getting into it for weight loss, however for him it wasn't about that, it was more about making a more realistic change in how he lives and what he eats. He explains paleo simply as "eating real food". Fitting, for a life on the Ponderosa and it honestly is more gratifying when you're growing your own food.
If I am to reflect on these experiences and compare them, I can understand why my grandmother didn't want her grandchildren to see her. I can understand why my mother thought it would be better to "get used to the idea". I understand how important early detection through regular checks is. I also understand that healthy wellbeing is important although to me it's not just about healthy eating or regular exercise. It's about moderation for those naughty indulgences and living life to it's full potential. Life is much happier when you surround yourself with people you love who provide you with strength and positivity. I truly believe that love and positivity is life's drug. It draws you in and gives you the motivation to enjoy every chapter that is thrown at you.
My photo is of my daffodils that I planted in 2012. They are my dedication to all my whanau and friends that have been affected by cancer which I blogged in SPRING DAFFODILS. It's quite a concerning topic so for now I think life is too short to worry about what might happen, we should enjoy what does happen by making positive choices in our lives.
Happy living people! ... oh yes and my donation goes to Hospice!
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