I was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer in early May. It was found
during my first surgery. That was supposed to be exploratory but ended up
as a total hysterectomy due to the severity of the cancer. Five weeks
later a second surgery was required to remove lymph nodes and other tissue
to biopsy, remove my omentum, and to thoroughly handle and inspect my
intestines as that's where my metastasis had gone to. The recovery from
the two abdominal surgeries so close together has been arduous with many
complications and hurdles to get over along the way. I am now almost eight
weeks out from the surgeries and have begun my course of chemotherapy
treatments. I have five more treatments which will be over around November
1. In 2007 I plan to have my life back and thrive again. Part of that
will be to get strong and ready to race again. I miss it very much, but I
know it'll be there next year when I'm ready to get back on the grid.
Fortunately, I went into all this very strong and fit like you all. We as
athletes are probably the most well prepared for severe life challenges as
we know how to stay focused, stay tough, and do all we can to get ourselves
to the final goal. I'm applying all that we learn from training and racing
all year long as best I can. Especially the days I was so low and
struggling, I tried to remember all of that.
Thank you all for helping me out. It means a great deal to me. I look
forward to seeing you again at the races. I'll be watching the Cross races
this Fall from the side lines. But next year I'll see you out on the race
course again!!!!!
Be well. Stay tough. Stay strong.
Janel Lodge