Madeleine Missrider Velazquez
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victim -vs- survivor

1/26/2018

4 Comments

 
Glad you found your way into my world.  Thank you.  Yes, a password on a site?  Why?  Well, there are too many people in the world that just want to create chaos, cruel and just want attention.  If you are reading this, it means you are a very special person selected by me and you captured my heart somehow....  Please view my short video and then click on the "Read More" button below to learn more about "victim -vs- survivor".
I entitled this blog with victim -vs- survivor.  Recently I joined the LiveStrong program at the YMCA.  It is a program designed to promote wellness via physical activity for people fighting cancer.  The group meets twice a week and we share experiences.  The volunteers also teach us the proper ways to enjoy working out to relieve stress.  On the first day of participating, they gave us the opportunity to introduce ourselves.  Everyone was saying they were "cancer survivors".  On the other hand, I said I was a victim.  I ask myself, "what is the difference between a survivor and a victim".  At that time I was feeling very depressed and sick from the side effects of chemo, neuropathy and migraines.  3 illnesses that just makes you want to dig yourself into a hole.  I could not focus.  At the meeting, I was not my usual positive self.  After the meeting a young man approached me and said, "can I give you a hug?"  He did and it was wonderful.  He said, you are not a victim, you are a survivor.  Cancer is the victim because you are going to kick its ass!!!  I went home and for an entire week, I felt the hug and love this young man shared with me.  He is incredible.  His name is Erik.  The group now calls me "Magnificent Missrider".  Cute, hey?

A survivor as defined by others is a person that is still living and survived the wrath of the decease.

A victim is one that has been destroyed by cancer and no longer living as a result.

Needless to say, I think we are both.  Survivors because we are still sharing the Universe with others.  Victims because the decease selected us as a target and we don't know if it will come back.  How do we know if cancer is not coming back?  The medical system tries very hard to identify and diagnose cancer.  At the same time, they really don't know much about it.  I did not feel sick.  I was a very healthy strong woman.  Then the machines said that I had cancer.  Perhaps the machine was wrong!!  Does science truly understand cancer?  Is the technology powerful to really diagnose it?  Or, is it all made up by the insurance companies so they can stay in business?  What do you think?  What do you think about victim -vs- survivor?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.  Thank you.
4 Comments
Deborah
2/23/2018 05:34:05 pm

Hello Magnificent Madeleine,

I am also in the Live Strong evening program. I met you several weeks ago and my life has not been the same.

I have been Cancer free for going on 36 years. I had a stage 4 Reproductive Cancer, which spread to my lung.

I was diagnosed on Friday, August 13, 1982. I had massive doses if chemotherapy, learned I have anaphylaxis to morphine, discovered when I was having a lobectomoy to my left lung as the beginning of my treatment.

I was very sick, but not in long term treatment such as you and so many others describe. I was followed for a year and had to have my blood spun down each month and sent to Boston.
I had one of the best doctors in the East for my particular Cancer.
I remember at one point they discussed I might have to go to California to be treated.

Long story short; after my year of the follow ups and blood , I was told to go live my life. My particular cancer had a marker, which could be traced. I would continue with blood work and office visits for a while, but that was it. I did not even have to return to hospital for another inpatient chemothrrapy treatment. I was ONE Lucky young lady.

I had all these plans; was going to become a nurse and travel as a nurse.
I did become a nurse, traveled a little. and learned to meditate as part of my adjunct therapy. I was taught by Jon Kabat Zinn at UMASS Medical School at that time. 0

This was a tremendous gift, but when I read your blogs, I yearn for something more. I know that your stories have sparked a deeply stuffed yearning for my adventurous side.

I Celebrate and THANK YOU for your extraordinary candor, passion, and honesty. May you Ride ON for a long time to come.

I am sorry to have rambled on. I am finding that the feelings that I had long ago compartimentalised have begun to resurface. I will enjoy get to g to know you more through this website and I hope to see you again before you departure in March. Warmest Regards,
Deborah

YOU have rekindled a Hope in me that there really is so much to do out in the world. Thank you, THANK YOU!!

Reply
Paul
5/5/2018 12:12:08 am

Oh my... Thank you for stopping in my store In Santa Paula, Ca. Meeting you today was such a blessing. Little did I know what I would find out about you and the clarity you have brought to me.
My sister just passed away from triple negative breast cancer that spread to her brain. We were not very close but I do feel that part of my life is missing.
I ride a 2014 Road King. My wife and I do some motorcycle camping but nothing like what you are doing. I wish you all the best in your travels and a long productive life.
Keep spreading the word of the BIG C as I will also in memory of my sis. You are truly amazing. Thank you

Reply
Monica LaPrad
5/11/2018 02:17:40 pm

Hello my friend! Missing you at ypga but hoping your travels are going well. See you soon!

Reply
missrider link
5/11/2018 11:47:19 pm

Missing my yoga classes too my dear from Monica. See you soon. Hugs......


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