Happy New Year!
It’s been a while.
I have been out of sorts. I wish I could say my absence has been due to progress on my novel or even spent sitting in my writing nook with my hands holding my head as I racked my brain for inspiration. Or at least with my face between the spine of a book. I’ll confess that I was doing none of these things.
Continue reading
This piece was featured in Retrieving Independence’s July Volunteer spotlight. In my short time as a volunteer for this organization, it and Sadie have already done so much for me. If you’re interested in learning more about them, volunteering (ie, raising a puppy or having a dog for a weekend) or contributing financially to their cause, check out their website.
Earlier this year, my husband and I decided to remodel our kitchen. As a friendly contractor measured our cabinets, he casually asked if we had any pets. I explained the sad story, that all animal lovers inevitably experience. We had lost our beloved 15-year-old German Shepherd, Bear, in 2016 and had not been able to wrap our heads around another (at least) decade long commitment. The contractor then began telling me about an organization his daughter volunteers with called, Retrieving Independence. Immediately my interest was ignited.
Within the week I visited the Retrieving Independence website, followed them on social media and submitted my application to become a Furlough Volunteer. After exchanging a few emails, I was asked if I might be interested in raising one of the nine puppies from Bella’s litter. Before I had a chance to think, my heart screamed, “YES” and a few weeks later, my husband and I drove away from the Farm at Natchez Trace with a sweet little pup in my arms named Sadie.
Sweet Sadie
Over the next two months of puppy raising Sadie, she taught me much more than I taught her. Sadie tackles each day, outing, encounter and task with so much joy and enthusiasm. She wants to be friends with everyone. I admire her ability to both follow her intuition and sometimes be fearless when facing uncertainty. Sadie enjoys food and eats without worrying about getting fat. She sleeps when she’s tired – typically rising and resting with the sun. Sadie is comfortable with stillness and doesn’t always feel the need to go-go-go. She lives in the present, forgives easily and loves fully. We could all take a few lessons from Sadie’s playbook.
Putting her on the bus to start her training at Turney Correctional Facility on June 12th was bittersweet. Naturally, I was sad to see her go, but knew she was ready to begin the next chapter. In honor of her departure, I decided to hold a Facebook fundraiser and with the generous contributions of friends and family, we raised nearly $700 for Retrieving Independence.
Between our furlough weekends, I miss her, but take much solace knowing that she is in the process of spreading her playbook teachings to her trainers and future recipient.
I wrote this piece for the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation’s June Survivorship Issue. Click here for the full eUpdate on topics including research, finding a NET specialist, living with NETs and more. Thank you to NETRF for the important work they do.
Every Sunday on the O Network’s Super Soul Sunday, Oprah asks her guest, “What do you know for sure?” This question has stayed with me and my answers stem from my diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in 2014.
However, before diving in, it’s important I preface this post by declaring that being diagnosed with a Neuroendocrine Tumor is awful. The pain and suffering proceeding this disease is real. I do not want to discount anyone’s experience, so please know that I see you and all of us impacted by this disease see you.
What I know for sure is that cancer will be the greatest teacher of my life. The lessons are vast, innumerable and constantly evolving. Those that come to the top of my mind are resilience, perseverance, humility, strength, letting go, being uncomfortable, grateful, mindful, kind and compassionate. I’m sure I would have eventually learned all of these things, but cancer gave me a crash course and I am better person for it.
I know in the extensive world of cancer, I’ve got it pretty good. A slow-growing disease, where patients are living decades. And not just living long – many are living well. I know NET survivors who have accomplished some incredible physical feats – marathons, triathlons, cross-country hikes, 100-mile bike rides, scuba diving, to name a few. I know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but I could see where other cancers and diseases could be envious.
I know this statement may ruffle some feathers, but I’m happy I don’t look sick. I would rather be sick, without looking sick, than be sick and look sick.
I know my doctor is the right person to lead my care team. With only a handful of true specialists, choosing a doctor isn’t too difficult. Other cancers have hundreds, if not thousands of specialists, which I would find overwhelming. With our small NETs community, it’s easy to know whether you’re in the right hands or not.
I know who my friends are and are not. Those who stood by my side are true, loving, genuine, caring people. They are the kind of humSians I want in my life. I also know what a surprise it was to develop new friendships with fellow survivors with whom I share an indescribable kinship.
And what I know for sure is that every sunrise, new moon, holiday, birthday, etc. is a gift. This is true for all of us – cancer or not, but living with NETs – I know it and I live it, everyday.
Stacie Chevrier 