Courage

Today, I attended a party for an awesome woman, Paulla. We had tons of great food, lots of wonderful gifts and beautiful music provided by most talented coworkers whom I had no idea could sing. I didn't want to go but I did and in the end I was glad I did because Paulla had a wonderful time.

You see, Paulla has cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer about 2 yrs ago. Breast cancer was prevalent in her family history so she opted for a double mastectomy and chemotherapy in the hopes it would keep her cancer-free. It did not. About a year later, cancer was found in other organs and she underwent more chemotherapy and once again she thought she had beaten the monster. But, once again, she had not.

Today, Paulla is fighting her toughest battle and most likely her last. Today, she spent a wonderful afternoon with great friends who love her and support her. Tomorrow, she goes to get a catheter inserted to deliver the chemotherapy directly to the cancer that lies in the lining of her brain. The prognosis for this type of cancer is generally about 6 months.

I have no idea what I would do in her shoes. But I DO know that Paulla has done. Paulla has embraced life. She continues to live her life to it's fullest. She and her daughter who is studying to be a nurse went to New Orleans last week. They walked all over the French Quarter. They learned to cook cajun dishes. Paulla told us she will continue to come in to work for 2hrs a day and work 4hrs at home throughout this ordeal. Paulla has not once felt sorry for herself. She is always positive. She's always smiling. She is one of the most courageous people I know.

Please keep Paulla and her daughter Annie in your thoughts and prayers.