Tomorrow I fly away to Winnipeg. Next stop, Orlando!
I’m travelling with my best pal, Gil. She’s been there for me throughout this cancer shit show since day one. In January 2017 supportive roles reversed as she went through her own diagnosis of cervical cancer. Thankfully it was an early stage and surgery was all that she needed. “...surgery was all that she needed”, now there’s an understatement. My friend and I now have even more in common - surgically induced, early menopause. The worst!
Last year Gil planted the idea wouldn’t it be awesome for both of us to say, "hey cancer, fuck you" while nerding out at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Florida.
Well kids, dreams do come true and we’re actually doing this.
I’m grateful to Gil for taking the time (and money!!!) to do this trip with me. It’s well deserved for both of us. I ordered matching Harry Potter T-shirts from Miles to Go and we’re going to be the coolest kids in the park. There are six full days of adventure ahead with the Universal and the Disney parks, a day in Orlando to just LAY DOWN, and then a drive to Clearwater to swim in the Gulf of Mexico.
To be totally honest, when we booked this trip in January I was riddled with anxiety - of the bad, anticipatory kind. I was so worried my meds would stop working before the trip. Or that the new meds’ side-effects wouldn’t go away or be managed. With stage 4 cancer you’re living on a three-month schedule - scan to scan. It’s difficult to plan things. I’ve learned to prepare for disappointments. But, I also have to keep setting goals, plan trips, and live my life. With fingers crossed and visuals of plans coming to fruition.
Now, with only one more sleep until we fly away, anticipatory excitement has replaced the anxiety. I feel great as can be. And I’m ready to totally rock this trip with my best pal.
Stay tuned for a photo essay in a few weeks.
Toronto, ON - 2011
A youtube classic: Severus Snape: I'm Too Sexy
Rest well you magnificent man.