6 months ago today.... a TR of sorts (warning, long and heavy)

**Ubersheist** · 08-01-2007, 02:44 PM

I've always been impressed with your candor. Now I'm just plain awed. You rock, and there's no misgivings about it.

**spindrift** · 08-01-2007, 02:46 PM

Wow. Much vibes from here ++++++++++!

I'm sure it has not been easy, but good on ya for being gutsy and strong! Keep up the good fight!

**cloudpeak** · 08-01-2007, 02:48 PM

Truely inspirational. Your story brought tears to my eyes. You're a hero. Congratulations on being a survivor!

**frozenwater** · 08-01-2007, 02:49 PM

WSD you are one helluva tough, inspirational, crazy hot woman. THank you so much for sharing I was always in awe of ALL your trip reports, and you just completely raised the bar.

Nice job kicking cancers ass!

**snow_slider** · 08-01-2007, 02:51 PM

You GO grrl! Way to kick ass Marika.

**Van_skier** · 08-01-2007, 02:51 PM

Your strength is truly amazing and inspiring. You rock.

Thanks for the TR.

**GoldMember** · 08-01-2007, 02:53 PM

WSD, I obviously don't know you but I'm excited to hear that you're in control of this. That's a very personal and inspiring story to be putting up in a public forum. Takes a lot of courage and from what I've gathered, you're just the one to have what it takes.

I'm in with the group that thinks you've got the perfect head and don't need to cover it up with all that pesky hair. Besides, it's only hair. It'll grow back soon enough. Congratulations and keep kicking it's ass!

**SnowTigress** · 08-01-2007, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by watersnowdirt

And, I've mountain biked, I've wakeboarded, I've continued to work, and most days I feel like, "Ok, I can handle this, it's not so bad".

Hey TGR,
Just wanted to chime in that I have never seen a braver, more positive and proactive person in my life. Marika has taken this battle on with nothing but grace, strength and dignity. I am so proud to know her. She has never said "why me", rather, she has continued to live her life to the fullest and do things she loves. She has continued to be an amazing business woman, dog-mom, daughter, friend, athlete and activist and much more. And she ALWAYS kicks my ass while riding...chemo or no chemo! Rock on girl....home-stretch.

Much love and hugs,
Yas

**jibij** · 08-01-2007, 03:10 PM

Wow. Wow. Wow.
Really inspirational WSD!

Not that it's likely at the top of your "things I'm worried about list", but you've really got the natural beauty and visible spirit to pull off the bald thing stunningly. Keep on keeping on!

**BeanDip4All** · 08-01-2007, 03:12 PM

Wow Marika,

amazing fight. my mom beat it several years ago and is currently on a relapse and in her lymph nodes. I'm going to show her this thread. It sounds like you had an awesome attitude with the diagnosis.

Many props for being brave enough to share with us! Hopefully others that fight the same battle will someday be more comfortable. Thank you for sharing your fight with us!!

Hugs from NYC,
Court

**hutash** · 08-01-2007, 03:30 PM

Beating this is all about attitude, and you sure have the right attitude to beat this. Kick cancers ass girl!!!!!!

Supporting a Brazilian is all hot these days, I just never thought it included the head

I agree with a everyone else, you look great with and with out hair.

**mnflyfish** · 08-01-2007, 03:50 PM

Congrats on being a survivor! My mom went through this 17 years ago and is still going strong. Well strong might not be the right word, she's a little old lady now, but...

As for the Locks for Love, great move! I had no idea there was such an organization until my 5 year old daughter came home and asked if she could donate her hair because one of her teachers had done it. So we measured, and sure enough there was enough there so we took her in. One of the most inspiring and beautiful things I've ever been a part of.

Back to the cancer, sounds like you're kickin it's ass. And I'd like to jump on the Bald is hot bandwagon as well!

Jay

**freshie247** · 08-01-2007, 04:14 PM

Hey WSD,

Keep fighting the good fight! Doing the things you love will help you conquer this. MORE POWER TO YOU!

**watersnowdirt** · 08-01-2007, 04:43 PM

Everyone - thank you for the amazing words.

I'm no braver than any of you - you'd be surprised at the reserves of courage you find when there really is no other option.

I'm thankful to be an engineer's daughter - I've tried to stay very practical throughout this. The statistics are in my favor, so I just naturally assume I'll be part of the group that kicks this rather than succumbs to it. No other outcome is acceptable.

I forgot to mention something very important in my first post. When I first got diagnosed, one of the very first people I thought of was Plakespear, who I still to this day have never met, though we've talked by phone and email a bunch.

I thought of him because I knew he'd continued to bike, to get out and see friends, and to share his story. It motivated me beyond words, and helped me decide how I was going to walk through this chapter. Kicking cancer's ass indeed!!!

And to those of you who said I look good bald, you're crazy, but I love you

.

**Buzzworthy** · 08-01-2007, 04:43 PM

That was hard to read. I am very glad to hear you are doing ok, even good.

I would like to share a success story from the wife of my best buddy. He got married to this wonderful young lady who stole his heart. He then had to use every ounce of it 6 months into their marriage.

Suz was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and the first docs said it was terminal. Well, the fighter she is (and you are) said "Screw that" and kept going. She had surgery, she had chemo rounds that made me cry when Dave called telling me he is so lost and could not take seeing his love in so much pain. She later had a breast removed. Things kept going in the wrong direction. I lost touch with my best friend for a bit as he was going through something I could not imagine.

Then he called out of the blue. Suz has reconstruction, was on the 5 year hormone therapy plan, all signs of the cancer seemed to just disappear. Her hair grew back slowly. A year later she went back to work as a Speech Therapist. Life became good again and she was happy for the first time in over 7 years.

Here is the kicker:

She delivers a baby girl in one month!

She went from being told she was going to lose her life to about to bring a new life into this weird world.

I can't wait to snowboard with you once you are good to go!

Ron

**FREESKIER_FIVE-0** · 08-01-2007, 05:09 PM

I am completely and utterly amazed. Your the most badass person I have ever heard of. And inspiration for sure.

And to keep it going in good style, I too think you look hott bald.

**hop** · 08-01-2007, 05:35 PM

WOW.

Your attitude (like the rest of you) is awesome. I'll be down in the Bay Area in a week or so... need any hair? I have some to spare. It's a bit beat down, but it is your color.

Serial....

**Hutch** · 08-01-2007, 05:38 PM

Totally inspiring - thanks for sharing, Marika.

It sounds like you are surrounded with wonderful, positive people, and that is all I could wish for someone going through what you have been going through.

Best wishes for finishing this and KCA!

**watersnowdirt** · 08-01-2007, 05:47 PM

Oh my god - I'm falling out of my chair thinking of hop's hair on my head. I'll just use some super glue

. Too funny!

Pope - Eileen Hopper was one of my most recent visitors - she came down for a weekend and it was a blast to see her.

Tri U - in addition to being the most fabulous brother ever, it's pretty cool that I can go to lph with questions/concerns/scares. He came with me to my very first appt with my surgeon and gave his seal of approval. For a ailment that's as confusing and scary as cancer (as Plake knows, you have not one but MANY doctors, and they don't always agree), it's so great to know that I'm in good hands.

One thing I will say is that showers are a lot quicker now. Some days, I just skip the shower all together. When your hairless, you stay a lot cleaner

.

**hop** · 08-01-2007, 06:02 PM

If my hair is too wild and untamed for you, my sister has three braids worth of hair that I chopped off a couple years back... I guarantee it's in better shape than mine.

**BushwackerinPA** · 08-01-2007, 06:06 PM

You made me cry but then that last picture made me laugh, not at you but just at you humor though it all.

Keep on trucking WSD and you ll get though it.

**Steepdeepnlong** · 08-01-2007, 06:35 PM

Jeez, another example of inspiring people on this forum.
Saw ashirt awhile back that said, "Surviving? Hell, I'm kicking cancer's ass!" You deserve one of those.

And, even though I don't know you, and you do look good with hair, might I suggest keeping the bald look when this is all over because...well, damn...it looks good!

**Cirquerider** · 08-01-2007, 06:43 PM

Thanks for sharing the story WSD. I look at you "kids" (Nils included) and am amazed at the strength, courage and optimism with which you face these challenges. Of course much of the same attitude you put into your skiing and everyday life.

**Sutter** · 08-01-2007, 06:55 PM

That's an amazing story of strength and inspiration WSD, thanks for sharing. I have WAY too much armpit hair if you need some pit hair, and my legs are commonly mistaken as sasquatch-esque, people have taken my plaster cast, just drop a line if you're feeling really hippie-ish or anything, I'm your huckleberry.