Goals amid the battle.

As I approach my 2nd dose of Chemotherapy, this coming Monday, it is time to make some goals for this cancer battle.

During my first bout with ovarian cancer, towards the middle of treatment, I made goals. I was going to run road races, dance in pow wows, climb Devils Tower along with beat cancer and ring the bell. I didn't know how debilitating treatment could be. I was so weak, had constant fatigue making physical activity a struggle. So, I didn't run and I didn't dance. But I did climb, not to the summit, but higher than I thought I could go. And I did ring the bell and beat cancer.

Now it is time to make new goals. Of course, the number one thing is to finish treatment, ring the bell and beat cancer once again. Hopefully this time, forever. But I also have other goals in mind to keep me motivated.

I want to learn to ride motorcycle. My nephew Travis said he would go thru the ABATE classes again with me and let me use a motorcycle of his. We talked about this last summer, before I was diagnosed with cancer again. So now all the more I want to do this. I am also dreaming of getting my own motorcycle, an Indian Scout Bobber or Sixty. I have gone on the website and designed my own bike. But first I have to learn to drive a motorcycle. I think it will be fun to go riding with Travis, Heather and Tony.

I want to dance at least one Inter Tribal at Porcupine Pow Wow. I may have to do very simple footwork, in a ribbon skirt, top and shawl. Dancing Jingle might be a bit much this year, but I want to at least make it to the Pow wow, see friends, feel the beat of the drum as it talks to my heart. Pow wows are very healing, they recharge the soul. Plus Porcupine always hosts a nice little pow wow with lots of family and friends.

If all goes well, I would like to climb the Needles in the Black Hills with my climbing friend Frank. Frank owns Devils Tower Lodge, he guides climbers and loves music. I met him years ago climbing and stayed at his bed and breakfast. In fact, Frank came here for my bell ringing the first time around. He sat in the Sanford lobby and played piano for an hour while I got my final treatment, then joined family for my celebration. We climbed in the Needles years ago with other friends, Cory and Cruzie. The rock is softer, it is a bit different climbing there. I want to do that Summer 2021.

So those are my goals for this battle. I may not achieve them all, but I will get most of them.

Of course, the number one goal is beat cancer....again!