ZM, Cancer, and the end of a Dream

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Messages 21 - 40 of total 557 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
Seamstress

Trad climber
Yacolt, WA
Jun 25, 2012 - 12:15am PT
Dreams add sparkle to life and purpose to our play. Chasing that dream over the last year probably added some sparkle to your life. Keep dreaming even if it seems further away if not impossible today. Find other dreams, too.

I am rooting for you to have as much fun as is humanly possible.
RDB

Social climber
wa
Jun 25, 2012 - 12:26am PT
Hey Ian,

Obviously tough to write and hard to read. My thoughts are with you. In the grand scheme climbing aint no thing. Toughing this sh#t out is, for however long the nasty stuff lasts.

You know that already. It aint as much fun as being on elcap for sure but it is an amazing and painful journey of discovery. If the time comes and you get a chance to get back on elcap I'd be happy help make it happen in any way possible.

I had a good reminder this week from "the gift that keeps on giving", it really isn't how much power we put out short term but how much endurance we have in the end.

I know that midstream HOPE can be really hard to come by. Let your friends, family and medical staff help when you are finding it hard to come up with any. You have more climbing yet to do Bro. And you have the power and endurance to see this through.

Dane
Jennie

Trad climber
Elk Creek, Idaho
Jun 25, 2012 - 12:29am PT
Best wishes for a rebound and return, Ian.
Captain...or Skully

climber
Jun 25, 2012 - 12:54am PT
You've got the Heart, and that's the biggest thing in Life, AFAIC.
Dreams are dreams. They'll always be. You be too, ok?
BE.
StevenStrong

Trad climber
Seattle, WA
Jun 25, 2012 - 01:02am PT
Ian, there is a saying "one loves ones desires, not what is desired". No matter how many times you climb El Cap, or other walls, and no matter how many times you get off the top and say "never again", the desire to return always seems to come back. You are lucky that you've already had an El Cap experience - most people can't say that.

Your wall now is the cancer - get on it and SEND!

My thoughts and energy are with you.

Steve
SCseagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz
Jun 25, 2012 - 02:45am PT
Sorry to hear the turn of events. Ovarian cancer survivor here. I recall all too vividly those dark days of the feeling of letting people down. I know we didn't but it still is there. Keep your strength up for the really big wall facing you.

Thinking of you,
Susan
shipoopoi

Big Wall climber
oakland
Jun 25, 2012 - 02:49am PT
ian, my thoughts are with you tonight. i'm glad you found a lot of friends and support here on the taco. el cap can wait for now. just try and get better. steve
Gunkie

Trad climber
East Coast US
Jun 25, 2012 - 12:08pm PT
I find myself prone to lightheadedness and short dizzy spells, which is probably not the best thing to have in the middle of a hook lead.


Seems like a benefit while on A4 hooks ;)

But truly, hang in there and don't give up hope. Fight out of this current nadir and find your next window of opportunity. Then... get after it. Best wishes from the east coast.
Jan

Mountain climber
Okinawa, Japan
Jun 25, 2012 - 12:20pm PT
Sometimes amazing cures happen. I had a friend with acute leukemia - white cell count 5 times higher than "normal" leukemia, total liver and kidney failure, and he still pulled through all that - 12 years ago. He had good doctors, but most importantly an indomitable spirit. You want to get through the cancer to climb but maybe you climbed so that eventually you could survive even cancer. My friend rode a motorcycle across the Sahara desert among other things, and he said that experience helped him get through the leukemia.
Hilaryalp

climber
Jun 25, 2012 - 02:55pm PT
I've only read your posts but your situation has really touched me and I can only send you many many positive thoughts from France and tell you to hang in there, give it everything and I hope you get the best best luck you deserve to get back on the rock. Bon courage
RDB

Social climber
wa
Jun 25, 2012 - 03:49pm PT
"maybe you climbed so that eventually you could survive even cancer"

well said.
SCseagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz
Jun 25, 2012 - 05:54pm PT
"maybe you climbed so that eventually you could survive even cancer"

I so believe that was my case. During treatment I pulled on so many climbing metaphors. You can do this Ian. Live your life well no matter what is thrown your way.

Susan
andy@climbingmoab

Big Wall climber
Salt Lake City, UT
Jun 25, 2012 - 09:18pm PT
Good luck to you - you are inspiring.
SCseagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz
Jun 26, 2012 - 01:14am PT
Climbers Rise Above Cancer. Even when we feel like we fail to red-point, let alone on-site, we WILL try again. That is the difference between a soul who collapses and a soul who soars.

Paul, Disaster Master, had posted this on one of my cancer threads. Says a lot.

Keep soaring in spite of all the crap being thrown your way.



Susan
gimmeslack

Trad climber
VA
Jun 26, 2012 - 08:11am PT
Respect!
Crimpergirl

Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
Jun 26, 2012 - 08:32am PT
Keep on keeping on and chasing all your other dreams!! Missing one dream doesn't make you less.
Chinchen

climber
Way out there....
Jun 26, 2012 - 10:57am PT
Stay alive Ian.
Double D

climber
Jun 26, 2012 - 12:27pm PT
Best wishes to a successful healing.
Ian Gill

Big Wall climber
Redding, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Jun 26, 2012 - 01:05pm PT

Many thanks to ALL the comments here! It is truly powerful magic!

We are all a special breed, and I am proud to be one of you!
Prezwoodz

climber
Anchorage
Jun 26, 2012 - 03:20pm PT
You shouldn't consider it letting anyone down! I am inspired by your dedication and want to continue life. When you get better my offer still stands, I'll even do the wall with you. Once your free and clear let me know, I'll fly down for that.

Kelsey
Messages 21 - 40 of total 557 in this topic << First  |  < Previous  |  Show All  |  Next >  |  Last >>
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