KAY ARNOT

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KAY ARNOT For the last 5 years I have checked daily to see if my name appeared in this column. Well, today it does, so I guess I am no longer battling colorectal cancer. It was a good fight with fantastic support from Dr. Ralph Wong, who said we will treat this as a chronic disease and gave it his all. Also a special thanks to all the surgeons, doctors and especially the chemo nurses at St. Boniface Hospital who persevered in helping me live with a good quality of life. I have never lived in the past so what is important has been the support and caring of true friends who have sustained me through all the trials and tribulations. Their compassion and thoughtfulness has been the centre of my strength. The prayers, thoughts, notes and phone calls from friends, former colleagues and ex-students throughout the country has been uplifting and wholeheartedly appreciated. However, I cannot say enough about Andy, my husband, lover, confidante, and best friend for over 41 years. His love and guidance throughout the ordeal has been unquestionable and never ending - accompanying me to all doctor's appointments / tests / surgeries and chemotherapy appointments which became picnics . One cannot ask for more! As a friend said, he could write a book on the ultimate caregiver. He was the rock. Since post-death events are for the living there will be a get-together at a later date to be announced for people to raise a glass of wine and reconnect with old friends. Should you desire, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, 60 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 204, Toronto, Ontario M4T 1N5 or The Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 0R3 However, most importantly give yourself the gift of life GET SCREENED!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2008