First Cancer

In 1995 Marilyn was diagnosed with colorectal cancer with the real fear that she would have to have a colostomy bag. This ended up not being needed as the tumor was just about one inch in diameter and the small amount of colon removed allowed reattachment to the rectom. Unfortunately the tumor was right next to and had spread to a lymph node and a full course of chemo and radiation therapies were advised and done. We believe that the radiation therapy strongly contributed to her second cancer, uterine, ten years later.

This is a poem I wrote when I learned of her concerns prior to her surgery.

That you were afraid I wouldn't love you any more
I'm afraid just floored me--struck me to the core.
In a way, this way, it can be said and true:
"I already love you so much, no more can I do."

But who or what is this "you" that I love in "I love you?"
What are "you" composed of? Are "you" one thing through and through?
I've never stopped to think if I love an essence or a whole,
Or whether there are parts I don't love or taken a loving poll.

Yes, I love your body, the texture of your skin.
I love your sultry voice and laugh. Your smile does me in.
I can't imagine loving "you" less for loving all this stuff.
Even if some parts came missing, "you" would be enough.

It's not your mind or money, because I love "you" anyway.
Even when your mind's made up, or from my decision you stray...
Hell, not mine alone but your own you've revisited once or twice.
I love "you" though you agonize and include me in the vise.

It's only true for magnets that opposites attract.
"You" and I, we complement--face the world back to back.
And that's the "you" that I love. There isn't a surer path.
The "you" that is all of "you," and more, is my better half.

You are so much a part of me that we must be closer than siamese twins. We've grown so close that we more often than not crave the same foods. We are the proverbial "joined at the hip, ... the heart, and head." It's not necessarily that "great minds think alike," it's just great that our minds think so much alike.

And, I love you!

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Marilyn lost her life to cancer but was able to truly "live" until the very end due to a lymphedema garment from Don Kellogg, inventor and founder of Telesto-Medtech. It is due to the "living" he provided Marilyn and through his suggestion and connection with Saskia Thiadens of the National Lymphedema Network that the Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund exists. It needs other people's help to remain a living memorial of Marilyn. Please help other people receive the gift of living by donating to the Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund. Thank you.