June 8, 2009–(Katy, Tx)–Since my battle with breast cancer began I have been called many things from ‘Trooper’ to ‘Fighter’ to ‘Gladiator’. An unlikely gladiator at best I would say, but in looking back, I am truly humbled by the journey. I have lived and learned from this beast as I have watched others dear to me fall while fighting their own battle.

Living in the shadows can be menacing, but life in the mouth of the beast is still harsher than her shadow. Stepping into the Cancer Arena can be terrifying as you meet your opponent and deafening as you adjust to the roaring spectators surrounding you from all sides. For one thing you have been given no training for this chilling combat mission. Truthfully you have just been thrown into this battle as your feet are still struggling to hold the ground below them. Suddenly the realization hits you smack in the face — you may indeed be condemned to death if you can not find a way to out wit, out smart, out last and out fight this beast.

This darkness which has been clouding your view fades as the beast rises, her claws drawn and teeth bared. Her shadow no longer in the distance, no, she is on the hunt and you are the prey. Before you can pull your sheild close and drawl your sword she is upon you breathing down your neck ready to embrace this mortal combat. Her master has set her lose within the corners of this arena with you as her opponent.

The crowd— some here have come to cheer you on while others have come solely as spectators forthe entertainment value of the fight. Many see you as weak, unable to fight as they stand to their feet cheering the beast on. It is this moment when your head falls, your heart quiets, and you rise, battle ready. Even though you have been disgraced by your loss of hair, and this new burning tattooed scar across your chest, you DO advance with your head shielded and your sword drawn. You will not advertently give this beast victory—no, you are not done yet and you will fight till the death if necessary!

Truly you were not born to live this life, to battle as a gladiator in such an arena as this, yet here you are. You have risen to the impossible and with each day you are one day closer to the final victory. In life and in death you are determined to bring the beast down. You have been dressed in armor and given a sword and a shield. The gate has been lifted again and again. You have been given no choice, you must fight to live or give into sudden death. So you fight, throwing yourself at your opponent wildly and bravely. Every time you enter this arena of the beast you can feel hope burn and your body weaken at the same time… yet you choose to fight. As time passes your heart breaks as you watch fellow warriors fall and fall they do…still you must move forward. In the darkness of the shadows you do take the time to rest while gathering hope and determination, longing to be awarded victory and earn your freedom.

A Gladiator, maybe, unlikely for certain. Warrior, yes.. in spirit and in body for you have earned each and every battle scar. As you move into the arena daily my fellow sister shout to your opponent’ Bring it on’ and you will continue to gain the confidence you need to slay the beast. For now you have kept her at bay, circling her, charging at her, not quite slaying this beast as of yet. Her time will come though, even if the beast must fall with you. Her time will come, just as your time will come to wear the Laurel Wreath.
Christina Olachia
Contributing Writer for Fight Pink
Breast Cancer Survivor