All the Above

We all have our favorite music -- lyrics that inspire us, beats that make us bob our heads, melodies that make us smile. I've always felt that my life has had a soundtrack. Songs remind me of a point in time of my life (for example, Ja Rule reminds me of my freshman year at Duke because our cafeteria played his music on loop), or a friend (my best bud from high school, Erin, and I practically worshipped Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks), or a great moment (like our wedding song, John Legend's "Stay With You"). 

Beating cancer also has a soundtrack. And my theme song is called "All the Above." 

"All the Above" is a rap song by a guy named Maino. I first heard it at Dodger Stadium, where Tim and I were permanent fixtures as season ticket holders for the last year and a half. It was played every time Tim's favorite player, James Loney, approached the plate for his at-bat. We loved the catchy hook, and I downloaded it soon after. I listened to it passively, singing the chorus whenever it came on, but didn't give it too much thought. It was just a fun hip hop song.

Fast forward about a year and a half later, and I'm fresh out of Good Samaritan and cruising around La Jolla with my parents and Will, about to consult with the brilliant surgeon Dr. Lowy about my future treatment. I'd hooked up my iPod to the car radio, and was playing all hip hop, all day. The song came on, and I really listened to the lyrics. Luckily, my sunglasses were on and nobody could see that my eyes had filled with tears. The lyrics spoke to me deeply -- they were empowering and touching. This song felt like it was made for me.

I played it again, and again. Then, Will remarked that the song's lyrics were a perfect fit for me. My mom and dad agreed. Later on, when we headed to Round Two of Chemo, we played it for Rhett. And last week, we played it for Ruth. So far, everyone agrees -- "All the Above" is my killing cancer theme song. And now, I want to share it with you (mind the profanity).

 The following lyrics are some of my favorites and are especially dedicated from me to cancer:

How the hell could you stop me?
Why in the world would you try?
I go hard forever,
That's just how I'm designed,
That's just how I was built
See the look in my eyes?
You take all of this from me,
And I'm still gon' survive

And here's the song itself:

 I'll share more songs from my beating cancer soundtrack as I find them.