Cancer Musings · Chemo Daze

Help! Vote For A Chemo Graduation Theme Song

Stephanie Ortiz

Graduation is upon me, and I’m singing songs in my head. I’ve got ten days to find a theme song to dance to when I finally get to ring the bell.

Not that I had any idea what ringing a bell meant this time last year. I was about a month into cancer when a friend said, “Imagine ringing that bell.”

Even then, I had no idea what she was talking about, so I went along with it. Some chemo thing they do in Atlanta, perhaps? (I’m that person when asked, ‘did you ever watch this movie or read that book?’ I’ll always answer yes).

But when another friend said it, too, and she was local, I caught on. It must be a chemo thing everywhere.

So at my last doctor’s appointment, I was prepared. Even though the next round will be my last hardcore chemo, I’ll still be coming back every three weeks for my antibody drug. “So when do I ring the bell? How many times do I get to ring it?”

He laughed, and mind you, he rarely even smiles–as if there was a manual. He said, “You can ring the bell whenever you want, and as many times as you want.”

But it wasn’t until a dear breast cancer survivor read my mind and sent me this link that explains the story of the bell ringing that I finally got it. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/why-do-cancer-patients-ring-a-bell-after-treatment.h00-159306990.html

How cool is that? Only, I got it in my head that I can’t go up and ring the bell without dancing. And you have to understand when I get something in my head, there’s no stopping me!

It’s like when I graduated from college. I didn’t want to be lost in a sea of caps. How would Mom and Dad recognize me? So we smuggled a sign into the stadium (we put it under my friend’s gown) and pulled it out when we got inside. The whole stadium cheered.

Our famous graduation sign that got us noticed!

And now I’ve got to dance. What would a bell ringing be without me dancing? But there are too many possible theme songs. I can’t pick one.

And then Alex, who’s brain thankfully still thinks, said, “why don’t you ask your friends?”

Now I could have thunk of that! My friends and family have carried me through five rounds of chemo. The joy, strength, gratitude, light, and beauty that have been with me all along.

That’s why I started making those chemo photo boards in the first place. To have a tangible reminder of the love and prayer that surrounds me.

So if we review the chemo boards, could you get these songs out of my head and vote for your favorite?

Chemo Board Round-Up:

#1 JOY
My first joy board–an idea is born!

I get by With A Little Help From My Friends. I should have remembered Joe Cocker just like he came to mind for my first joy board.

Only, “at first, I was afraid. I was petrified…And I grew strong, and I learned how to get along.” sort of like Gloria Gaynor in I Will Survive. Fun note: Mom and I danced together like wild women when the band played this song at Alex and my wedding.

Filled with fear, I wasn’t feeling the joy, so I turned to my friends to keep me Dancing Through Life, albeit the Wicked way. No story here, I just love this song.

#2 SCARE CANCER AWAY/STRENGTH
Everyone’s spooky Halloween photos

I was still in need of A New Attitude. With fears running rampant about losing my hair and then my boobs, I couldn’t help but change the lyrics “I got a new attitude” became–I get a new set of boobs. Patti LaBelle will never know the difference.

But the jokes brought on some courage. Laughing helped me fight the monsters that were under my bed. The way it did for Rihanna when she sang with Eminem The Monster.

But it takes more than being crazy to be Loyal Brave True the way Christina Aguilera could be in the Mulan soundtrack. “Tell me underneath my armor; Am I loyal, brave, and true?”

#3 GRATITUDE
Treatment was the day before Thanksgiving!

It was Thanksgiving, and I can’t say I was feeling all that grateful. Cancer survivors are thankful, cancer warriors are trying to survive.

But there was my chemo board to remind me what Louie Armstrong could only put in perspective in What A Wonderful World. “The colors of the rainbow, So pretty in the sky, Are also on the faces, Of people going by.” Or in my chemo board photos, as the case may be.

And I can’t forget no matter what face I showed him, Alex stood by me through it all. The way Ben E. King sang about in Stand By Me. “Oh, I won’t cry, I won’t cry, No, I won’t shed a tear, Just as long as you stand by me.” Maybe I should have listened to that song more because I shed a lot of tears.

#4 MERRY & BRIGHT
It snowed on the day of treatment–no better way to make the season Merry & Bright!

Time for You Light Up My Life Debby Boone style. My best friend and I used to sing that song in front of a mirror, holding a brush. Only one Christmas, she got a real microphone and got to sing it like a pro. How jealous was I?

But that microphone meant nothing compared to this year’s Christmas gift –I had the energy to enjoy the day. It brought out the Bon Jovi in me: Livin’ On A Prayer. “Whoa, we’re halfway there; Whoa, livin’ on a prayer; Take my hand and we’ll make it I swear; Whoa livin’ on a prayer.”

#5 BALD & BEAUTIFUL
Hats off to 2021–we celebrated baby New Year bald and beautiful!

Dancing Queen by ABBA got me dancing again. “You can dance, you can jive; Having the time of your life.” Who knew what a killer round this would be. Fatigue doesn’t begin to touch what’s going on with me.

When well-wishers ask how I’m doing, I say I’m Still Standing just like Elton John: “Don’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did? Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid.” Although after round five, it would be more accurate to change standing to sleeping.

#6 GRADUATION PHOTOS TO COME, PLEASE!
Remember that proud moment when you were surrounded by all your loved ones!

We could go with the pomp and circumstance, but why? It’s more fun to celebrate. It’s a Celebration. “Let’s all celebrate and have a good time.” Kool and the Gang was on our mind when the 76ers won the World Championship in ’83. That song seemed to always be on the radio to remind us to “celebrate good times, come on.”

Believe It Or Not, this brings me to my final round coming up next week; I can only guess what emotions will be going through me. Will it be like the theme song from Greatest American Hero? “I’m walking on air; I never thought I could feel so free; Flyin’ away on a wing and a pray’r.” When I was young, I loved that show. And when I was even younger, I believed I could fly if I practiced enough. So I gave myself flying lessons. It meant I’d run across the family room floor and bellyflop dive onto the floor. I’d measure the distance, convinced that each time I had gone farther.

Well, I’ll be on enough drugs to pull that off on my final round if I wanted to. I bet no one’s ever bellyflop dived to the bell before.

And if flying should fail me, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. My Dad used to play that song after he’d showered and was getting ready for a game. He’d put his record player on loud and dance around the bedroom. We’re talking the classics with Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. “If you need me, call me; No matter where you are; No matter how far.”

Or, it would be some Earth Wind and Fire. September, anyone? It just so happens that September 21st is my birthday. “Do you remember the 21st night of September? Love was changin’ the minds of pretenders; While chasin’ the clouds away.”

But it gets better; there’s a bell in all those lyrics. “The bell was ringin’, oh, oh; Our souls were singin”; Do you remember never a cloudy day? Yow.”

And though I should have just ended on that note, there’s one more. This Is It. Remember Kenny Loggins? “You think that maybe it’s over, only if you want it to be. Are you gonna wait for a sign, your miracle? Stand up and fight. This is it.”

Pretty powerful. But I can’t end on that note either. I started this muse by asking for your help. Pick a song for me, please!

Though, look how far we’ve come. I remember my cousin’s wedding last February 29, before Covid struck our consciousness. We all got in a great big circle and danced and sang to We Are Family to make Sister Sledge proud. “I got all my sisters with me; We are family; Oh, I can hear you now; Get up everybody and sing.”

So many brothers and sisters have joined our great big family circle by now. You’ve helped me through this leg of the journey. You’ve brought me joy, strength, gratitude, light, beauty, and love. No matter what song I dance to, you’ll be in that circle carrying on with me–I’ll be able to feel your love–when I get up to ring that bell.

My Chemo Playlist:

  1. With A Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker https://youtu.be/nCrlyX6XbTU
  2. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor https://youtu.be/ARt9HV9T0w8
  3. Dancing Through Life – Wicked soundtrack https://youtu.be/iNA3RTvFH6E
  4. A New Attitude – Patti LaBelle https://youtu.be/QWfZ5SZZ4xE
  5. The Monster – Eminem & Rihanna https://youtu.be/LkeaS4-losc
  6. Loyal Brave True Christina Aguilera/Mulan soundtrack https://youtu.be/Qo8gX1Evay8
  7. What A Wonderful World – Louie Armstrong https://youtu.be/A3yCcXgbKrE
  8. Stand By Me – Ben E. King https://youtu.be/BTCfQ6Bb8QE
  9. You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone https://youtu.be/sdEBxyz9pfc
  10. Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi https://youtu.be/bXsmGSnq3lE
  11. Dancing Queen – ABBA https://youtu.be/3ij_pUtJJrw
  12. I’m Still Standing – Elton John https://youtu.be/Ye9hGotPPVk
  13. Celebration – Kool and the Gang https://youtu.be/37GihMpoc24
  14. Believe It Or Not – Greatest American Hero https://youtu.be/JsWgG5v7A3A
  15. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell https://youtu.be/ABfQuZqq8wg
  16. September – Earth, Wind, and Fire https://youtu.be/DlSsIKn3HTU
  17. This Is It – Kenny Loggins https://youtu.be/U8SSdyflGN4
  18. We Are Family – Sister Sledge https://youtu.be/oMVe_HcyP9Y

23 thoughts on “Help! Vote For A Chemo Graduation Theme Song”

  1. Here’s my suggestion: THIS IS MY FIGHT SONG I can’t remember the young lady’s name who sings it, but it is appropro for you, my dear. BTW….Keith was asking for you – call him! 🙂 I TOLD YOU THAT YOU WOULD WIN THIS! now GO KNOCK THAT F…KING CANCER OUT!! xoxoxoxo

    1. Rachel Platten, of course. That song makes me feel like starting chemo all over again, just so I can whoop its butt once more. Ah, strike that! But you remind me that I still got the fight in me!!! Love you and your great words of wisdom which have carried me this far!! And, I’m so glad you talked to Keith. xoxo

  2. Steph, u words are so deep..u really speak from heart..boni.jovi is so up lifting… I’m going with Living on Prayer..but all if songs are good.when u ring Bell make sure u give it all u got!! Love you. Xoxo

    1. I love that Bon Jovi song, too! I read about a cancer patient who broke the bell! I doubt I’ll have that much strength in me, but I’ll give it all I got and see what comes of it!! Give it a good ole crack to match the Liberty Bell! xoxo

  3. Steph- you have a great team in your family and some of us on fringe, called friends. The idea of a duet seems perfect to me. You and Alex or your fabulously talented girls: Ain’t no Mountain High Enough is my vote but there’s a caveat- Alex has to sing 🎤 it with you. We need to hear the parents of the talent and strength of team!
    Go get ‘em! ❤️U

    1. You are too funny to think that either Alex or I could sing! We’ll have to leave that one for the girls just to spare your ears. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is a fabulous choice. It gives me chills. And don’t sell yourself short! You’re not on the fringe of my team, your in the heart of it!! Love you!!

  4. Stephanie,
    I must inject my choice theme song for you: “Good Times,” by Sam Cooke. Smooth, mellow, from that superb voice and just makes you want to chill with Alex.
    Best wishes and keep plugging,

    Warren

    1. I love this recommendation. How fitting, “It might be 1 or it might be 3; time don’t mean that much to me.” How true! So true! It made me laugh to think about ringing the bell and staying all night dancing to that song!! Sending hugs your way!! xoxo

  5. I was going to say Fight Song but the more I think about it I’d say Dancing Queen!!! This was a horrible thing to go through and your handled it with grace, strength and fun! So go dance to that Bell!!!

    1. You know how Dancing Queen has a special place in my heart!! When I first got diagnosed, the director for Mamma Mia, who happens to be a dear friend, sent me a Dancing Queen pendant. I can’t forget my roots or how wonderful you’ve been to me!! Love you so much!! xoxo

    1. Yes,,Dancing Queen has fond memories of my first time on stage with the girls. Gotta love that!! Love you so very much dear Kathryn!! Can’t wait until we can dance together again!! xoxo

  7. Stephanie, you are my hero! Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is my all time favorite and I feel that you are someone who lives by these words. Your courage, humor, and ability to fight are so admirable!!! Saying prayers for a joyous bell-ringing, successful finish to your cancer experience. Good bye cancer FOREVER!!!!

    1. Great choices but I got to go with Ain’t no Mountain High Enough. As you’ve proved. Keep dancing.

    2. It gives me chills when I hear that song!! You’re so sweet to say I live by those words—that’s a tall order to fill, but the love, prayers and support that you have shown me do live up to that great song!! Love you so!!

  8. I love all the songs on your special playlist ! Naturally “ You light up my life “ is a personal choice because you truly have always been a light full of joy, warmth and strength to me and so many others my precious! But I think in this time CELEBRATION wins my vote because I can’t wait to dance with you….chemo is finally finished!

    1. Remember how I’d butcher You Light Up My Life, but I sure loved that song! And, oh, how we had to turn up the radio when our song Celebration came on!! We’ll put on that song and dance ourselves silly when we reunite!! Love you more than words and songs!! xoxo

  9. Yea!!! I don’t have to remember to send in a graduation picture for your board since I am in it holding a portion of our breakout graduation banner in your muse.😁 Remember all our goofy happy college days when you glance at that picture on your board! There were so many fun and special UNC days.! We were brave and stood out from the crowd at graduation just as you’ve remained brave and will always stand out from a crowd with your shining spirit. My vote is the chorus from “I’m Still Standing”” … better than I ever did ….Looking like a TRUE SURVIVOR …..feeling like a little kid.❤. RING THAT BELL!! Sending love,great memories and prayers🙏
    Michelle

    1. I’m so happy you don’t have to worry about missing the last deadline! Yeah! With or without the photos, I have felt your great love and prayers all along. You’re true blue! Just thinking of our Tar Heel days makes me feel like a little kid again and gives me such great joy!! I would have been lost without you. Whatever crazy ideas I’d come up with, you were right there making sure we always got them done!! And now we did it again! We had fun through chemo!! And, yes, I’m still standing!!!! xoxo

  10. I vote for September by Earth, Wind and Fire. It’s a great song! Plus I remember you, me and Holly listening to an Earth, Wind and Fire Greatest Hits cassette tape on the way to Miami for Spring Break at your dad’s condo. Fun trip! Great memories!

  11. Dear Steph, you’re a very special “Queen” that has taught us all how to “Dance” through hard times. It’s what makes you a champion in the game of life. A symbol of joy and celebration, dance to that bell! I think you’ve guessed my choice. God loves you and I do too❤️

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