An Inconvenient Cancer

faith_trust_and_a_little_bit_of_chemotherapy

None of us want this, none of us would have chosen it, but I'd rather it be me than my daughter.

What is inconvenient? The plumbing backing up on Thanksgiving, the one day a year when you are doing all the cooking and the guests have begun to arrive. You're not about to pay a plumber triple digits to fix it, instead you make some jokes, keep a stiff upper lip, and go to plan B.

As survivors we cry, we joke, we fight, we persevere.

Cancer caught up with me while I was quite busy with other things. It's not as though I have time to deal with this now. Cancer is here, I can't ignore it and the things I thought were 'important' will have to take the back burner. If nothing else, I have learned from this disease that I need to slow down, focus on myself, that's a challenge for those of us raised to put other's needs before our own, to fight, but keep moving.

It's easy to busy ourselves pondering this side effect or that chemotherapy treatment, and maybe that's a good thing to keep our heads from exploding over the stress that accompanies the diagnosis. Yep, my priorities changed over night as I'm certain they did for all of us.

Inconvenient? Yes.
Insurmountable? Not at all.

MNLynn

so true . . .
I totally agree . . . how do we fit this into our lives - by doing what you've just said.

I felt like I didn't have time for even what I thought I needed to get done before this bc stuff - and then, all of a sudden, priorities change and we need to focus on this.

I'll say this - I'm glad we bought a laptop last year instead of the desktop - I've been on the computer almost 24/7 with all of this - and at least I can do it from the couch now!

Keeping all of you in my thoughts & prayers . . .

♥ Lynn ♥

sohardbnme

MNLynn said:

so true . . .
I totally agree . . . how do we fit this into our lives - by doing what you've just said.

I felt like I didn't have time for even what I thought I needed to get done before this bc stuff - and then, all of a sudden, priorities change and we need to focus on this.

I'll say this - I'm glad we bought a laptop last year instead of the desktop - I've been on the computer almost 24/7 with all of this - and at least I can do it from the couch now!

Keeping all of you in my thoughts & prayers . . .

♥ Lynn ♥

Priorities do change
So true, I just got my Master's in 2008...In 2009 I addressed my childhood, ridded myself of unsavory learned behaviors, and distorted thinking… I am so more open and able to meet people where they are at, and not where I think they should be… My communication skills have improved dramatically… I am forgiving… I have grown so much mentally and spiritually… Because I address me… I finally had 2 years post Master's this May... I am in position to make more money in my field... I thought this was my year to find a mate, get married, and have a child... (Hopefully in that order)…
Now none of that matters, if I am not healthy...Priorities definitely change...I believe that God was preparing me for this journey…

sohardbnme

Thank you
Lynn & Faith
I needed to read both post… I no longer feel alone, now that I found this forum…
You both help me put some things in perspective, and I greatly appreciate it…
Thank you both for being you…

CypressCynthia

Very wise words!
Speaking of
Very wise words!

Speaking of daughters, I asked my 28 yr old daughter if she was afraid of getting breast cancer (so many relatives with it). She is usually a hypochondriac about everything else ;-)

She told me, "No, I spit at breast cancer. You and your sisters are fine and I will be fine too."

I think she knows better than anyone (besides us survivors) what it is to live with this beast and I think she is very smart to be ready to put up her dukes and fight it!

Which is not to say we don't have some cruddy days. But knowing that I am not alone and surrounded by so many good and supportive folks helps a lot.

sea60

Well said my dear...
No one ever expects this uninvited visitor.

Talk about re-prioritizing life...

God Bless,

sea

KathiM

I got the 2-fer....double blessed....
Rectal cancer was first, breast cancer followed 6 months later...

Life changing? You BET!!!! My life is COMPLETELY different now...may be because I was told I had 6 months to live, 5 years ago!!!

I agree about changing my priorities...mother of 2 special needs kids left precious little time for myself...now, I am at the top of my list!!!!

Hugs, Kathi

Pinkpower

Very well put. Better me
Very well put. Better me then my daughters.
Lupe

VickiSam

Pinkpower said:

Very well put. Better me
Very well put. Better me then my daughters.
Lupe

Amen ... Sister in Pink
Thank you for the encouragement! It helps me.


Vicki Sam