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As I approach the seventh month since being diagnosed with cancer, I’ll take a break from my usual topics and share an update on my cancer journey. I’m also sharing three more important lessons I’ve learned along the way.
This past week brought an unexpected trip to surgery after I developed a staph infection in my chemo port. The port had to be removed, but that was okay because I’m no longer using it. You see, I had to stop receiving IV chemotherapy because it caused too much damage to my bone marrow. I’m on a new medication regimen now, and aside from the infection, overall the new plan has been going well.
On a happier note, my hair is growing back. After four months of baldness, I’m excited at the prospect of having a full head of hair. (Ok, maybe not so much excitement about needing to shave my legs again!)
I know there will be more bumps in the road along my cancer journey, and I continue to look for lessons I can learn and share with my readers. Here’s what I’m thinking about this week:
Avoid comparisons
I remember reading an article about a local woman who jogged to each of her chemotherapy sessions, accompanied by a small group of friends. So what was wrong with me?
When I was undergoing chemo, I could barely walk up the stairs from my laundry room without stopping halfway to rest. Was I really that out of shape? Or perhaps I wasn’t pushing myself hard enough.
Fortunately, I read a few online cancer forums that gave me a new perspective. There I learned about people who couldn’t even get out of bed for 24 hours after receiving chemo.
It made me realize that everyone’s cancer journey is unique. There are hundreds of types of cancer and probably just as many treatments. We all respond to our diagnoses and treatments differently. I’ll do my personal best to face the cancer challenge, but it does me no good to compare myself with other people.
Grant myself grace
I’ve always been a person who enjoys making lists. I like to write out my to-dos, and I take pleasure in checking off each of my accomplishments.
Since my cancer diagnosis, I sometimes wake up in the morning feeling pretty good, so I make a list of things to get done that day. But a few hours later, that overwhelming cancer treatment fatigue takes over. I realize I’ll be lucky to accomplish a third of what’s on my list.
While I find the fatigue frustrating, I’m learning to grant myself grace. What gets done will get done, and the rest will wait until another day.
Let God be in control
Early in my diagnosis, I often awoke at night with all sorts of worries creeping into my mind.
- When can I go back to work? What if I can never work again? How will I pay the bills?
- Will this treatment regimen keep my cancer at bay? If not, how much time do I have left?
- What side effects will come with my cancer treatments? Can I stay strong and tolerate them?
- How will my diagnosis affect my family and friends?
As time goes on, I’m realizing I have no control over some parts of my life. I’m learning to take one day at a time and give God the reigns. I know he’ll always walk beside me (and sometimes carry me) as I continue to navigate this cancer journey.
Have you experienced the challenge of cancer or another serious illness? I would love to know the lessons you’ve learned. Please share in the comment section!
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