Remember the Past and Look to the Future

     I read a quote this week that stated we should forget the past and only look forward.  I do not agree with this idea.  If we forget the past we will repeat it.  Don't forget that the yearly mammogram caught your cancer. Remind others to make sure they get checked.  It could be the same for them.  Don't forget all you have gone through when you are not feeling so hot.  Those days of chemo etc. were far worse.  You made it through that, so anything else is a piece of cake.  Remember all the cards and acts of kindness during your treatments.  Maybe you can do the same for someone else.
     Look forward to more birthdays and time with your family.  Look forward to doing all those "fun" things you want to do.  Look forward to a brand new day.

                                                         

Keep fighting!

Cathy

Happy Birthday

Friday was my birthday.  It was one of the few times I was actually glad to be a year older.  I was happy, because I am a survivor. I  get tears when I think of my birthday  Last year I wondered if I would still be here. Count everyday as a blessing and use it to the best of your ability. My boys who are 17 and 22 brought me roses to school.  The class was so impressed.  I am proud of them and how they have handled all of this.  They also surprised me with a birthday present that was not what I expected.   This past 15 months have taught me that physical things are not important. They just get dusty, broke or put aside after awhile. Relationships are important. Spend time with your family. They are there through the hard times as well as the good.  It was also the anniversary of my lymphedemia.  Last year on my birthday the swelling began. It has been a long road of learning how to address the issues it creates, but I think I am beginning to understand how to control it.  I look back this past year and I am so thankful.      

Thursday I actually had my hair "styled".   I told everyone that I was getting a new look for my birthday.  The hair dresser charged me half price since it only took half the time.  I really only got the back shaped, since it was the longest(how do you say very short) and very little anywhere else.  I think it looks nice and since it has been a long time since I needed a haircut, it made me feel good.   I actually used a brush on my hair this morning.  The first time in 13 or so months! I only used it very lightly and sparsely.
Just as the waves crash against this coral, the water flows over and continues.  That how survivors handle life.  We might crash against the coral, but we keep on going.

Thanks for reading and I hope it is an encouragement to you.

Cathy

It takes time

I was reminded again this weekend that it takes time to get over "post radiation".  I was so tired this Saturday, I couldn't even go shopping!  That means I don't feel good.  I was upset about it being a Saturday and I wanted to get things done.  My husband had to remind me all that I have gone through. I know I forget and think I am superwoman  (which I am but.......)  Don't be hard on yourself if you don't  feel good.  It takes time.  It can take well over a year after radiation to be yourself.  Others understand if you can't do everything.  I have trouble remembering that......This blog is preaching to myself as well as encouraging others.  Have a great day...Each day is a gift from God.  This is true for those who have not been through cancer too!   Enjoy your day.

I Can, not I Can't

I was thinking this weekend of things I can do.  As I was in the grocery store and lifting grocery bags into the cart with my good arm, I reminded myself of things I can do.  We need to focus on the positive rather than negatives everyday.  Here are a few of my examples:

1.  I can't wear my rings due to the swelling in my fingers (including my wedding band) , but I can kiss my husband goodnight.

2.  I can't bike miles like I did before, but I can still ride my bike shorter distances and am getting stronger at walking farther distances without tiring.

3.  Last year I was completely tired and hurt every day.  Today I am not quite as tired and the aches are not as bad.

4.  I still can talk to my boys and give them advice.

5. I still can drive to the store and shop.

6.  Even though my fingers can ache and my arm swells, I still can play the piano and organ.

I am thankful for all that I can do.  The list could be endless. Focus on all the things you can do.  It will give you a better attitude and be healthy for you.

911

As we remember 911, let remember all the brave heroes that gave all to help complete strangers.  This is a great example of the American Hero.  Many of those who survived or helped that day have been diagnosed with cancer.  Jut as we have been diagnosed without knowing why we have cancer, they contracted cancer by helping others on 911.  Terrorist tried to destroy America , but our American heroes  would not let them win no matter what the cost.  Thanks to all for what they have done and God Bless America.

Another case

Yesterday I was told of another case of cancer.  It seems to be coming more and more.  I wonder if that is what is happening or is it we are more aware. Does the  way we communicate through email, phones, and interent give us that awareness?  As a survivor reach out to those who have joined our ranks.  It would be nice if they didn't have to go through this, but I have come out stronger.  I have become more compassionate to those in need I think.  Listen, listen, listen to others.  Lend an ear.  I did find an interesting website the other day.   www.breastcancer.org   I found lots of interesting ideas under the discussion boards.  We are not alone. No one should feel alone during this time.   It sometimes is hard to know what to say, but just be yourself and it will be fine.  Even as there are two flowers in the picture, side by side.  Let's walk side by side with those who need us.

First Day Back to School

Today was my first day back to school for the fall.  I am tired.   It was interesting to hear the all the comments about my hair.  Last year , I came back bald.  So, the current 1st graders have never seen me with hair.   Today there were lots of comments about my hair growing.  A few questions of why it is gray!  I told them we don't talk about that.  If you have lost hair, just be patient.  It will come back.  Mine is slow, but steady.   Don't worry about it.  I think about all the money I have saved, not getting my hair colored or done.  Now that everyone has seen me gray, I don't see the need to color it.  The truth is out!  The truth will always come out.   I have determined that hair is overrated.  The real you is the most important part.  You are still who you were, with or without hair.  I have found that many things are not nearly as important as I thought they were.  Cherish your family and friends.  Love life and keep fighting.  Don't let cancer win.  I know we have days that we are tired, or not feeling well. You might feel like the water is rushing over the brink of the falls. Remember the sun will come out tomorrow.   Talk to you soon.  Cathy