“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow’.” (Mary Anne Radmacher)
Today’s guest blogger is Rachel Wright, who is a cancer patient, friend, and blog member:
A resilient person is capable of withstanding shock without permanent warping (or bursting). This type of individual tends to recover from (or adjust to) misfortune (or change).[i] The ocean is a resilient force of nature. Daily, its waves and tides happen faithfully. I wasn’t sure that I was as resilient as the ocean until something devastating happened (that changed my mind). In July 2020, I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. It had traveled to adjacent lymph nodes. I was facing a major illness with a proposed yearlong treatment plan ahead. I quickly discovered the coping skills I possessed (and those I didn’t)
During the eighteen days (after discovering the lump in my chest), my mind began to immediately speculate about all the “what if’s”. Having been a nurse for over thirty years, I immediately began researching the chances of surviving this. Was this cancer (or just a cyst)? My moods would swing from positivity to despair to anger and frustration in just a few minute’s time. Even though I did not have a diagnosis, in my heart I knew it was cancer. I was sure it was going to be terrible. I put my life on hold. I was unsure as to if I could make definite plans for my future. I began to mourn my family, thinking of each person and how I wish I would have more precious time with them.
The day my cancer diagnosis was made, I actually felt comfort after hearing those words said. My comfort was having a diagnosis. I was thankful my physician had articulated a treatment plan to me in that moment. Having a plan of how to beat the cancer was a forward motion that my mind needed. I avoided asking about the odds of beating it (my survival rate percentage), and other information that would divert my attention from my fight for my life. This was my way of being resilient. I prayed to God for strength and guidance to overcome this challenge.
I also prayed to my heavenly Father for the best care possible as well as peace for my friends and family. I immediately began researching the type of cancer I had, and the side effects that I would begin to experience with chemotherapy. The next five days were filled with blood tests, scans, MRIs and minor surgery to implant a port for IV treatment. Having cancer during a pandemic heightens negative emotions, and it is a lonely experience. Information and research are also powerful tools. They help you gain confidence through understanding and setting realistic expectations. The unknown can be isolating and scary.
Fifteen days after my diagnosis I began chemotherapy that lasted eight hours, and a total of 12 bags of IV infusions. My body which was accustomed to an occasional Tylenol and antibiotic was now filled with steroids, Chemotherapy, targeted medications, anti-nausea pills, and Benadryl. Today, they know how to minimize reactions with a multitude of medicines that thankfully work. I still suffered many other unusual side affects to the chemotherapy.
In my heart, I knew I must accept these things as the chemotherapy was ultimately going to save my life. Some days were emotionally tough. If I felt depressed, I would give myself twenty minutes to explore those feelings. At the end of that time, I would think of positive things that were happening. Visualization became an important technique for me. I would imagine future events like attending my granddaughter’s graduation, and my grandson playing baseball in high school. (They are babies right now.)
Each day my faith strengthened as I knew that the health care personnel were doing everything according to national treatment protocols. It became clear that I had the modern medicine platform covered. My future was now and forever in God’s hands. I prayed for guidance to continue this challenge so that I might be able to serve all the responsibilities God (and my family) had given me.
It’s been over six months since that diagnosis day. I have finished the first medical treatment plan, and had a successful surgery, which left me cancer free. My recovery is moving along with a few roadblocks along the way. I am back on IV treatment with targeted medications along with small amounts of chemotherapy until October 2021. Daily radiation starts soon for five weeks. I welcome this next step because it is closer to living the remainder of my life cancer free. Chemotherapy and surgery were successful in getting all of the cancer. Treatment is now focused on preventing reoccurrence. I have changed my nutritional plans based upon evidenced- based research that promotes a proper diet low in inflammatory foods and regular daily exercise. I have also cut back on coffee and began drinking green tea due to its cancer fighting properties.
Each day after awakening, I take a little time to smile as I pet Peanut, my dog. I always thank God for all His blessings to me. I am grateful to the researchers as well as other individuals who have given so much time and money to find treatment plans (so that I can live to see my grandchildren grow up). I don’t know how long my time on Earth will be, but I do know that I can overcome whatever comes my way with strong faith and a positive spirit. I am sure that my next assignment will be revealed as soon as God wants me to perform it.
I consider myself resilient because despite the challenges of cancer I realize just how fortunate and blessed I am. This illness will never define me, but rather fuel me to live. I hope that everyone who reads this post will focus on what makes you strong. Learn how to accept those things that you wish were different in your life (or strength to change them). Through faith I discovered my resiliency. Does your faith guide every decision in your life? How can you work to strengthen your faith (and other’s faith)? I would recommend prayer and placing your life in the hands of God because your heavenly Father is a wonderful God.
[i] Adapted from “Resilient” by Merriam-Webster Dictionary
No comments:
Post a Comment