This piece, written by my aunt, is sort of a follow on to this post which my mom wrote.

A cancer diagnosis plunges one into a maelstrom of feelings. Focus changes from life “out there” to a whirlwind of new thoughts and new people in your life.

A new insular world evolves (not necessarily by choice) and your time is regulated by appointments with a range of professional people namely:-

Surgeon

Radiologist

Physiotherapist

Oncologist

Psychologist

Pharmacist and/ or pharmacologist

Prosthetist (when needed)

GP

Cancer Association

and somewhere in all of this, family and friends.

Conversation naturally tends to go to whatever is uppermost at the time, eg. Effects of surgery

Rate of recovery

Necessary exercises where appropriate

Next appointments

Concern re: chemotherapy

Effects of chemo

How to respond to “How are you?”

You’re emotionally at a low ebb and everything seems monumental. As we all cope in different ways, no one person gets through it all unscathed.

Cancer is a word not easily spoken by most people, so, often the topic (or person) is ignored. If you don’t know what to say- don’t cross the road, just squeeze a hand!

Often during recovery from surgery or while going through oncological treatment it becomes necessary to withdraw from normal activities. Be supportive at this time as it can feel as if one is isolated on an island and though often self sought, it is none the less lonely.

Coping with cancer (and all that goes with it) makes it difficult at times to remember that you need to LIVE with it, not give in to it.

Isaiah 60 verse 20

The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.