It's funny. And a little sad. You don't realise just how much you are loved and how strong your support network is until something drastic - like cancer - befalls you.
When I was diagnosed, the flood of kindness was amazing. I received cards, letters, donations on my behalf to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, flowers, food (including loads of chocolate), books, CDs, hugs and kind words. Most from family and friends, but some from people I hardly knew. I couldn't believe that so many people wanted to wish me well. Their offerings made me dissolve into tears. But their support also gave me so much strength.
My core support network is made up of my family and my closest friends. They each help share the burden that is breast cancer. Even if they don't know exactly what it feels like, they each help in their own special way.
Even Belle, our five month old kitten is part of my support crew. She's pictured here with my sneakers. She's quite fond of attacking the laces as I get ready for a walk. One of the reasons we got Belle was to bolster our spirits - and she certainly has brought much love and laughter into our home.
But I've found that support goes beyond our inner circle. There's a group of amazing women called Breastcare Nurses, who look out for breast cancer patients. They come and visit you on the day of surgery and stay in touch through the entire treatment process. They are like little rays of sunshine.
There's also volunteers with the Cancer Council Connect service, that puts people with cancer in touch with survivors with similar stories. I've talked to a few women who've been there and done that, and although they are relative strangers, they've helped.
Plus there's a wide world of people out there that know just how cancer can play with your life. They rally together for events like the Mother's Day Classic and the Girl's Night In. They form part of a community that is thousands strong.
Every single one of these people make up a support network - my support team - that helps me through the little things and the big things. And I know I couldn't do it without them.
I still have many of the cards and notes of encouragement and support of those who rallied around me 9 years ago. They are posted inside my computer armoire as a daily reminder. It seems that Life periodically comes up behind you, slaps you on the back of the head and says, "Pay attention!" I think you will come to understand why many women say, "Breast cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me." My first reaction when I heard that was "Huh?!" and I can certainly think of a lot of better experiences but eventually I got it. I think you've already gotten it and are channeling your experiences in such wonderful ways, in turn benefitting yourself and touching more lives than you'll ever know. Thinking of you, Sue in America
ReplyDeleteHi Simone
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say how much I admire your positivity. I can't imagine what you are going through but you still seem to find something positive in each situation you find yourself in as you fight this insidious disease. My heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with you. I know that you will be well!! I feel it in my heart!
Kind Regards