Cancer wont get me...
I really love looking at pictures of Zebra's, with their soulful eye's and quiet demeanour. They don't harm, they stay together, they are strong and weak simultaneously. The image of this beautiful Zebra was taken from my hospital room. And although I would generally gaze at its majestic head, today this zebra remind me of a cage, with its black and white bars, because today is really when the truth sunk in. Today I am in a cage within my body. I have cancer.
To summarise, I went from feeling not too well in my stomach, to seeing the doctor who then sent me to the colorectal surgeon, who then scheduled me in for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. After analysing the imagery it was diagnosed that there is a cancerous ulcer in my stomach. I then scheduled a meeting with an Upper GI/Oncology surgeon, who scheduled me in for a Laparoscopy. And now I wait and read an enormous amount of research and data on biopsies and such. And create scenarios of how to tell my nearest and dearest. And look at images of really cool pixie haircuts. And join a Facebook support group.
Welcome to my journey.
So to end this short introduction here is my list of learnings so far:
Listen to your body
Reach out for support (you know who you are @Gastric Cancer Support Group) many thanks already!
Get a great surgeon on your side, without sounding creepy, Dr M is going to be my new favourite person.
Let the people that love you help. The day I was discharged, my sister came to my bedside for her insightful support and my two BFF's landed on my doorstep with cake and tea and lively conversation in tow. I had dinner set for the entire weekend thanks to my parents, my sister in law took care of my youngest and my husband and Master X did all the housework and made sure I didn't 'bust a gut!" The many texts and heartfelt phone calls from other members of the family just clarifies that we are not alone. And finally,
Don't use Cancer as an excuse. I certainly won't
#cancersucks #cancer #friendship #family support #cancer journey #journey