#53 The Glamorous Cancer

Some people refer to breast cancer as the 'glamorous' cancer.  When you think about it, it makes sense.  It's all pink and feathers and receives a lot of attention.  In October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, everything turns pink!  Buildings, water.... even Tim Tams.

Ironically enough, breast cancer is anything but glamorous. 

When I was diagnosed four years ago, I was lucky enough to have a fabulous 'mentor' Fi.  Fi had been where I was about to go, two years earlier.  She knew what was coming.  Fortunately, I didn't.  Otherwise I wouldn't have shown up for treatment.

After each cycle, Fi turned up with something different.  Lip balm, just as my lips were drying out.... how did she know?  Ginger tea, just as I felt nauseated..... but, how did she know?  Flowers, just as I couldn't see any colour in my day.....how did she know I'd be feeling that way?

I've come to learn that this is the way breast cancer works.  Now it's my turn to pay the universe back for giving me Fi.  I'm currently in a position to show that level of care and compassion for someone else about to begin their treatment journey.

So far, I have a pink box currently holding a pink journal to write her thoughts in, ginger snap biscuits to ease her nausea, ginger tea, a beautiful tea cup because I was given one by a special friend and I cherished it, gift vouchers for acupuncture donated by another special friend and fantastic acupuncturist Karen Greer, a heat pack to ease her pain, and lip balm for those dry lips.....

Is it paying it forward, or backward, I don't know.  I just feel blessed to be here in the position I am in.  I remember being back at the beginning, never truly believing I'd be able to one day look back and say, "Look how far I've come."

Sending all my love to everyone having treatment and living with cancer at the moment.  You are stronger than you know.

x