Thursday, 23 February 2017
Wellspring Support group
I have to say that Wellspring is an amazing place! If you know anyone going through cancer treatment, this is the place for them to be. I have done Reiki, nutrition and cooking classes and am in the middle of an 8 week support group for breast cancer patients.
I can't say much about the group and discussion as it is confidential, but today, I felt for the first time I was really able to help another member. I think since I am done the treatment process some of the other women look to me for validation of their feelings and for information. Today, one woman talked about how she is halfway through chemo and she doesn't know how she will be able to make it through the next half. I so remember being there. I remember how thankful I was for the cottage break - that one extra week gave me a bit of a chance to catch my breath. Looking back, it is amazing that I had the resilience to do it - but really what choice do you have? She won't be done til mid April and I am sure it feels like an eternity for her right now. I think I was able to validate that I felt much the same as her, and to reassure her about the switch to Taxol, as starting a new drug is also a source of anxiety.
It feels good to be there for other women who are behind me in the process. I learn a lot from others too, and I feel less alone with it all.
In one of the earlier weeks I was inspired by one of the members with metastatic breast cancer. She talked about how she was living her life how she wants to, and doing the things she really wants to do. I think that is so important, a key message for all of us! Don't waste a moment.
I can't say much about the group and discussion as it is confidential, but today, I felt for the first time I was really able to help another member. I think since I am done the treatment process some of the other women look to me for validation of their feelings and for information. Today, one woman talked about how she is halfway through chemo and she doesn't know how she will be able to make it through the next half. I so remember being there. I remember how thankful I was for the cottage break - that one extra week gave me a bit of a chance to catch my breath. Looking back, it is amazing that I had the resilience to do it - but really what choice do you have? She won't be done til mid April and I am sure it feels like an eternity for her right now. I think I was able to validate that I felt much the same as her, and to reassure her about the switch to Taxol, as starting a new drug is also a source of anxiety.
It feels good to be there for other women who are behind me in the process. I learn a lot from others too, and I feel less alone with it all.
In one of the earlier weeks I was inspired by one of the members with metastatic breast cancer. She talked about how she was living her life how she wants to, and doing the things she really wants to do. I think that is so important, a key message for all of us! Don't waste a moment.
Ama & Papa, These two squirts
Had a nice visit over the weekend with Ama and Papa, and also Colin, Amanda and the girls. These two squirts have my heart!
I kinda feel bad they had to see me go through cancer up close, but they are very sweet. Mya complimented me on my hair and Ally said "I don't want you to die, I love you."
I kinda feel bad they had to see me go through cancer up close, but they are very sweet. Mya complimented me on my hair and Ally said "I don't want you to die, I love you."
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
One way - full documentary
I found the full documentary about Michelle, it is really beautiful and worth the watch.
Monday, 20 February 2017
Time is a gift
I saw this posted on one of my boards - I believe she died of metastatic breast cancer.
"Time truly is a gift. When I have cried from a place I didn’t know existed, I cry for myself. The possibility of me missing my family and friends. The possibility of missing future experiences that will never occur. Then I cry for the simple things I love…the sound of the ocean, taste of ice cream, the way warm sun feels on my skin, how I can’t ever go to sleep till my feet touch Marks… or most of all, the sound of my children laughing or telling me they love me. I never once have cried thinking that I would miss a thing or possession. Not once. Yet so much of our time is spent planning, thinking about, and acquiring things. My sorrow is rooted in missing experiences un-had, moments un-lived, and the love lost from the enriching people that make my life so beautiful. That’s what I’m heartbroken over…and in that is also where my hope resides."
~ Michelle Antaya Grinsel ~ In loving memory
I also found this clip from a documentary of her journey. Such important messages in her words.
Sunday, 19 February 2017
😊
Yesterday I took mimi for a walk without a wig or toque for the first time! I don't know why I was nervous about that but maybe because my neighbours don't know what is going on with me. Feeling brave!
I also wore a coat that didn't use to fit me. So feeling good about that non-scale victory :)
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