Today, my group of ladies that meet each morning and share as they wait for their treatment was very uplifting. One just completed treatment and they were all going for breakfast together and also a new one arrived to fill her spot. It is not something that you would believe but as I have heard it numerous times, it is worth repeating. The lady leaving the group stated that this had been a positive experience. What cancer, positive? That is not an easy fit but she said, she learned new priorities and new directions in her life and more appreciation for life and her family had gained a new appreciation of her and that her kids realized that she was fragile and vulnerable and although she had always been the rock, she now needed their support. The laughter when they left was heartwarming and guarded as the safety net was moving gradually off this person and she was returning to a "New Normal". Yes, people have said that cancer redirected their ship and made them a better person. We all face struggles and hills and valleys. It is important to know you are not alone. Take time to breathe, learn, and turn your heart and mind in the direction that opens yo
Every day a new patient enters our doors with fear and trepidation and unknown thoughts. Our struggles are not necessarily just the new diagnosis as each of us deal with our own concerns and cares and now this added burden shows up on our doorstep uninvited. The coping skills you have come with you through that door. That doesn't mean there is any one way to deal with this or a perfect answer but it does mean that you need to reach out to your higher power more than ever and that right thinking can be your guide. We all have strength and weaknesses and adding Cancer to your plate may stress you to your limit. Yes, cry about it, talk about it , get angry at times about it, and then give it to your higher power. It is hard enough to face this all but let your load be lightened when you share it. We all have moments of doubt but steering away and hiding does not help you to come to a better place. Professing one thing and doing another makes all of us hypocrites. Faith is a tool that needs daily fine tuning and practice. Understanding that we are not perfect and need help is a difficult step. Knowing that as a parent you love your children no matter what, through thick and thin, good and bad times, and that you would do anything for them, just reinforces that you deserve and have the same. We may be adults but we don't have all the answers but turning to a source of guidance and comfort and opening up may be your first move to better understanding and hope.
Today, my group of ladies that meet each morning and share as they wait for their treatment was very uplifting. One just completed treatment and they were all going for breakfast together and also a new one arrived to fill her spot. It is not something that you would believe but as I have heard it numerous times, it is worth repeating. The lady leaving the group stated that this had been a positive experience. What cancer, positive? That is not an easy fit but she said, she learned new priorities and new directions in her life and more appreciation for life and her family had gained a new appreciation of her and that her kids realized that she was fragile and vulnerable and although she had always been the rock, she now needed their support. The laughter when they left was heartwarming and guarded as the safety net was moving gradually off this person and she was returning to a "New Normal". Yes, people have said that cancer redirected their ship and made them a better person. We all face struggles and hills and valleys. It is important to know you are not alone. Take time to breathe, learn, and turn your heart and mind in the direction that opens yo
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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