When you’re first diagnosed with cancer, your world suddenly narrows, and all you can do is focus on this one true, awful, thing.
I have cancer. But how is that possible? I’m only 50, I’m very active, I live a generally healthy lifestyle. As I’ve said before, breast cancer is pretty “off brand” for me.
But it is what it is. I can’t change reality. And realizing that- putting one foot in front of the other each day when I wake remembering my situation- has helped me put my entire life into perspective.
Carl Jung wrote, “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become. “ I have thought about that a lot since my diagnosis – how do I want to move forward? What do I actively choose given my situation, despite my situation, because of my situation? What is the invitation in this diagnosis?
It would be hyperbolic to say that being diagnosed with cancer has been, in some ways, a gift. However it has brought into focus the gifts in my life. A silver lining, a real one. And I can see it now in a new light, five months into this journey.
Friends and family have shown up for me in ways I could not have imagined. From initial messages (“this will be ok because we will make it ok”) to wise words and thoughtful advice from those who have been through cancer themselves (“I used this during chemo and it helped” and “yes, this sucks!”) to constant encouragement and regular check ins (supportive or funny texts, invitations to hikes, visits during infusions), to gifts that make this time easier for my family (meals, donations, and care packages). One of my music-loving friends regularly texts me with what I now refer to as my RMI (Regular Music Infusion) and introduces me to new artists or great albums. My husband instagrams me my DPC (Daily Pig Content) so I can get a serotonin boost. And…. On and on. I’ve just been blown away by the constant love.
So that’s the silver lining to cancer, for me. A bright spotlight that shines on the real priorities in my life- the connections with others.
One of many hikes with friends