Positivity's Power

Why keeping positive is so important to battling the Beast.

Last Friday I was scheduled to give blood as I have since April prior to my chemo and now immunotherapy sessions.

Last Friday, New York was also recovering from a huge snowstorm the night before. But like an intrepid Arctic explorer, I layered my clothing and set forth.

Once arriving at the infusion center, one of my nurse Countess Draculas (my loving nickname for them) looked confused and asked 'why are you here?'

It turned out despite being in the middle of this round's sessions, I only need bloodletting once not twice.

They were so apologetic over the situation.

Once upon a time, I would have adopted a put upon attitude at the inconvenience. But I had had some juice, graham crackers and spoken with funny (haha) strangers.

Since my 2nd war w/ the Beast started, I have come to understand the extreme power of not sweating the small stuff. Also never allowing the big stuff to throw me off course.

Sure, I get mad, think of the unfairness, cry a bit at my fears and dislike the pain and huge changes I am enduring.

This my Life. Nothing promised it would always be sunny, but nothing can keep me from trying to achieve it.

Go forth with your own individual battles, but try to find something positive in each day. Hard at first, easier as time passes.

You can do this!

Comments

Worry wart?

Worry, nervousness, apprehension or uneasiness - regardless of the word used the emotion surfaces in all cancer patients. It should as our bodies are assaulted through the disease itself, the treatments and/or those treatments' "side effects." However, if you are just centered on it and expect me to send you emojis depicting hugs and kisses - forget it. As is well-documented worrying is not beneficial to your fight. It lowers your immune system. Don't need that, especially if you're on an immunotherapy regime. It negatively affects your short term memory. Hello, hasn't chemo screwed enough with your mind? Premature coronary artery disease heightens Cancer already offers chances to hurt your heart. Why better the odds? This is not like a horse race where the odds play in your favor. Instead, fi nd something constructive to do. Garden, tap dance, take up the harmonica or just sit in yo...

Winken, Blinken and Nodding Off.

Oh cancer, only because of you can I recapture my youth. My hair is at the same growth stage it was 61 years ago, my tumor’s position makes wearing a diaper a necessity at times and best of all – I have not taken so many naps since toddlerhood! Are you tired during your cancer battle? I am. Not that I’m in a constant state of exhaustion, but my eyelids frequently droop as yawns escape my mouth. Then it becomes far from a pretty sight. I blame the change in meds. By my fourth chemo session, I required stronger pain medications than the occasional ibuprofen. My oncology gynecologist prescribed oxycodone to be given while I received my infusion cocktail. Coupled with Benadryl, the antihistamine used to avoid nausea, within minutes I was out. Upon awakening and noting the dampness of my front and grogginess I asked the nurse if I had slept for long. ‘Oh honey, you were sound asleep for at least an hour,’ she said as a small smile crossed her face...

Cancer is only part of my journey

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