Thinking Positively

Becs511

Thanks Ladies! While we have people by our side, going through it with us, sometimes we all need to reach out to the person in the bed, infusion chair, or radiation table next to us. Plus I know that this is probably harder on my parents than me, watching their daughter go through this.

But the power of postive thinking REALLY does work! I met with my MO and she nominated me for a little known adult make a wish program at Sloan Kettering!! She said that with everything I have been through and the fact that I continue to work full-time and stay positive makes me the only candidate she has ever submitted for it! I need to start brainstorming some amazing ideas.

But also, I don't want this thread to be just about me. I'd love to hear about some of the positive things in your lives as well. It can only help us motivate each other, focus on the good things, and why we endure what we endure.

50sgirl

Something someone did that made me happy: One of my son's called to tell me that he and his wife are coming here from NY to take my DH and me out to dinner on Saturday. They will celebrate my dh's return to good health after several months of hospitalization. They will also celebrate my birthday. Happy, happy, happy

Something I did that made someone else happy: My DH and I drove 2 hours each way to visit his 97 year old mother who is in a nursing home. She was so excited to see us. We had last visited in December, before my husband's surgery. She didn't stop talking the entire time we were there.

Something I did to make myself happy: I made an appointment to get a much-needed haircut.

Lynne

Becs511

I just wanted to let everybody know that this is something I still have been continuing to do each night. It has been my only new year's resolution that I have been able to successfully stick with!

I've noticed a lot of very positive small acts recently, which reminded me why I started this thread in the first place and wanted to try and keep it active. I know we often come here to vent about how people in our lives don't understand our struggles, often say (hopefully) unintentional or hurtful comments, or try inappropriate/unsolicited ways and suggestions to "fix" us, sharing these things and letting them out is an important part of this forum. But I also truly believe it helps to share equally unexpected ways people, as well as ourselves, have surpassed our expectations.

Here is a combination list of acts from this week alone, which is only half way through so far, that I have participate/received:

Something someone did that made me happy: A coworker/work friend knows that I have had some recent medical setbacks. I came into work yesterday morning and noticed that she had left me a beautiful note (photo of note below), along with a bottle of blue nail polish with the very appropriate and hopeful name of "Smooth Sailing". It was a small act on her part, but truly made me feel loved.

Something I did that made someone else happy: My mother has a friend whom I have never met that has Stage 4 ovarian cancer, among other medical issues (severe depression and diabetes). She also lost her husband a few years ago, and has a daughter around my age. According to my mom, she has been struggling a lot lately. I asked for her email address, and sent her a note saying that if she ever wants to reach out, vent, or discuss anything directly with me, to feel free, since I am one of the few people who not only "get's it", but can provide totally candid unbiased advice. I might also be able to help her see things from her daughter's point of view. While I still have not heard back from her yet, I hope it made her happy.

Something I did to make myself happy: I have been patiently growing my hair back in since gamma knife brain radiation in February. I had 7 major bald spots (the 3rd time I lost my hair) and they have finally filled back in. Last night I got a haircut/shaping and now my hair looks like a deliberate style choice, so this morning I officially stopped wearing my wig to work! Thankfully it has been miserably hot and humid in NYC, so I am going to play it off as a "summer" chop.

Please continue to share acts you have done/received as well. I love reading them!

artistatheart

Becs, Thanks so much for keeping this going. I enjoy it immensely and need to remind myself of the blessing and joy in life. What a great note form your co-worker! She shows a lot of insight and compassion for the day to day trials you are going through. Wear that new hairdo with sass and pride!

what someone did to make me happy: My Dh does little things every day, but also 3 different girlfriends called me last week to have coffee or go shopping. It made me feel like just a normal girl for a few hours which was HUGE!

Something I did to make someone else happy: I EMailed a former co-worker who is also struggling with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. She feels that she is at the end of the road. I sent encouragement, loving thoughts and asked if she wanted a visit, to which she said YES! I plan to go very soon but it seemed to lift her up.

Something I did to make myself happy: Took a very long and challenging bike ride (for me) to test how I am feeling ad get in some fitness. i was wiped out at the end but recouped pretty quickly and felt proud of myself.

Thanks Becs, Be well!