A year after the diagnosis....Letter of Advice to Myself

I think I have mellowed a bit, but still not cured of being Type A. Agree on not knowing in advance who will really be there for you. Having cancer isn't the only surprise life will have for you, with more to come. I think I would have cut myself a bit more slack during treatment.

Some people attempted to take advantage of me, not financially, but in the name of "helping". Then they tried to trash my professional or personal reputation. Not nice. One well-meaning friend set up a job interview where I was in no way suited to the position. Not a good thing to go through when just getting back on your feet. (She should have known this.)

I was ahead of the curve with exercising. So glad I did this. I used my experience as an opportunity to grow and learn, and now give back. All of this is a surprise for me.

I didn't want my life to change, but of course it did. I am glad I let people know. I also think my Global Virtual Wine Parties to celebrate milestones were a terrific idea. I would do these again.

I am now doing the best work of my career. Who would have thought this? Plus have a life that's rich in every single way. Much more vivid....like The Wizard of Oz, where Oz is in Technicolor, but Kansas wasn't.

Finally, I would say that it will take longer to recover completely than you plan. This happens in stages, with the first being post chemo, then about 4 weeks post radiation, then again at the 6 month point. But almost 2 years from diagnosis to be where you were prior to diagnosis. I have now gone on to stronger than ever.

Finally, there IS a good life ahead. It takes a while to get there. Not that the interim is all bad times. But one day you will wake up, and the world will be wonderful again. - Claire

Hey Jbokland...love this thread! So many emotions this time of year approaching the date of dx! I don't know how to " bump" things to other threads but wouldn't this be great for just diagnosed thread?? Poor gals...I cry when I read their fears....brings me right back to dec. 17.... I will return here when I have more time ...gotta go to work...and what a blessing that is for me!! Xo Rosie

I have this framed and hanging in my house...we are not the same after this ride...for me it's a positive change...living life fully...the journey has made me more "whole" ...peace, my friends.

Thank you so much for sharing that article from the Huffington Post!

This was the first forum post that "Dr Google" brought me too - I have not yet had a confirmed diagnosis and only had my biopsies done today however my doctor feels that I should expect a Stage 2 or 3 diagnosis with the possibility of one or two lymph nodes being involved. The last few days have been absolutely surreal and I feel like I am walking around in a fog - so much to take in and so many decisions will have to be made - quite frankly, I am absolutely terrified but can honestly say that having read your posts has given me a strange sense of comfort.

You ladies are fabulous x

There is no map for this experience....so don't go looking to find one for this journey. Instead, look deep inside yourself for your inner compass. It is there, somewhere inside you. You have had it all along,developed from all your past experiences. Once you find your inner compass, I promise, the road will be a little bit easier to find...However, don't ever lose that inner compass because the journey will never end.

Finally, look around yourself! Do you see things that you never saw before this journey began? I do now! I look closely at strangers. What road are they on? What adversity have they dealt with...or are now dealing with? With all the issues that everyone deals with, I marvel at the strength, resilience and grace that individuals have that gets each and everyone of us through the day. That brings me great comfort and strength to get through most days....