Monday 24 June 2013

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cancer Clinic...


Let me start off by saying Cancer sucks. Plain and simple. From diagnosis to treatment to aftermath, there is absolutely nothing enjoyable about having Cancer. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy and I cross my fingers every day that I never have to embark on this journey again.

That being said, I truly believe in the power of the mind-body connection. If you want to start feeling better, start thinking better. It may not completely cure what ails you but, really, can it hurt?

My own personal Cancer journey was full of many emotions – sadness, frustration, anger, fear… but anyone who knows me even a little will know that it was also filled with laughter. I don’t know if laughter really is the best medicine, but speaking from experience, it beats chemo hands-down!

So why was I smiling as I went through one of the toughest eight months of my life?

  • How many places can you go and have virtually everyone continually tell you how young you are?
  • Nothing gets the older crowd in the waiting room talking like showing up in a bright orange raincoat & leopard-print rain boots - no sensible shoes here!
  • “Preferred parking” at the hospital’s Cancer clinic – score!
  • Finding a discarded receipt at the parking machine for more than yours was for – yahoo!
  • Free coffee from the bald guy at the local coffee shop – solidarity, brother!
  • Think of all the money you save on hairdresser’s & esthetician’s costs!
  • Getting trapped in underground parking can be an experience - did you know you can have quite a lovely conversation with the person on the other end of the "Help" button?
  • Ever wonder if you could rock a “GI-Jane” look? Now you know!
  • Do you have any idea how quickly I can get ready in the morning – goodbye, blow dryer!
  • When else can you eat a full meal of chocolate milk & powdered donuts and not have one person raise an eyebrow??
  • When people say they like your hair, how often can you take it off and let them try it for themselves?
  • Months of lying in bed watching HGTV makes one heck of a “Honey-Do” reno list!
  • There is no better time to immerse yourself in some full-character Sinead O’Connor-style karaoke…
  • My amazing nurses’ names were “Joy” and “Bliss” – seriously, can you have better karma than that?

So do any of these reasons offset the physical or emotional suffering? Absolutely not. But if you’re able to smile for even a few moments throughout the darkest moments of your life, isn’t that already a victory?

13 comments:

  1. I have goosebumps after reading this. What an inspiration you are. Bless you and your amazing attitude. And Joy and Bliss? Honestly. That's the universe at work for you. Prayers and healing thoughts going out to you. x

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    1. Jackie - I agree, the universe works in funny ways! Thanks so much for the positive vibes - I take all that I can get! :)

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  2. What an amazing and inspirational attitude, Christy! Your post really made me stop and think. I'm sure your attitude really make a difference to the people around you. Good luck on your journey - hope you have lots of Joy and Bliss!

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    1. Thanks Daniela - I definitely believe in the mind-body connection, so attitude is everything (or at least plays a huge part!). :)

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  3. Congratulations on beating cancer - I'm always in awe of you ladies and gents who have managed to get through this traumatic time! Joy and Bliss to you lady and lots of cancer-free hugs!

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    1. Thanks so much, Serena - everyone's cancer experiences may be incredibly unique but one of the common threads is definitely the importance of remember 'mind over matter'. :)

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  4. Joy and Bliss - two of my favourite words ;) May you continue to find them in your corner xo

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    1. Thanks, Lou - it seemed like good karma to me. But if Nurse #3 had been named Hope or Faith, it would have been too much of a set-up for me!

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  5. I Love how positive you are. I've heard of stories where people hear themselves just by being super positive. Good luck to you :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Amy - I figure it definitely can't hurt and every little bit helps!

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  6. Your positivity is inspiring, and no doubt one of the reasons why you are still smiling so brightly today. x

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    1. Thanks, Jackie - definitely not easy some days but isn't that the truth for everyone? :) Just hoping the positive karma throws some good vibes out there to make things much more enjoyable!

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  7. I can't even imagine what the journey would have been like for you, but clearly staying positive definitely helped you along.

    Raj
    Pink Chai Style

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