The biopsy came back and the news is not good.
Here are 10 things the election and a cancer diagnosis have in common:
- You hope for the best, fear the worst, can’t actually imagine it happening, and then it’s even worse that you thought.
- So much is beyond your control and you feel powerless to fix it.
- You keep forgetting, like when you are asleep. Then you wake up and there are a few moments before you remember. And then it’s like waking up into a nightmare.
- People don’t respond how you might have expected. Some will disappoint or hurt you in their failure to empathize. Some will surprise you with their kindness by reaching out.
- You will need social support and connection.
- After the shock, when it sinks in, you will need to express your thoughts and feelings, not keep them inside to fester.
- Grief is natural and inevitable. So is anger. Let it out.
- You may get caught in anticipatory grief or fear. Do not dwell there. Find ways to appreciate and feel safe in the present moment.
- While you cannot fix the entire problem alone (I mean, only a crazy person would suggest that you can), there will be many things you can do to strengthen yourself and help others. Be proactive.
- Put your JoyBoots on. We have work to do and fun to have!
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Joy Boots for Cancer Survivors
Encouragement, companionship, community and support for cancer survivors.
