One of the pieces of the giant puzzle of having cancer, is having to tell people about your diagnoses.
When I was first diagnosed, my initial reaction was to go silent and hide from everything. Probably a defence mechanism to try and run from the truth and reality of the situation. As I got into to this deeper it become abundantly clear that I was not going to be able to keep this a secret, and really why would I need to do that.
So as I started sharing my news, I had to really take the time to establish an empathy for the people who I was sharing this startling information with. I know it sounds crazy that I would have to have empathy for the person receiving the news, really that is the truth. Empathy is a two way street.
I know that if I learned that my friend, co-worker or past school mate was diagnosed, especially at a young age, I would be devastated for them and their family. So I put myself in your shoes, and grabbed some empathy.
I consider it keeping my ego in check. I never want to feel entitled to anything because I have cancer. What does that mean? I don't think that because I have been dealt this card in my hand of life, that I should feel so sorry for myself to not keep the ability to feel empathy for anyone else or that I deserve better than anyone else does because of this. I deserve the best for me, and only I can make choices to decide what will make my best life.
Today was a great day, I went for lunch to Pig BBQ Joint, with my buddy Anne, and had a bonus
run-in with a lifelong friend Richard who manages the restaurant. I had the pulled pork poutine, as you know I'm on a poutine kick, and it didn't disappoint YUMMO!
I am feeling pretty good. I have some minor issues, sores on my tongue and my back and bones are quite stiff, but for the most part I can't complain.
x0x
