GOT A FRIEND IN ME

One family friend brought me several meals every single Tuesday for an entire year. Even if we did not need food, she brought food anyway. I was having trouble with my liver enzymes, and she researched all of the foods that would be beneficial for me. I do not have the words to say what that meant to us.

I was also really touched by how many people reached out to me that had never met me before. I received mail, prayers and gifts from all over the country. For example, a lady who went to church with my parents years ago heard about my illness, so she sent me a blanket knowing I would need one for chemo.

What one thing that you have done and/ or are doing for yourself has most helped you cope? Art and therapy have both been helpful! I love to paint animals and flowers. I was fortunate that I was able to paint throughout most of my treatment. It gave me something to do at home and helped me to escape for a bit.

Life after active treatment is so hard, and I was completely unprepared for it. Once treatment was over, feelings of anger, confusion and guilt consumed me. Instead of feeling excited when my doctor told me that I was in remission, I felt tremendous guilt. Meeting with a therapist helped me sort through everything and make sense of it all. It was so validating knowing that most people feel all of those things after treatment is over. If you are going through cancer treatment, please know there is no shame in getting help.