13/09/2022
Hello,
So I just lost a whole post! IT is not my forte!
So where to start? This in no way gives advice as I can only comment about what I did when I was diagnosed. Some may consider my response weird but there are no rules, guidelines or protocol. Believe you me you will get brochures! Brochures, flyers, handouts, web sites and they will pile up. I started with a Manila folder and am now onto an A4 ring binder, a divided swing file, calendar, notes and printed schedules!
I was told in the phone. The initial surgeon had a family crisis and was flying away. It was unexpected. I knew ther e was something……but not that! I was enjoying a leisurely morning coffee in bed between work contracts.
I heard him say “unfortunately” and the. “You have cancer”….he carried in and I heard “you have cancer”. ….he said “surgeon” I heard “ you have cancer”. I heard
No work for 6 to 9 months. So having been raised with impeccable manners by my English mother Alice, I politely said I hoped his family would be well and hung up’
So what to do next? What does one do? So I sat, I sat some more….and then sat!
And then……I emptied the dishwasher, put everything away, wiped the benches and vacuumed.
So then what to wear? What do you wear for a cancer diagnosis? Something casual for ease of movement, something black given the gravity? Something waterproof incase they were tears. Actually why bother.
So best rung my husband. What to say? I told myself be calm, be rationale, don’t frighten him just get him to come home when he is ready.
So I rang and blurted “you best come home I have cancer” end of call🤣🤣
There is nothing to say. You have a diagnosis, no plan enter the unknown zone!
Never had I wanted a stiff drink more! Did I? You bet I did! A large Gin and Tonic thank you very much.
And then…..I moved into hyperdrive.
People might come round and the kitchen cupboards are filthy.. so I washed them. They will see the cob webs…get the brush, my hid the laundry!
I will move into the importance of colour coding if the wardrobe in a later post.
And then to Netflix. What to watch? The notebook? Possibly not! Five feet apart? Nope?
You soon learn that every you watch will contain a sub plot of cancer even Thor Love and Thunder…..really! You can’t avoid it.
And then it started. The calls, the appointments, scheduling, so quick, post it notes everywhere.
Believe you me there will be brochures! Brochures, flyers, print outs, lists of resources. I started with a Manila folder and now have an A4 ring binder, a divided swing file, a journal, a diary, notes in the computer, a calendar and still I am confused! 😳😚🤯
So there is no way to react! No one way. Because we are all different.
I don’t have children I have fur babies. They reacted as predicted. Slept through the lot. There was some concern that dinner was a little late and bedtime not according to schedule but otherwise situation normal.
And so on We plod. I say plod because as I said The cocktail in my “journey” has no umbrella and there is no pool and that is what I call a journey!
So take care all and if you find this interesting or at least makes you smile or recognise something in yourselves all well and good
Julia
journey
