My wife Struby Thelen is knocking the piss out of breast cancer. Her wide network of survivors includes Desiree Rawlinson. Rawlinson has written remarkably about her journey. Her lessons learned fit hand in glove with the travails of Parkinson’s combatants. They follow.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 16th 2018. Here is what I have learned since then:
- Cancer is a wicked bitch. She does not discriminate. Young or old; male or female; she simply does not care.
2. There is no cure. You can be in remission, but without scientific breakthroughs, you will never be able to say “I am cancer free”.
3. The you that you were before cancer is gone, she no longer exists. Cancer changes you, physically, mentally, emotionally. Finding your “new normal” is a battle all its own.
4. Take care of your body, it’s the only one you get. If something seems off, get it checked out.
5. Advocate for yourself!!!
6. Cancer is cancer. It does not matter what stage or what type. One is not less than another. We all have our own fight.
7. You are never alone. There are literally thousands of people around you fighting a battle similar to yours! Cancer is definitely not a group anyone wants to join but there is so much support from those fighting this disease. Ask questions! Reach out! You do not have to walk this path alone.
8. Let the little stuff go – for real. It doesn’t matter at all, I promise.
9. Life changes on a dime. Cherish each day, they are precious and few.
10. Assume that everyone you meet is battling something just as big and scary as you. You have no idea what someone is going through and no one should have to tell their story to be treated with kindness.
11. You are stronger than you know.
12. Never give up.
Love to you all and thank you for being a part of my journey.
shufflingeditor.com 