Today is the fourth anniversary of my surgery, the day I began many long months of recovery and treatment and recovery from treatment. Coincidentally, it’s also National Cancer Survivors Day. I’ve been a bit stubborn about adopting the “survivor” label, but I think it’s time. I don’t have cancer any more.
It’s a process. Cancer is a process. Treatment is a process. Healing is a process. Surviving is a process. The process has been hard on me these past few months, harder than I thought it would be by now. I needed to remember that it’s different for everyone, that we’re all on our own timeline. I needed to stop and rest, stop plowing ahead.
It took a while for me to realize that for me, healing and surviving isn’t simple. It’s hard work. Careful management of my lymphedema, the leftover effects from chemotherapy, a seismic shift at my job, and losing my mother — my plate is full. I’ve been working on it. It’s a good process.
So, today is the fourth anniversary of my surgery… I’m looking back, but I’m right here. I’m trying to be right here.
 |
| Peace Love & Yarn Bluebird BFL Sock Yarn (Thank you Liz!) |
Not Plain Jane 
Ahh. Jane. Hugs to you on this special day. Who knew. . . that "surviving" could be so complicated. . . Keep dancing with it, Jane. Dance.
LikeLike
I always learn something from your perspective on life, Jane. I had read in Newsday about a Hamptons bookstore opening another branch and wondered if you were involved. It sounds like you were.
LikeLike
I salute you as you go through the process. Hugs and best wishes,KnittingKittens
LikeLike
4 years this month for me too, and I do so understand although my after effects are negligible, but I probably haven't had as much other stuff to deal with. So happy to see you back on the blog again – I stop by every day just incase! Keep happy and healthy…oh and knitting! Best wishes, Helenxx
LikeLike
I'm so glad to see you healing–and it does show–and to know that you have a sense of patience with the healing process and with your self. Cancer is a difficult adversary. You've handled it with aplomb.
LikeLike
So happy to see that you posted. You are wiser than most in that you respect the struggle and give it the attention it needs. I wish you continued good health and a peaceful heart. NanciKnits
LikeLike
I've got 3 1/2 years after diagnosis. Congratulations on your anniversary. Cancer sucks. The alternative sucks more.
LikeLike
Jane, good to read your writing again. Congratulations on the milestone. Hang tough. My mother was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at age 57 and will be 82 in four days! Best,Martha H.
LikeLike
My God bless you through this coming year…and give you strenggth and peace and health. I am just finishing a pair of Hedgerows right now! Have made several pairs of this great design. It is classic and simple, but interesting. Thanks for that!
LikeLike
Good for you for hanging on and going with the flow, slow or fast or the in-between speed. We all keep increasing our levels of patience, beginning right with ourselves. Sorry about the loss of your Mother. That is a hard one to over come. Hope your life takes an upward swing and you are able to keep yourself cheery.
LikeLike