For those facing cancer, encouraging words can often be good medicine.
BY Bonnie Annis
PUBLISHED January 18, 2019
Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.
“You’ve got this,” my brother said, as I shared concerns over an upcoming visit with the oncologist. His vote of confidence gave me a much-needed infusion of courage. He had no idea how much I needed to hear those words and how perfect his timing in sharing them had been.
For those of us who continually deal with bloodwork, testing and scans for a possible recurrence of cancer, words of encouragement mean so much. It’s not easy to face those periodic appointments.
Every month, when I look at my calendar, I see appointments. The most important ones, visits related to my health, are circled in red. When I see them, I begin to get nervous. No matter how hard I try, there’s always that little “what if” demon circling overhead. Try as I might, feelings of fear and dread creep in. Often, I find it necessary to give myself permission to be afraid. As I tiptoe quietly through trepidatious thoughts, I make myself realize those feelings aren’t truth. That’s when I do my best to shake off those feelings and move forward, but sometimes it’s difficult to do on my own.
For those of us who continually deal with bloodwork, testing and scans for a possible recurrence of cancer, words of encouragement mean so much. It’s not easy to face those periodic appointments.
Every month, when I look at my calendar, I see appointments. The most important ones, visits related to my health, are circled in red. When I see them, I begin to get nervous. No matter how hard I try, there’s always that little “what if” demon circling overhead. Try as I might, feelings of fear and dread creep in. Often, I find it necessary to give myself permission to be afraid. As I tiptoe quietly through trepidatious thoughts, I make myself realize those feelings aren’t truth. That’s when I do my best to shake off those feelings and move forward, but sometimes it’s difficult to do on my own.
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