January and February 2010 I completed six weeks of radiation. I knew the only way for me to make my way through the six weeks was to not have radiation be the focus of my day. I needed to weave this into my daily routine.
My plan looked like this: Wake up, brush my teeth, take my daughter to school, pop in for radiation, go to work, have dinner with my family, in my PJs early and relaxing… sleep… Wake up and do it again. Six weeks… let the countdown begin!
I added a little bonus to each day, to have something to look forward to. My list looked like this:
- Eat chocolate
- Red wine
- Bath with candles
- Funny movies with my husband
- Yoga
- Bike
- Manicure/pedicure
- Run
- Long walk
- Watch my daughter play soccer
(REALLY watch her play soccer and feel my heart fill with gratitude to have her in my life) - Bake for others
- Go to church
- Sit in silence
- Random acts of kindness
- Pray
- Meditate
- Eat chocolate (oh did I mention that already?)
It was a balance of being good to me and good to others. I held close to my value of prayer and took time to rest on the days that threw me a curve ball. I have always believed it is OK to pamper ourselves in a way that is being thankful to our bodies for carrying us through another day. If we do not take good care of ourselves, we are not able to take good care of others.
Working at Children’s Hospital gave me multiple opportunities throughout the day to be of service to others; to have time within each week to take the focus away from what I was going through for just a little while… to feel and see life happening around me… to be reminded that we all have stories.
If we are watchful, we will witness strength and inspiration right in front of us that will put life in perspective in an instant. And at the same time, people will find that same strength and inspiration through our stories. It fuels us with what we need to get through that countdown.
So stay watchful and go enjoy your chocolate or whatever it is that brings you peace…
One day at a time…
Share Your Thoughts
How did you get through your cancer treatment? How did you stay positive? Share your comments below.
