Cancer actually helped me develop more confidence and to be able to look after myself. GiulianaMany writers on cancer use a ‘journey’ metaphor to illustrate the process of the whole path from beginning to end of recovery and its outcomes. We also view it as a series of fun park adventure rides: the highs and lows like a ‘roller coaster’, the fear of the unknown similar to the ‘ghost house’ and the calming serenity of a ‘merry-go-round’. There is no way of really knowing what your reactions to the ride will be like until you have actually experienced it. Yes we can anticipate and have a sense of it based on others experiences, and like a roller coaster all our reactions whatever they might be are totally normal. A human response to uncertainty.Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis, its treatment and impact on all elements of life provides one of the biggest challenges of living with cancer. There was a consistent theme of grieving for some changed aspect of themselves – physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and professional. Most felt that the ‘physical’ management of cancer was the easy part. During the cycle of recovery, this sense of loss initially created a total preoccupation with their illness, many felt that their life had changed forever. None felt adequately aware or prepared for it. Few had previously given time to reflect or have high levels of sell-awareness on how they might react when extremely challenged. Some kept a diary that helped ‘get’ their feelings out, and helped them see how they had progressed. This was an excellent means of communicating when they had trouble-communicating with others. Despite their reactions, all 0u contributors have rebuilt a meaningful life, resulting in stronger physical, emotional and psychological identity.It was never ‘why me?’ it was ‘why now?’ It was never an appropriate time at all for this to happen. Just take it into stride and move on. It never fazed me. I was never devastated that I had vulva cancer.Lillian*45/144/5*
GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER: SANITY
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