I came across this post yesterday in another blog and thought it deserved my attention. How do I deal with folks who come to me for cancer advice? Well, at first I was always on the verge of tears when speaking about my journey. It is kind of like any other stressful, challenging event that takes over your mind. It often helps to speak about it and "get it out in the air." Through doing this, it became easier and easier to talk about my journey. Until now, I'm wondering if my talking cancer to just about everyone I meet, will ever end! I just can't help but always bring it up...whether it be in a serious conversation, quoting statistics, or mentioning my "chemo curls."
As a Survivor, I realize that many people are curious about my story: how I overcame my illness, in the face of great odds, how I dealt with Chemo and it's negative effects, etc., how I was able to maintain a positive attitude when cancer really does suck. People are naturally curious whether they are survivors along their own journey or just in awe of survivorships....a road they have never endured. Most people who ask realize I am not a doctor, and I don't pretend to be. I am an ADVOCATE and have done my research, can quote statistics, and know most of the cancer ribbon colors by heart. However, sometimes I think I fail others who ask about my experience in the fact that I've forgotten many of the details of my journey. Maybe I blocked them out in denial, maybe I just don't remember because of the "chemo brain" I had, etc. I am honest about this with them and often times their questions jog my memory and I end up saying "Oh yea...I remember now."
Cancer changed my life...now I am happy to share my experience and what I've learned along the way. I've even done a bit of motivational speaking to a group of medical students, and am usually the first to comment in my cancer support group. But my greatest accomplishment has been to start my own business. Cancer Kaleidoscope was born to help others in their journey. It's a "one stop shop" for knowledge (educational links), health and wellness tips (links to products I've used with success and stand by with conviction), support links (for emotional and financial support) and the arts (unique hand-made products that celebrate survivorship and artists who donate to the American Cancer Society to fight back against cancer). It's my way of paying it forward. Check it out at: www.cancerkaleidoscope.com. If I can help one person through a single link, then I've done my job. I'm proud to be a Survivor! Art is my passion, but Cancer drives my life.
Blessings to you in your journey...be it cancer, diabetes, or just life in general.
My sister Amy and I during her marrow donation (January 2009)
