Blog Post

News and events
2 MIN READ

My new normal.

Janey235's avatar
Janey235
Member
12 years ago
Dear Pink Friends. I am up quite late tonight (or should I say early this morning) just thinking about what has happened to me this past twelve months or so. I have been waiting for the end of 2013 rather impatiently and it has now gone. It must be physiological but I feel so good. I'm leaving behind one of the most horrific experiences of my life. It's done and dusted! I've left a nightmare of shocking news, emotional upheaval, treatments and surgery and now I know I can deal with just about anything. Yes my body has changed and there will always be scars and I have a little more treatments and surgery to go this year before I can really say it's all ended but the worst is over and it is a huge relief! I am not the same person that I was before this all happened, I'm better. I am looking at life with fresh eyes and liking what I see. I remember years ago how elated I felt when I got glasses for the first time and discovered clarity of details like the veins on a leaf or the soft downy fuzz on a peach and I am feeling the same way now. Everything is clear like the sunlight after a storm. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I am floating. It's been a quiet start to 2014 spent with my husband and some dear friends at the beach. I celebrated the coming of the new year not by partying but with quiet blessings and gratefulness. I am thankful for many things. The wonderful medical team and treatment that I have been able to have here in Melbourne, the fact that I was diagnosed early, my work colleagues for their sympathy and support, my home and the laughter and love of my family and friends who have kept me sane. I am appreciating the little pleasures in life and letting go of stress and things beyond my control. Those of you who read my poem 'Waiting' will know what I'm talking about (http://www.bcna.org.au/user/12607/blog/62506) when I say I'm well and truly out of that chair. I am embracing my new 'normal'. Happy New Year everyone. May it be a healthier, healing one for us all. Love Janey xxx PS I'm even embracing my grey hair :)
Published 12 years ago
Version 1.0
coping
inspiration

25 Comments

Sort By
Show More
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Wow, I just love reading your posts. That was so beautifully put. I know you have had many challenges over the last year and yet you continue to dust yourself off and help so many others with you posts. I can feel the calmness in you just by reading your lovely posts. It's funny my journey started as you know over four years ago and there has been a recurrence along the way. Yet it was only when I started investigating my final surgery where I found this site and wonderful women like yourself who had only been diagnosed in the last year who actually helped a "veteran" like me take the leap over the final hurdle...in fact I think you may have even pulled me over. So thank you for always being so supportive of others whilst going through your own battle. Here's to a wonderful 2014! Paula :)
  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Janey, I remember you when you arrived. While I was a fair way ahead of you and i could feel your pain and your fear during all those difficult decisions you were making. You leant on many women in this support network.

    And now on the otherside you are an example of calm and composure. I had had the delight of meeting you a last month so I know this to be true.

    It is amazingly emotional and healing at the same time reading over past posts to reflect on our bc path. And you put things into words so beautifully. You have made a huge impact on many women on this sight (yes i am a stalker) and I am also out of that metaphorical chair.

    Love Louie

  • Carolynvj's avatar
    Carolynvj
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Janey, I am so close to leaving all this journey behind me. Started my radiation yesterday 24 to go!!!! The hardest part is having to stay in Melbourne for 5 weeks away from family. However I know it will finish & then targeted treatment to go. So glad you are feeling better & your photo & hair is gorgeous. Love that look :) My hair is growing all over & about 1cm or longer but not very thick especially on top. But have braved going out with no head covering & it was fine. Good health & happiness to you for 2014 & way way beyond xxxx
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    What a beautifully written blog post! You need to give up work and become a poet!!!!Your hair looks great.I can't wait for mine to be like that.Happy new year to you Janey,and don't stop blogging,because like Deanne,you are one of the people on here that make this network so special.xoxoxox Robyn
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    12 years ago
    Janey, you have put into words exactly how it feels to be finished treatment. Having experienced the trauma of diagnosis and endured the marathon of treatment and its awful side effects, all the 'normal' things in life look so good! We are different, definitely better, people because we know we are strong. I am more confident now because I have a different perspective on life. I go into situations thinking, it can't be that bad! I really like your hair, I'm glad you are feeling ok with it now. Mine is growing (slowly) but is still not much longer than 1cm. I mostly go without any covering now, but can't wait for it to look a bit more feminine. My daughter is taking regular photos which is great because I can see the progress. You don't see that when you keep looking at it everyday. I'm not hating the colour yet but guess it will look more grey as it grows in length. Thanks for your wonderful post. I hope it helps people still facing treatment to hear that life can be good, even better, in time. It's certainly how I feel too. :) Deanne xxx
Related Content

DCIS - normal feelings?

Hi everyone, I was diagnosed in April this year with non invasive DCIS. I had surgery to remove growth, the radiation which finished in August. I worked mostly through the surgery and radiation treatm...
nmrobboDCIS
6 months ago
311Views
0likes
6Comments

Normal

Hi all!  Haven't been on here much as other things have had to take priority of late.  I have just noticed on the Activity list a comment from @InkPetal she's in the doldrums and needed cheering up, s...
iserbrownManaging stress and anxiety
9 years ago
263Views
0likes
10Comments

New Normal

We often talk on this network about creating and adjusting to a 'New Normal'. Nearly every day I walk up to the top of a hill near my house and always walk around and admire this Iron Bark gumtree at ...
jennyssGeneral
8 years ago
173Views
6likes
8Comments