Bye for now
Dear all
I am off on holiday soon (hooray) and as I won’t be
throwing in my tuppence-worth for a month or more, I have decided to take a
longer break. Not for ever, but for a while.
I came to the Online Network 2 years after diagnosis. I was
one of the lucky ones – I got through treatment pretty well and didn’t need
much support (no small kids to care for, supportive partner, no
reconstruction). I dodged nausea, fatigue and chemo brain. I worked throughout
treatment and beyond. My family, friends and work colleagues were great when
needed. I have a few long term side
effects, but five and a half years on, I am still cancer clear, working, having
a life I enjoy.
I reached out twice. Once to a really good counsellor when I
didn’t like my own description of myself
as a woman pushing 70 with dodgy feet, a dodgy arm and a dicky heart. Sorted
that one out with some terrific advice, which I still try and act on today. And
once, just once, feeling very sorry for myself, out of sorts and poor me, I
emailed an interstate colleague who had been through it all a few years before
me. The response was fast, funny and informative. Sometimes there is nothing like someone who knows exactly how it feels. So,
when I was sufficiently objective and optimistic about myself, it seemed a good
idea to see if I could be half as useful to someone else.
It’s been an extraordinary three years – everyone has said
it before me, this is the club that no-one wants to join. But you really should
in some ways (just don’t have cancer!) because the membership is out of the
box. There is more real bravery, stoicism, generosity and warmth here than
almost anywhere imaginable. There is a lot of laughter. There can be
desperation but also enormous tenacity. Ideas
and thoughts are shared (mad, sad, brutal, cute, uplifting – the whole
spectrum!) and through that sharing
everyone benefits somehow. I’ve received a lot more than I have ever given.
It’s been a privilege to be on the same page with you all.
BCNA staff, that includes you too. I am booked in for the Plan B conference in
August and hope I can say hello to some of you there in person.
Until then, as always, best wishes.
Comments
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Afraser, I have only been here for a short time but I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your voice of moderation, calm and optimism. You are a deadset legend with a unique voice. I'll miss you. Enjoy your holiday and I'll see you at Plan B. Make sure you swing by here before then so we can arrange to meet! All the very best and thank you. Kate xox4
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Have a wonderful holiday. I am sure that I am not the only one who has valued your generous and wise contributions. I think you have summed up the network very accurately. It is a constantly changing community, shaped by the generous women (and some men too) who share on here. Best wishes to you too. x2
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@Afraser You were one of the first voices I found on this forum (which has sometimes been the only thing leading me forward) and I have appreciated your take on things, advice and support. Enjoy your holiday and Plan B - I wish I was able to go to meet you and everyone else but maybe later down the track. I do hope you're not gone forever but you've certainly given to this community and I'm sure you'd rather be looking forward rather than back. Thanks, Gaye3
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Best wishes and safe travels. Your wisdom is entwined in the forum so whilst you're on sabbatical others will benefit from your wise informed posts.
Take care and good health4 -
I hope you have a wonderful holiday Afraser
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Thank you lovely for your sound advice...enjoy your holiday and until next time xx1
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Have a great time A. See you at the conference. Marg xxx1
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Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your break! I am among the many who have benefitted from your kindness , wisdom and steadiness on this blog . I will miss your online presence greatly. No doubt we are all hoping too see you on here again in the future. You have been a blessing to us all - Thankyou.XO2
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Have a wonderful holiday. I sadly won't be at tbe conference just due to the sheer cost of travel to attend. Would have loved to have met you in person. I love your practical advise and your sense of humour. Look forward to reading about your adventures. Kath x1
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Hello @Afraser
Hoping you have a wonderful holiday! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts and will miss your presence online. Have a great holiday, all the very best!0 -
Have a great holiday. THanks and best wishes from jennyss0
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@Afraser have a great holiday and thanks for all the insight I have received from u and the other ladies for the last couple of months.0
