What I wish I had understood 4 months ago.

I wish I had trusted that I would get knocked down but I would get up again. That my fears of chemo were real but exaggerated. Yes AC was tough but Paclitaxel less so. That I should just listen to my body and rest. Woolies online shopping was a godsend when energy was low.  Have a project: I'm a family history nut and sitting at the computer was doable when physical exertion wasn't. Finding the family skeletons gave me a purpose.  A walk in the outside air is therapeutic. A coffee with a friend more so. But limit talking about your treatment, symptoms, etc to a few minutes so you can participate in the real world. That much of what you read online is to be taken with a truck load  of salt  That Dr Googling can be soul destroying. (But I did it anyway!)  That some friends wont be there. They are doing their best and perhaps it isnt good enough, but let it go. You've had a reality check, are you REALLY going to waste another minute on it. Accept their apologies,if they come, with grace. Say yes to any and every offer: a walk, a meal, a vacuum. And pay it forward when another sister gets the same spin of the dice.  Life doesn't stop with chemo you just have to pace yourself. Grrrrrr. I hated that. Six months ago I was cycling 40 kms. My three words were: acceptance, patience, courage. Patience was tough. Some days my three words all started with F. But I got there. You will too.