This was my first Christmas with cancer and it definitely felt different. I have been pretty good lately about not worrying about the future but I was quite emotional Christmas morning. I kept thinking how many more Christmas's do i have left & will I ever get to be a grandma watching my grandchildren open their presents?? And I also kept thinking about this time last year, I was thinking life was good, but I had cancer & didn't even know it. Just a mixed bag of emotions.
mel51 Afraser is right it’s easier to live in the present or just the immediate future. I’ve tried to plan ahead and when I do a spanner gets thrown in the works. Not worth the disappointment.
There will be times when you will feel like can I get a break from all this crap but with The help of BCNA family and a check in with psychologist just to unload can reset the thinking. Its been Nearly 10 years for me 6years with mets. Staying on top of our mental health is important. You’re in early stages of this road so all those thoughts are very normal. As Cath said various special occasions will bring those thought to front of mind. Just enjoy the moments and make memories.
I don’t look for the light at the end of the tunnel anymore just the daylight coming through my blinds in the morning and think whats one thing can I accomplish today or what mischief can I get up to.
I like the quote “don’t die before you die” theres lots of meaningful quotes etc on here check out Wise Words and for a giggle look at Friday funnies can lift a bad mood as well
All best for 2026
Thanks cranky_granny, lately it has been exactly like that - when will I get a break from this crap, with side effects & things going wrong & the bloody menopause!! I have been seeing a counsellor which is really helping, but I just didn't forsee the emotions that would come with Christmas. But as you say, find joy in the small things. Best wishes.
I remember thinking when I was diagnosed that I would be Bald for Christmas, a sort of BC variant on Breast Cancer! At least it made me laugh. I've been lucky, 13 years on. But Cath62 is right - we tend to think we go on forever and something like cancer is a shock to that happy state of affairs. But we really never know the future, and spending too much of the present in regret for the past we can't change or in anxiety for the future we can't predict is an awful waste of the time you are actually in. Take every pleasure you can in the here and now. Best wishes.
Thanks Afraser, it's so great to have advice & support from you ladies who are many years down the road. You are very wise, and I shall try my best to stay present.
Hi mel51, i understand what you are saying. It is a mix of emotions at Christmas and new year. I was diagnosee with mbc nearly 3 years ago. Every birthday, christmas etc i wonder if i will have another one. The only waybi cope is just to be present. Living mindfully helps. I try not to think ahead or look back and i keep living and enjoying. Of course i have my down days, we all do. How could we not. I promises myself not to let cancer take my joy and mostly it doesnt. I read a quote and it was dont die before you die and thats how i live my life. Best wishes for 2026
