#visualizing cancer

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My Brother

Capable

My brother is very special to me. Though we don’t get to see each other often, he is always in my thoughts. When I got cancer, he cried. My heart was broken. I didn’t want him to worry or be sad. He is my pillar. His words sooth my pain. He always has a way to make me laugh. I remember, growing up and as young siblings we fought and had our issues, but as adults all is forgiven and the love we share is genuine. I truly love my brother. He supports me in everything I do and he gives me advice, or should I say he gives me his opinion. He helped me in more ways than he will ever know. He would drive four hours to come see me with his family. He would fix things around my house and he would comfort me with his affection. My brother is truly my best friend and I trust him with my life. If only words could honestly describe my affection, he would know how much he really means to me.

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Power of the Blood

Joyful

Our bodies are amazing, especially our vascular system. The blood that runs through our veins is carrying life to every organ. When that system is threatened we become very ill. Cancer causes our blood to become deadly to our system – chemo kills everything including our red and white cells, but our bodies are strong enough to continue producing what is needed to survive. We all have five white blood cells: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocyte, and lymphocytes that help us battle any infection. They multiply and attach themselves to the cancer. However, during treatments we may have to take an immune boaster. This will help to defend our lives. It’s a miracle to know that even if we don’t have the physical strength to fight, our bodies continue to fight the battle and make sure that we have the inner strength to conquer cancer. We are made intricately perfect inside and out.

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The Road to Survival

Terrified

When I was first diagnosed with cancer. I could not comprehend what the doctor was saying. It was as if I had no concept of the word cancer. It was not a part of my vocabulary. When I finally realized what was happening to my body. I was terrified. I felt lost and all alone. I feared that no one would be there because they would be afraid of me. Of course, my concepts were all incorrect and I had a wonderful support system. It was me that needed to come to terms with cancer. I knew the road to recovery would be long and brutal at times, yet I still knew I had no other choice than to survive. Though I was terrified by what my future held, I knew I had to find a way to remain positive and focus on my treatments and listen to what the doctors had to say – in a way they were my guide they held the map to my recovery. All I had to do was follow and remain positive.

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Warrior

Powerful

When we are at battle with cancer there are times we feel defeated. To empower ourselves we must fight. It is a difficult thing to do, but if we are determined to win – we will feel more powerful and have a sense of victory. Every scar, mental or physical, that cancer causes should be viewed more like battle wounds. We lived through it so they are our merit badges that prove what a warrior we truly are. When you feel like you have control you will be amazed what you can tolerate and live through. Our bodies are stronger than we realize and they can endure more than our minds can fathom. We just need to remain positive and give our bodies time to heal and adjust. Our will to live is more powerful than the thought of giving up. So be strong and give yourself credit for being able to with stand the enemy – cancer. We are meant to live and prosper.

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A New Direction

Isolation

The road we travel is ours to choose even when we are sick. We have decision to make at every corner at every crossroad. Even though we have a choice doesn’t mean that it is an easy one. With cancer our lives feel like feathers floating in the wind. Casting in any direction the wind goes. Unfortunately, this can leave us feeling isolated and challenged. How do we know it will make a difference in our journey – will it help us or hinder us? Unfortunately, again these are also decision we have to make. When you have already planned out your life even the slightest change let alone cancer can destroy all hope and ambition. We must find a new direction one that will bring us pleasure and a new re-found sense of hope and accomplishment cancer is only a road block. If we don’t make the decision to travel around it we will flutter and loose our way.

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A Day at a Time

Melancholy

Time goes by so fast! Each day we rise and finish our day. Sometimes there is not enough time in a day. Its when each day seems the same is when we need to invest in ourselves and find something more to do. We begin to feel melancholy as the seconds tick away. Cancer is like a clock that keeps track of our moments whether they are good or bad. In order to beat time we must plan ahead. This will give us something to look forward to. Take a class or go visit a friend, just get out of the house. Where time seems to deplete your ambitions. Treat each day as if it was brand new and you must explore its meaning. This will give you purpose and keep your mind off of cancer and focused on the life you are living. Live your life to the fullest; do not let cancer take away the time you have left.

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The Challenge

Despair

Life itself is a challenge. We compete for jobs, love, money, and freedom. We piece together what we feel is the perfect life. When cancer enters our life we feel defeated and full of despair because everything we have strived for seems to be coming to an end. It’s almost like putting a puzzle together and finding that there are pieces missing. It’s very frustrating and we blame the game company for its lack of completion and competence. However, we must keep in mind that we are only responsible for ourselves. Though we did not want cancer, it happened – now we have to find another way to complete our goals in life. It may take a little longer, but if you stay focused and try – you will be amazed at what you can do. Cancer does not define who you are. It will only hold you back from what you want. Keep climbing to better feelings and emotions. Keep climbing to better your life. Just remember to keep steadfast – do not give up!

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The Climb

When first diagnosed with cancer it feels like your whole world fell underneath your feet. You worry about natural things like work, family, friends, bills, sex, and making it through. It’s almost like you have hit ‘rock bottom.’ My Father always told me that “When you hit the bottom, there is only one way to go, and that is back up.” Of course, the climb back up is hard and it feels like you’ll never reach the top, but each day is a new day of discovery. You may feel defeated or even tell yourself, “I can’t do it anymore.” Remember, you are the only one that matters to yourself. So if you give up, then it is only you that has failed. A rose cannot show its true beauty until it has climbed the terrace. You can be the same. Keep climbing and building your self esteem each day. One day you will bloom and prove that you were strong enough to make the journey.