Today's truth - One year ago I was preparing to complete my 4th out of 6 chemotherapy treatments for the breast cancer I was diagnosed with on December 24, 2018 (yes, Christmas Eve). Needless to say, I was not feeling too well last May, especially knowing that I had more chemotherapy, five weeks of radiation, and multiple surgeries still to go. There are similarities to today’s world that I never would have foreseen, but now find myself fairly well prepared to hunker down.
This marks my first official mention on a public forum about having breast cancer, but it was never a secret as being bald does not afford that luxury if you choose not to wear a wig, as I did. Thank you to all those who sent words of encouragement along the way, although I may have not had it in me to respond at the time. Gotta say though, the head scarves and pixie cuts are a lot easier (and cheaper!) then the long hair was.
Isolation goes hand in hand with cancer treatments as being immunocompromised is a major concern. Wearing masks, being diligent on hand washing, and staying away from public places such as grocery stores, schools, movie theaters, and well… almost everywhere… is part of the program. This was a big adjustment for me last year, but luckily I had the support and help of my family and friends to help. But I missed being social then and went through some serious withdrawals, although I didn’t quite have the energy for it all anyway.
The amazing clients and colleagues in my business became such personal friends. Their faith and support in me gave me such drive to work hard and stay motivated throughout the year. Staying connected during these times builds such strong relationships for the future- when we can hug openly again!
My therapies wrapped in January of 2020 and despite and few road bumps at the end, we were all looking forward to a year of freedom and traveling. And then Coronavirus hit.
Now in the era of Covid-19, I am back in some familiar territory, but now we are all in it together. Family isolation, super cleanliness, avoidance of public places, wearing masks, and some serious home time is the new norm.
Today’s truth is that I am so incredibly grateful to be feeling good again. Boredom and being stir-crazy is OK, even though at times I need to remind myself pretty intensely. Homeschool has been a serious challenge for us all, but we are getting closer connected and appreciating our teachers and school systems much more for it. We are lucky to be here on this gorgeous island of Kaua’i, and by enjoying a daily walk, swim or yoga, I am once again in awe. We have a happy home base, even if the kids destroy it each day and have their own struggles. I am SOOOO thankful I am still able to work from home, and new abilities and avenues are opening up to both me and my clients.
But the juggle is real and homeschooling two kids, and trying not to lose my mind is tough… but it could be worse.
Cancer sucks and going through treatment is brutal. Don’t let anyone tell you different. But each person’s journey is unique as is their diagnosis, protocol, staging, and personal symptoms and reactions. It is not a gift, a blessing or a needed reset (yes, this was said to me a few times). Dairy, sugar, lack of exercise... or too much exercise, or some other lifestyle choice likely did not cause my cancer. Eating mushrooms or a special tea may be delicious and help, but in my mind did not replace proven methods. And my choice to have a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments was a choice I made with my doctors in that I thought it would give me the best chance at surviving the longest. Have you seen my kids? If so, then you know how much joy they give me and why I need to be here for all of it. That being said, any great challenge or adversity provides the opportunity to evolve and grow. It also has helped me write a new chapter in my life, of which makes for a more interesting story.
Courage. Perspective. Gratitude. Being Open. Patience. Joy.
My appreciation for all our first responders willing to risk their health is profound. Thank you. And I am sending strength and courage to all my fellow survivors in your own journey. Let’s stay healthy, stay connected, and be grateful always.
The groundwork for all happiness is good health.
Leigh Hunt
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