As I nervously settle into my second round of chemotherapy today, I'm reminded that life doesn't pause for a diagnosis. Instead, it becomes a complex juggling act. Between the complexities of modern life, I find myself navigating the intricate dance of living with cancer, working full-time, and raising a spirited toddler.
When I received my diagnosis in April, my parents were on a plane the following week, ready to help look after my son while I navigated this new reality. Fast-forward three months, after bowel surgery and the start of my treatment, and we had to bid them a tearful farewell at the Gold Coast airport.
If there’s a silver lining in this cancer journey, it’s that my parents had the chance to watch my little boy grow every day for three months. And, my word, has he grown! He went from walking to running in the blink of an eye and now loves to gather bits and bobs to deposit into any drawer or door he can open. ‘Open and shut’ is his favourite game, and I’m forever finding toys in the most unexpected places.
These next few weeks will probably be hardest on my parents, who won’t wake up to a little lad walking into their room, holding books for them to read. But through it all, I've come to believe that even the darkest of clouds will eventually part for the light.
A wise person once said, “things are only tough now,” and that resonates deeply with me. When I think back to the worst moments in my life, there was always a way forward. Tomorrow holds all the promise in the world if you let it. Today might be tough, but it’s just for now.
If you’re also having a tough time, perhaps you have your own medical battle, you might be finding the cost-of-living crisis tough to navigate or you may be grappling with the shortage of housing, here’s to us - finding joy in the quirkiest of places - even if it’s just discovering a toy Minion in your sock drawer. If you’re up for a chat and would like the opportunity to tell your story, you can always reach out to me, my email address is on the left of this page.
Keep smiling, stay strong, and remember, there’s always a silver lining if you search for it.
Amanda
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
