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An Unexpected New Friend
Published November 26, 2010 Coping with Cancer , Life on the Other Side , Uncategorized 8 CommentsTags: Breast Cancer, Fear, Surgery, Uncertainty
Tags: Breast Cancer, Fear, Surgery, Uncertainty
Terri Wingham
Friend, sister, aunt, daughter, wine lover, post-wine booty shaker, writer, dreamer, and breast cancer survivor.
Hello again Terri. We have not met in person but I remember your professionalism from our only cyber-contact. You are a brave woman. I wish you well. m2c2.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I appreciate the support. Take care, Terri
Hi Terri,
You helped me through a difficult time in my career almost 3 years ago, and I’ll never forget the last time we met. It was about a year ago, you met me to help me figure out what to do with my professional life all the while your world was spinning out of control. You’re an amazingly selfless person and a real professional. Thank you for sharing your story here.
Janice
Janice – Thank you so much. It was my pleasure connecting with you both times and I hope that things are going well in your life. I look forward to keeping in touch. Terri
Hi Terri,
That was quite a shock to learn about your health. We’ve only met a few times in Vancouver a few years ago but I still remember that. I’ve read a lot of your entries and am struck by the frankness and s clarity you are able to portray on such a personal subject.
I wish you all the best and strength in your journey. I’m looking forward keeping in touch.
Cheers,
Erik
Erik,
Thank you so much for your feedback. How are you? Are you still commuting from Nanaimo? I hope life is treating you well.
Cheers,
Terri
Hi Terri,
I love this post. It rings very true for me as well. I have always been a control freak with a plan.
I have been seriously working on it for the last 6 years I have been a lifecoach. But not enough…
This year I had major surgery – removal of large ovarian cyst (I also panicked I had ovarian cancer a few years back!), 2 bowel resections (and one resection they did not do so I did not wake up with a surprise albeit temporary colostomy bag), unblocking my ureter (water was backed up in my kidneys which can lead to kidney failure) and lots of unsticking of organs from each other, including pulling my remaining ovary out from my “sac of douglas”. This does not include the last 5 years of gradually worsening pain which (for the last 2 years or so) leaves me doubled up on the sofa on a monthly basis waiting for the T3s to kick in.
I have severe endometriosis not cancer. There is no known cure – and they do not know what causes it.
Endo is obviously not cancer – and I think what you have gone through is a LOT scarier and more challenging.
But I think there are common themes here – for women.
Not trusting ourselves and not listening to ourselves. Not allowing uncertainty – trying to control everything so that we feel good about ourselves. Workaholism…
If we do not listen to our bodies (and our souls) – they find a way to make us listen. I think this is (among other things) what you are saying?
I love this post! I am an trying to be an ex-BIG planner… the reason I say EX …. is because I think I am FINALLY learning that “the Universe always has a bigger plan for you than you can ever plan for yourself”.
I heard it for the first time 11 years ago at Oprah’s first “Live Your Best Life Event” (when I scored $27 row 11 (or maybe it was row 12) tickets…now that was the Universe giving me a big high five).
Yet, although I heard it 11 years ago, I think it has taken me that long to really GET IT. I am on a path to try to master letting go of the need to plan and the need to control…
Everything happens for a reason…The Universe takes care of that part… We do our part by taking action when we are inspired and drawn towards things that we love.
May you enjoy your Christmas… not recovering from surgery… but instead with the laughter of family/friends, good food, and know that the Universe has your back (every single time)!