Back from limbo……
There has been a bit of a life hiatus round here recently. You may have noticed that I’ve been absent for rather longer than usual. Or then again, maybe you didn’t!
I’ve had a month or two of tests and more tests and more tests – all for breast cancer – some of which were more than a little complicated by an existing medical condition and a body that doesn’t seem to lend itself to ready analysis. So there’s been an awful lot of waiting going on. It put me into limbo, well and truly. I was absolutely fine, but somehow stuck in no man’s land and unable to get on with my life. I wasn’t in a situation where I really wanted to talk about it – how do you talk about maybes? – but at the same time that was the only space my head was in. Hence radio silence. I’m sure a lot of you have probably been through similar experiences.
Now I know where I stand – and frankly it’s a lot better than it could have been. It’s pre-cancerous, not cancerous…and luckily for me a condition that previously would have resulted in radical surgery is now monitored intensely. So it’s a wait and see situation, but I can absolutely live with that. It’s given me the impetus to improve my nutrition and work on stress management to try to boost my immune system. I’m a great believer in giving the body a chance to heal itself.
So supermarket fruit and veg department here I come…
I’m sure that sewing and knitting are the biggest stress reducers too. Life ain’t all bad!
More tomorrow I think.
Helen
October 18th, 2013 at 5:33 pm
I’m so pleased you’re back.
Thank goodness that word ‘pre’ is there. I’m confident that between modern medicine and your resilience and positive (polite term for ‘kick ass’) attitude, it will stay there.
A big hug from France,
Steph X
October 18th, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Hello, good to see you in my Feedly reader.
Like Steph above ^^ I’m glad for that “Pre” in your explanation. Still, this is the sort of news that causes concern and a re-aligning of all sorts of important things.
Good luck with the nutritional steps, and I pray that you have peace in your heart as you move forward. God bless.
October 18th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
I did indeed wonder what has happened to you! So sorry to hear that you had this uncertainty hanging over you for so long. Nothing worst than waiting, not knowing what you are dealing with. I’m so glad that the news is good and you can get on with your life. Good luck and look after yourself. xx
October 18th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Feck!! That must have been a very stressy time for you & the family Helen!! So glad to hear the “Pre” bit, hope the treatment is not too tortuous.
Hopefully the sewing/knitting will help.
Much love
Lush xox
October 18th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
PS: I meant to email you this morning but ran out of time before work. Had just sat down to write it & your post was there.
October 18th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Helen, being a born “always imagine the worst” person I can imagine too well all of the thoughts that were running through your mind. So glad to hear that this is a “pre” situation and that you are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure your continuing good health. Take care and get those good knitting and quilting vibes doing their bit.
Thinking of you on a moody fall afternoon in Quebec.
October 18th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
So glad things aren’t as bad as they could have been. Get those knitting needles going!
At present I am undergoing some stress (not illness) and I am finding decorating is my stress buster!
October 18th, 2013 at 10:41 pm
Oh Helen! And I must admit I assumed you were on holiday!
So glad your prognosis is a good one; now get those kids to wait on you hand and foot xxx
October 18th, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Bring on the monitoring. And the multiple goes at the 5-a-day! Hope you get plenty of sewing and knitting therapy in 🙂
October 19th, 2013 at 1:18 am
Goodness, what a stressful time for you. It sounds as if you have a good plan in place. Look after yourself and get plenty of sewing time in there!
October 19th, 2013 at 7:38 am
My dear friend I will keep you in my prayers. I think sharing this on your blog will help with some if the stress relief. Sending you a big hug.
October 19th, 2013 at 7:44 am
I am very sorry to hear that life kept you in uncertainity for so long. Hope your positive attitude will get you over the darker moments of “what if…” Keeping my fingers crossed that all further test will bring only further good news.
Hugs
Christine
October 19th, 2013 at 8:25 am
so glad to hear that you’re okay. I’m with you on the knitting, great stress reliever. take care of yourself
October 19th, 2013 at 9:20 am
Glad you’re back but sorry to hear why you’ve been quiet on the posting front. Sounds like a good reason to eliminate all extraneous stress and really look after yourself – without feelng guilty about it!
October 19th, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Ooooo it must have been a strange and stressful time for you. Glad the news is not too bad. Sounds like you have just the right attitude towards things (enjoy your carrots and apples!) xxxxxx
October 19th, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Helen, I will be wishing and praying that all remains well with this diagnosis. You are already an incredibly healthy and fit person and I hope this stands you in very good stead. Huge hug and lots of love.
October 20th, 2013 at 1:42 am
Glad you’re back, and appreciate how unnerving that limbo can be. At least the “wait and see” involves lots of good foods and great hobbies!
October 20th, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Yikes! I am so glad to hear that you are ok for now. I would totally have been stuck in the same place, now you are able to go forward with a good plan. I think that knitting and quilting are definitely stress reducing.
October 20th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
Big hugs from here too Helen…so relieved to hear that the docs can monitor you and I am sure you are in amazing hands. Look after yourself xxx
October 20th, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Glad to hear you are ok now, long may that continue. It must have been a very stressful and scary time x
October 21st, 2013 at 9:39 am
Yes. We both know. Have you acquired more grey/white hair too? And then there are all the other crises and sometimes we just need to shrink into ourselves and learn how to breathe again. Hugs. my friend. I may be in CH soon.
October 22nd, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Like all your other online friends, I’m relieved for the better news. Sounds like you’re on the right track to boost your immune system in all the best ways. We need you around for many years to come, dear Helen! xoxo
October 26th, 2013 at 7:45 am
Well at least all those tests had a positive outcome. I hope the treatment goes well and that you are managing to relax. Sewing and knitting can only help with that. Hope the kids and husband are on board with the less stress lifestyle needed? Thinking of you.