Weekly Round Up

Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blog posts which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Don’t forget if you have written a post which you would like readers to see, just leave a comment below.

How we deal with cancer is as unique and individual as we are; this is a theme that I return to again and again in this blog. When I write of it, I always add a plea that we respect each other’s way of coping. In her latest post Michelle outlines some of those ways of coping and shares her own way of dealing with cancer.

In I Would Drink Poison If It Made Me Better, Jo captures the panic and fear of being diagnosed for the second time with cancer.

How do you continue life when you’ve just been told this? I’ve found that week so very hard, I’ve been to very dark places.  I didn’t feel like I’d ever be able to be happy again.  It’s felt like a death sentence and I’m a ‘dead man walking’.  It’s horrendous to have to even think about your future, what future?  My children and my husband are my life and I’m devastated for them.  I don’t want to leave them, I don’t want my children or my husband to have to live without me.  I have to be here for them and to see my children grow up.

Powerful words from Eileen this week on how cancer forces us to face our mortality:

My cancer diagnosis ripped the veil of illusion, disturbing the ignorant bliss that deceived me into thinking I’d dance ‘til I’m old. For those who are metastatic, that veil is not just ripped; it’s completely torn away leaving nothing but the bare-naked truth that our days are numbered. I’m not metastatic, but even if I never have a recurrence, I am forever changed because I have experienced the fragility of life.

Justine  has written a post to mark National Infertility Week, and while infertility may not be something that you are dealing with, her words about resolving to know more than one happy ending, may still find a home in your heart, as they did mine.

Please join with me in sending good thoughts and prayers Jen’s way as she anxiously awaits the results of her latest scan.

Catherine is on a roll with her speaking and promotional engagements and it’s wonderful to read about it on her blog.

A few years ago I attended a Music and Medicine conference and reading Jan’s latest post on the joy she gets from her love of listening to and playing music was a beautiful example of what I learned at that meeting.

What do we say when someone dies too young? We struggle to find words, and often say there are no words as Tric has done this week.

Check out Helen’s Facebook page which shares great information on lymphedema.

Dan has a review of Laurie Edwards book, In The Kingdom Of The Sick.

Did you know that a cancer diagnosis and its aftermath fits the definition of Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)? Katy shares her thoughts on why this is so in her latest blog.

A long-awaited update from Lisa Adams.

A new job for Audrey and reflections on chronic disease, including the sobering research released by MacMillan Cancer in the UK that those who undergo chemotherapy are more likely to experience unemployment following treatment. Ismena writes of the reality of this in her latest blog.

Check out Dr Ann Becker-Schutte’s blog for her latest tips on problem solving.

In Dragonfruit for Breakfast (what a wonderful title!) Philippa shares a sneak peak of the anthology of stories she will be published in.

The Cancer Curmudgeon is guest blogging for Cure Diva on hair loss while Jackie shares her adventures with her wig.

I’ve visited many states in the US, but I’ve always wanted to visit more of the Southern states. Elizabeth’s latest post on her trip to Louisiana  brought the sights, sounds, and colors vividly to life for me.

Check out the advice on the Beauty Despite Cancer blog on choosing a support group.

I loved reading how Yvonne of Seasoned Sista has embraced social media.  She writes that she is grateful for having broadened her life experiences it, but regrets that so many of my older friends and family members failed to embrace this new technology. 

Nancy asks the question this week “How do you mark cancerversaries?”

In Chemobrain: War, Then Peace, Beth writes of a lasting legacy of chemotherapy that so many of us continue to struggle with, and even though it is not chemo-related Rhona’s blog on her experience of cognitive impairment will resonate with you too.

Finally this week, please join with me in welcoming Aurora to the blogosphere. Aurora was first diagnosed in 2009 and last year found out it has spread to the bones. She has just started blogging about the experience at my breast cancer roadtrip.

Until next week.

Yours with love

Marie xxx