<\/p>\n
Struggling with loss<\/i>
To me, loss is a four-letter bad word. If there\u2019s anything that can drive me to my knees in deep dark depression and excessive misery, it\u2019s another loss. Loss, unfortunately, has been a theme in my life:\u00a0 marriages, homes, careers, jobs, and friends. Breast cancer added hair, boobs, health, toenails, and a threat on my life to the list.<\/b><\/p>\n
Trust that there are no wasted experiences. Acknowledge the loss while not asking \u201cwhy\u201d questions, to which there are no answers. There are only answers to \u201cwhat now\u201d questions.\u00a0 What\u2019s my next move in the face of this loss? How can I do better next time? Did I really need that toenail anyway?<\/p>\n
Making deliberate choices<\/i>
Attitude accounts for 95 percent because what you expect is often what you get. Choose to have a positive attitude. Clear the stress to prepare for the \u201cbattle.\u201d Choose to live in the present. Make yourself first priority. It\u2019s okay to be selfish, to take care of \u201cme first,\u201d then family, and then outside obligations. Make choices to please yourself, not for what others would expect. I decided that wigs were going to be like shoes: a woman needs more than two.\u00a0 And if I was going to get new boobs, I wanted perky ones.<\/p>\n
Surviving the symptoms<\/i>
Early on in the diagnosis my oncologist reiterated that side effects are unique to the individual. I could get all or none or just a few. So I picked fatigue, but not mouth sores. Again, one\u2019s attitude affects the effects. And the occasional pity party is absolutely acceptable. Oh, I should have bought stock in Preparation H and Imodium.<\/p>\n
Finding support<\/i>
Throughout this adventure I felt fine emotionally, spiritually and psychologically, but physically it was most difficult thing I ever had to face. My faith grew stronger because I rested in the belief that God is good and he did not cause the situation. My family relationships grew stronger because I relied on them. My daughter repeatedly encouraged me, saying \u201cYou\u2019ve got this, Mom.\u201d Being with my sister after the biopsy literally saved my life. My friendships grew stronger because I accepted their support. One friend who recently survived breast cancer, whom I\u2019ve never met in person, regularly texted with me, sharing her story. If she could get through this, then I could too. Seek out the kind of support that best meets your needs, whether in person or virtual.<\/p>\n
Resetting priorities<\/i>
There\u2019s nothing like a near-death experience to put life in crystal clear focus. Take advantage of the opportunity to refocus life priorities and set future goals. It\u2019s never too late to dust off your forgotten but God-ordained passions and dreams. Update the bucket list.<\/b><\/p>\n
Since breast cancer, I want to keep my new focus and lifestyle changes, creating a new normal, rather than reverting back to the old comfort zone. Being forced to slow down and carefully choose where to spend energy has been probably one of the greatest challenges.<\/b><\/p>\n
Let my breast cancer journey be an inspiration to you as you face whatever challenges loom before you. May you view your challenges as both adventure and blessing. And may your adventure bring unusual and exciting experiences, bursting with God\u2019s favor, protection and well-being!<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s note: This is the second of a two-part series exploring Cheryl Elliott\u2019s experience with breast cancer.<\/i><\/b>
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![\"Cheryl](\"https:\/\/fluvannareview.com\/images\/stories\/2017Oct\/celliott.jpg\")
I blame my brother. He was the one who proclaimed: \u201cMay 2016 be a year of adventure and blessing!\u201d I had no choice but to respond with \u201cchallenge accepted,\u201d and treat last year\u2019s unexpected breast cancer diagnosis as both adventure and blessing.<\/b><\/p>\n
For me, his proclamation became: \u201cMay this breast cancer adventure bring unusual and exciting experiences, bursting with God\u2019s favor, protection and well-being!\u201d Although he also said I was going through a lot of trouble just for a boob job! Brothers!<\/b><\/p>\n
As it turns out, my breast cancer journey \u2013 in which I experienced the whole gamut:\u00a0 chemotherapy and its ugly side effects, breast surgery, immune system collapse, and reconstruction \u2013 has brought both adventure (and some misadventure) and blessing. I\u2019m told I\u2019ve handled the diagnosis and treatment a little differently than most women, and I pray that sharing my journey will bring hope and encouragement. Here are a few ponderings from my cancer adventure.