The year 2018 paradox

As 2018 comes to its end, I can conclude that this year has by far been the worst but also one of the better years in my life. I know that this sounds crazy and I admit that “the worst but anyway great”, is a paradox, but it is my very personal year 2018 paradox.

The reason why it’s the worst is pretty obvious. With so much time having to be devoted to getting rid of the cancer cells and surviving; surgeries, chemo therapies, never ending doctors’ appointments, weekly blood tests, all the worries etc. Nevertheless, it was also one of the better years, because the treatment results at the end, were excellent and I got, in a way, a second chance. As I was ill the whole year, I needed to spend most days at home resting and recovering, hence getting much more time together with my husband and daughters. Of course, I wish the circumstances would have been completely different and that we would have had this time when I would have been fully fit and healthy. However, I am truly grateful for what we got and I definitely see that we have become tighter and have strengthened our family bonds. ​

Family and friends
When reflecting on 2018, I am extremely thankful for all the support I have received from my family and friends. Your text messages, calls, flowers, visits at home or in hospital, the home cooked food and cakes we got, or that you were simply here for me when I needed it the most. Thank you!

Support and inspiration
I would also like to mention a few other sources that I have helped me and that I have benefited from:
The BBC podcast: You, Me and the Big C. Three women, who have or have had cancer talk about cancer in a very frank and refreshing way, or as they put it "The coolest club you never want to be part of." This podcast is not only for people who have cancer but also if you know somebody with cancer and for example are uncertain of how to best talk to that person. The episods cover different topics, such as Chemo, the Future and the Nearest and Dearest. However, I recommend listening to the episods from the beginning as they build upon each other.
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Imerman Angels, partners individuals seeking cancer support with a mentor. For me it has been comforting to talk to a woman with the same type of cancer as I. My mentor has provided excellent support, as she has had a similar experience and knows exactly what I am going through. 

My Survival Story shares and spreads inspirational stories to help people better cope with cancer. A great source if you are tired of all the depressing statistics, and need to see that people do survive!

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2019
Nobody knows what the future holds, I for sure hope for a better year than 2018. But for now, let us enjoy and celebrate New Year's with lots of fireworks and champagne together with family and friends! Take care and I wish you all the best for 2019.