As it is a year since I finished chemo, it has put me in reflective mode. Who knew then what the world will now be. However cancer wise I have moved on quite a way when I look back, particularly mentally. Much more acceptance of the new regime. But this is very much tempered by the acceptance that I nearly died from covid in April /May and still have shortness of breath in particular. Long covid is suggested. Having caught covid in early March there were no tests. But there are a tremendous amount of parallels between cancer and covid, except that covid is still uncharted. (See ''cancer and coronavirus, part 2" for a log)
The people on this online site have been a huge help in the journey, listening without judgment and making a few friends along the way. Hopefully I have/will be able to help others. Sewing scrubs has provided a lifeline over the summer, as it was possible despite the brain fog that limited other activities, as autopilot could kick in. Walking has helped, as much as the fatigue would allow. It does seem that covid aggravates weak points, which were the chemo weak points. I would much rather go through chemo than covid!! Mainly because you get the medical support you need, which has been a struggle this year, as the NHS has been mega busy.
Having been designated clinically vulnerable, there has only been about 6 weeks since early March that I have had the freedom to go out, not that it has been safe to actually do so! This has been more of a struggle recently, as there is some conflict between working on a high school one day per week, and what the government think I should be doing. My own business is very busy at the moment, partly due to Brexit to my astonishment. I am very lucky that I have kept my job and business, many others are not so lucky.
Not sure what early 2021 will bring, hopefully some long awaited appointments and results. Next year in particular I am determined to try and find my new normal mark2 or is it 3? It does depend on my breathing though, but I will try.
Not sure if this post has a purpose, but I do wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and hope for the coming year. There is light but the dark side has to be gone through first I guess, but I suppose I wanted to share that progress is made even though it is not necessarily apparent at the time.
I am a Charlie Mackesy fan, and will leave you with this. (((Hugs))) xxx
