give.ovarian.org/participant/Barbara-Schlatter The obvious upside of cancer is deeper appreciation for everything you have and I definitely experienced that feeling after I was diagnosed, but that feeling has deepened exponentially over the last year. Between the pandemic and many speed bumps to my recovery, I am beyond grateful for what I have and happier than I have ever been in my life. I find joy in the littlest things and it is an amazing feeling! Cancer has softened my personality and mood. Growing up, I was bullied extensively in school. With much self reflection, I came to the realization that those early experiences with my peers taught me to put a wall of defense, usually suspecting the worst of others. This led me to be abrupt and dismissive, usually without need. I rarely engaged in conversation with strangers, always being on a mission to get my own tasks done. Now I find myself talking to anyone who will listen to me. It has opened a whole new world for me. At each step of this journey, someone has come forward to help me reach the next step. Family, friends and strangers all helped me to move forward. When I started down this road with cancer, I was on a mission to beat it anyway I could. I spent the initial phase of my treatment dreading recurrence, when I would be back on the highly toxic drugs. Now I feel prepared for whatever comes my way--no more dread or fear--just more speed bumps to slow me down to appreciate whatever those moments bring. I cannot change the fact that I have cancer, or that it will someday it will try to rear its ugly head. All I can do is change how I react to it. Find the beauty in imperfection--the Wabi Sabi life! The segment for the CBS news story aired this morning. There will be a slightly different version airing tomorrow on Stand UP to Cancer primetime special (I don't think my story will air nationally, just the local CBS breakaway) CBC News Story Barb's NOCC fundraiser |
AuthorBarb Schlatter Archives
May 2022
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