Support Team

Today I’m going to talk about what its like to have the right people and support when you are going through tough times. I believe having a support team is the key to getting through any difficulty that life throws at you. My parents and brother have been my rock throughout my life. I know for a fact, without them, I would not be here. They have sat with me through every long and tedious scan or hospital visit. They have been the ones who gave me that extra push that I always needed.

The key is you should always have people around you who truly care about you. Those people could be family, or friends, or anyone who really gives you positive energy. If there is anyone who is negative, you need him or her to leave because it will defiantly bring you down and you will start to feel it. Yes, some people cannot handle someone in their life being sick, but if they truly want to be in your life, they will find a way to act brave and strong while they are in front of you. I’ve also learned that you cannot blame the ones who cannot handle the stress of yourself being sick because some people aren’t really cut out for caring for others and we have to find a way to accept that.

You really find out who genuinely loves you when you end up having cancer. I have lost many people in my life because they could not handle the stress of me being sick. Most people, the thought of someone they know being diagnosed with cancer, makes them run. But in the end, it’s better that way because the real people stick around and support you. Not many people can handle taking you to the hospital almost everyday, sitting with you for hours while you are having a chemo session, changing bandages, and taking care of your wounds or scars. Thank goodness I was blessed with my parents because my mom actually went back to school to learn how to care for me and then she taught my dad. Since she was certified, it made bringing me home much easier. At one point, I had to do infusions every 8 hours, but I did not want to stay in the hospital anymore. The only way I was able to leave the hospital is if I had a full time nurse with me and the amazing part was, it would be my mom. My parents had to flush my line, give me medication, draw blood, and all of those other fun activities that came along with infusions, but the biggest part was that I was in my own home. My home is a place I always felt safe and knew I could recover the best. I always hated hospitals and up till today, I still do. Just the thought of wheeling into a hospital makes me a little uneasy.

At the end of my last surgery, I came out with only two true friends, but I still had the foundation support of my parents and brother. Life is tough, but a good friend told me that you have to figure out a way to keep on keeping on and focus on the people who sincerely care about you. Never forget them and always show those individuals that you are appreciative each and every one of them.