If you are reading this blog because you are going through breast cancer, then this is a post you want to read.
When I was diagnosed, the soonest I could get into be operated on was 2 weeks. I had a holiday booked within that exact period. In fact, I was due to return 2 days prior my operation.
It was a confusing time for me for many reasons.
- I felt completely 100% healthy (in fact having run a half marathon only 4 months prior, never fitter)
- I was physically capable of working
- The mental turmoil meant that I didn’t feel able to work just the same
- The holiday I had booked was in Bali – not the medically safest of places
- I was booked to holiday with two girls, one a friend, one more an acquaintance, and I was conscious of taking my cancer on holiday with them….and it having a negative impact on their break
Taking all of the above into consideration (and after much reassurance from travel buddies) I decided to go.
Let me tell you what happened.
After three days of surviving on air, I got my appetite back.
After three days of having the concentration of a gnat, I read books.
After three days of constant fear, I felt calm.
My good humor continued, and I managed to have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. I escaped reality for a short while and it felt good. Yes my cancer was like a shadow following me around. But do you know what? The shadow faded with every day that passed.
I exercised my little heart out – thought I might as well get in while I could. I came back “healthy”, fit and very tanned.
And whilst I was the number one benefactor of the trip, that tan helped all that visited me in the hospital in the week to come feel a little bit better about my health. I was actually accused of looking hot in hospital. What can I say, it was the white sheets against the tan.
To my two fellow traveller’s, I can’t thank you enough for your encouragement and support over our time away. You made me feel completely comfortable. And you were also wickedly amazing at helping me forget what I was coming home to. Bottom line….you rock, love you girls. xx
