Creating your Road Map

The Way Forward

I’m reaching the end of this long haul with cancer - it’s been a year since my journey with the ‘big C’ began. So how do I take the next steps without the support of my medical team? What is the way forward once I am on my own?

My Road Map

I am not Pollyanna and I’m often apprehensive. But I also love life and cancer has opened my eyes to the beauty in mine. So here’s how I’m taking steps forward:

• Taking one day at a time - I’ve taken the journey up to now one day at a time, and I don’t see that changing. I don’t have any guarantees and I’m aware that cancer can come back. I’m also aware that it may never return.
• Taking charge of my journey. I’ll do everything I can to live my life to the full. I choose hope over fear. I want to embrace bravery.
• Nourishment - I plan to listen to my body and only eat foods that truly nourish it.
• Daily exercise - it will be non-negotiable. 
• Nurturing my relationships - giving and receiving love are a top priority.
• Self Care - I have always been a people pleaser but going forward, I aim to love myself and look after myself first.
• Choice - I choose to be happy. Time is precious and there is always a choice. I’m very grateful for a second chance at life and gratitude will be my attitude from now on.  

Building your own

To my fellow cancer travellers, I’d like to say… If I can survive and thrive, so can you! Don’t allow cancer to define you. You are so much more than your illness.

This is your journey and you need to be in charge of the road map. Accept all the help you can get, but never become a passenger. Don’t underestimate your body’s own healing ability either, even if it needs lots of help right now. Avoid negative people or ones who drain you. Your mindset is really important. Seek out the company of people who truly love you and believe in you. Keep your eye on that light at the end of the tunnel. It’s there. And lastly, don’t forget to keep your own precious flame burning every single day! 

Written by Gail Gilbride Bohle, breast cancer thriver. PS I like to put the word ‘radical’ in front of remission. It gives it extra oomph!

https://www.gailies.com