Summary

A cancer survivor reflects on their transformative five-year journey, from diagnosis through treatment to recovery, and the profound impact it has had on their perspective on life.

Abstract

The author recounts their personal battle with cancer, detailing the progression from initial discovery of a lump to undergoing surgery, radiation, and a regimen of medication that significantly affected their body and mental state. Despite the challenges, the author remained determined, buoyed by the support of friends and family. Post-treatment, the author grapples with lingering paranoia and a sense of isolation, yet finds solace in counseling and support groups. Ultimately, the journey comes full circle, leaving the author with a renewed appreciation for life, a heightened awareness of the present, and the realization that every day is precious and not to be taken for granted.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the profound fear of dying that comes with a cancer diagnosis, transitioning from an abstract concept to a tangible threat.
There is a recognition of the duality of medical treatment: while essential for survival, it also brings about fatigue, sickness, and anxiety.
The author expresses a deep gratitude towards friends and family for their unwavering support throughout the ordeal.
Despite the collective efforts of loved ones, there is an underlying sentiment of loneliness and the unique internal struggle that comes with facing a life-threatening illness.
The aftermath of cancer treatment is depicted as a period of heightened vigilance and psychological challenges, with every bodily sensation under scrutiny.
The author suggests that the journey through cancer has led to personal growth and a more vivid experience of life, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment.
The narrative concludes with an affirmation of the lessons learned from the cancer experience, chiefly the value of seizing the day and the uncertainty of life.

Flint and Steel Full Circle Writing Challenge

Closing the Loop on My Journey with Cancer

As tight as it goes at least.

I’m back to where I started.

Drug-free and healthy,

And optimistic about the future.

My five-year cancer journey started with a lump.

Followed by surgery,

Radiation,

And a “new normal” of countless medical appointments.

Fear of dying transcends from the periphery.

No longer obscure,

But a real danger—

Grounded in lab results.

Medicine wreaks havoc on my body,

Makes me tired…and sick…and anxious.

But I take it religiously,

Without question.

I march forward.

Day by day.

Trusting and naïve.

Determined to do whatever it takes to survive.

My friends.

My family.

They offer support.

Most can’t understand,

But they love, laugh,

And worry alongside me.

After the final pill is celebrated,

Paranoia takes root.

Every ache or irregularity is suspect.

And the brain flirts with darkness more than ever before.

The aftermath is surprisingly lonely.

Counseling and support groups help fill a gap,

But an undeniable void remains.

The pit in your stomach can grow,

And fester.

While a deafening silence takes hold.

Keep your ears open.

Things inevitably shift —

Again, and again.

I’m back to where I started.

Or am I?

Have I come full circle,

Or evolved into a whole new me?

I am older and wiser.

I’ve seen the other side —

Not literally, but clearly in my mind.

Much has changed.

On the inside,

And out.

The colors are more vivid.

I’m more conscious of time.

The future steps aside to the here and now.

Life seems to come full circle in many ways.

But the beginning and end are never the same.

If cancer has taught me anything, it’s to seize the day.

As no one is guaranteed another.

Thank you to Ellie Jacobson for this writing prompt!

Challenging You To Write Full Circle

One winner will receive $50

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