In those moments....

Once you hear the words, you have cancer, you really can't think or focus on anything else. It consumes your thoughts. It consumes your day. Most of your thoughts are focused on dealing with the daily issues this disease brings forth and the uncertainty of what your future holds.

There are however, moments when you forget, even for a few minutes that you have cancer.  I cherish these moments. Sometimes they are brief, only lasting a minute or two. Other times they last for longer periods of time. These moments allow me to dream again, to focus on others, to smile and laugh! You could easily spiral down into self pity and a sense of loss of hope. These moments help to refocus your attention on the positives and on possibilities.

I have found ways to help create these moments each day.

Time with Family & Friends

Spending time with my family helps to create these moments. One positive byproduct of this diagnosis is that our family is spending more quality time together. Family walks with our dog Darcy, kitchen conversations, reminiscing about important milestones or memories and frequent FaceTime video calls with Sophie (who is currently away at university) help to shift attention to others. My family has also been burdened with this cancer diagnosis. I'm sure it is on their minds each day. Difficult to escape from it. None of us chose to have this happen but we are forced to deal with it anyway. Trying to continue with normal family routines helps. Focusing on the positive helps. Celebrating small victories helps. Spending time with those that matter the most, definitely helps.

Friends and colleagues have been supporting me in so many ways. I am grateful to have them help me find ways to create these moments. From canoeing on the marsh, to boat rides on Lake Simcoe, to friendly axe throwing competitions. Meeting for coffee, having great conversational walks, text messages; they all help to distract.

Music

Music has always been a way to escape for me. I enjoy many different genres of music from rock to country. From classical to top 40. Music releases stress for me. It allows me to escape the troubles and worries of the day. I have been bringing my headphones with me to chemo so that I can 'escape' during the hours of treatment. The power of music is clear. The change in my emotions simply by playing a certain song is powerful. It can uplift, inspire and change your mindset almost instantly. I have to admit that on occasion you could even catch me dancing around the kitchen.

Social Media

I seem to have this reputation of being obsessed with social media. I do enjoy viewing, posting and creating on social media but I don't consider myself obsessed. I use social media for many reasons: 

to share, to learn, to explore, to connect and to engage. I find it a great learning tool. It allows me to gather and share ideas, resources and learn from others around the world. I must admit that I enjoy it! When I focus on social media, I forget about my worries and it provides me moments to escape and focus on something else.  

Nature

Never underestimate the power of nature! Michelle and I try to go for walks as often as possible. Getting out in nature instantly changes my mindset. I am so grateful for the pathway system that has been created in Newmarket. We are so fortunate to be able to explore our town through a series of interconnecting walkways that are connected to nature. One of my passions is photography. Nature is often the focus on my photo shoots. Nature is beautiful.  It can calm you down. Getting out into nature always creates these moments for me. Give it a try!

Darcy

They say that dogs can sense when something is different or not right. Our dog Darcy has been by my side each day while at home. Wherever we go in the house, he is there with us. When I go for a short afternoon nap, Darcy is snuggled up next to me. He is by my feet when scrolling through my phone, he is with me when I sit outside to get some fresh air and sunshine. We are so blessed to have him as companion.

I am so thankful for these moments and thankful for the people and things that help me create these moments for me. Find your moments!

Food, Glorious Food! Update

I am pleased to report that I can once again can eat solid foods! Not all solid foods but many including: spaghetti, pasta, rice, grilled cheese etc. I even had some salty, crunchy chips during the last Leafs game! Not really a healthy choice, but boy did they taste good! 

Richard