How does one start a story about cancer?
![{Learning One Has Cancer by Sonia Adam Murray}](https://www.aamora.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/1.-Learning-One-Has-Cancer-a.jpg)
I am not sure, but I am going to attempt to give you some brief details, especially for those who are going to have to go through this in the future.
![{Confronting the Beast by Sonia Adam Murray}](https://www.aamora.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/3.Confronting-the-Beast-ab.jpg)
Accept that it is a beast, confront it head on, encourage the support and love of family and friends and go forth with courage.
![{So Much Love by Sonia Adam Murray}](https://www.aamora.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2.So-Much-Love-1-.jpg)
To be honest, there is nothing concrete I can tell you about this horrible disease because everyone is unique and their experiences are totally different. This is just what I’ve learned from what I went through:
• To discover one has cancer is very stressful, beginning with shock, anger, disbelief and finally acceptance.
![{Coming to Terms by Sonia Adam Murray}](https://www.aamora.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/5.Coming-to-Terms-aaab.jpg)
• It is very important to do research on the subject and understand it better.
• The unknown and therefore the inevitable anticipation of what is going to happen is a hard part. One only experiences each step of the way as it arrives. So much is unknown until one has gone through each experience and is able to comprehend what has happened.
• I cannot overstate the importance of the love of one’s spouse: mine was simply terrific, always by my side, there to support, love and guide me. He is my lover, my husband and my best friend!
• The hard fact of visiting doctors’ offices is that they are always sterile and stark and one spends so much time there, much of it spent just waiting. Despite their surroundings so many doctors are warm and helpful. Remember: speak up – you are the patient and your doctor can best help you if you communicate your feelings with them.
![{Pain by Sonia Adam Murray}](https://www.aamora.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/4.aamora-Pain-6.jpg)
• Pain is an inevitable part of cancer; sleep is the best form of avoiding part of it.
• Family are never more important than when a person is down. It makes all the difference in the world to have the love and support of family however they are able to give it. Our New Year’s Eve was a special one when some of our children came home to celebrate with us – all dressed in scarves in solidarity with me.
• Friendship is of the utmost importance as well. Welcome family and friends, they can give so much love and support. It is important to be able to laugh and live life to the best of your ability. If one can laugh even during hard times one is better off and most certainly it is much easier for family and friends.
• Many cancer patients – but not all – lose their hair. Luckily there is an abundance of wigs, hats and scarves so you can make this time into a fashion statement.
• As you start to heal you will become more determined to confront the ordeal and make it work the best way possible.
*****
Guest Artist Sonia Adam Murray is an mixed media artist with a deep-rooted love in abstraction & impressionism. You can view more of Sonia’s work at her artspace site or her past contributions here on aamora.
@Butch
I appreciate your kind words Butch!
@chris whitney
Thank You so much Chris!
Rock on Sonia…rock on…
I appreciate your words and reaching out with your inside story.
Peter,
Thank you so very much for your touching words!
Dear Jim,
Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad that you are a survivor as well and enjoy your work all the time! I am positive and have been throughout the ordeal, plus I intend to stay that way! Creating is a way of life with me so there is not too much danger of me giving it up.
Being a cancer survivor myself I can relate and appreciate, but please always look forward, maintain a positive attitude and keep creating.
I was deeply touched by your story, Sonia. And by the images that accompany the words so well – the work of a true artist. Thank you for sharing!
Gail,
Thank you so much commenting on my story it is good to know your reaction.
Cookie,
Thank you for telling me that my story did speak to you!
Jolie,
Thank you so much for reading my story and I hope that my words made some sense to you!
Thank you for your wise words sonia!
Thank you for sharing your story and advice on how to get through. Sonia, you are an inspiration and a beautiful soul! Your images speak volumes. ((great big hugs))
thank you ..
Sonia, thank you for sharing your inspiring words and images.