Free The Cancer Survivors Club by Chris Geiger Page A

gorgeous boy while I received my treatment. It sounds a cliché I know, but she really was my rock. As a mum myself now, I fully appreciate how she must have felt.
    I don’t want to write too much about the chemotherapy, but looking back Mum always managed to make me laugh, which was so important. She regularly made the three of us a picnic and helped Freddie to learn to walk while on the hospital ward. I tried to pretend we were like any normal young family, even if my chemotherapy pump went off every few minutes.
    It’s very likely that the surgery and treatment I received for cancer was the cause of my intolerance to some foods. The surgery involved removing my ascending colon and rejoining my intestines. I also believe my digestive system is more sensitive now due to the chemotherapy; but this is a small price to pay. Most people at some time in their life suffer from similar complaints to these anyway. The biggest and most unique side effect is I now have less time to get to the toilet, less warning that I need to go. I’m trying a gluten-free diet, which appears to help a little, but I’m still learning about what my body prefers even now.
    It’s these things that remind me I’ve fought cancer, but I am alive and enjoying life, which is the most important thing. I have some impressive-looking scars too; my favourite is my Caesarean scar but the one across my belly button is the one that saved my life. Strange as it may sound, I love it.
    My family and friends provided such amazing support while I was unwell. One friend gave me a wonderful gift of a twice-weekly shiatsu massage. This gave me strength and showed her love, which helped beyond words. I don’t regret the experience of having cancer, however strange that sounds. It’s funny to think having cancer was actually good for me. I’m pleased to say that no true friend shied away; they shared all my dark times and celebrated the great times with me as well.
    Wayne and I don’t talk about my experience with cancer much; it’s hard for him to comprehend.
    I’m not sure he really even understands it all now; I know I don’t.
    What else is there to write about having cancer at twenty-seven? Don’t give up; it sounds so corny but it’s true.
    If I had given up, I wouldn’t have my other beautiful son, Rowan, who is three years old now. My oncologist told me that it was highly unlikely I would remain fertile after all the chemotherapy, but another miracle occurred when my fantastic crazy Rowan arrived. It was incredible to experience a healthy pregnancy, without all the fatigue, blood transfusions and worry. I can now be the sort of mum I always wanted to be. My children are everything and I’m just a woman who is foremost a mother and also now a member of the cancer survivors club.
    Having cancer has changed me for the better. I never put up with rubbish from people or waste time doing jobs I hate doing. We still have the stresses and strains of everyday life, but I never forget I’m lucky to have been given another chance. When you’ve been to the darkest place, there is nowhere else to go but up. Up, up, up and away with the rest of my wonderful life for however long it lasts.

‌ My Story by Marilyn Taylor
A Bright Light
Membership: # 8
    I’m sixty-five years old and my main hobby is gardening, but never in a million years did I think this would save my life.
    One day, I thought I’d prune some of the tall trees in our garden. I climbed the ladder and reached the top of the tree with my sixteen-foot pruner. Once I’d finished the job, I threw the pruner on top of the growing pile of branches I’d cut off. At that moment, something in the back of my neck hurt and didn’t feel quite right.
    A week went by and the pain in my neck got worse, so I decided I should go to the doctor. They said I’d probably just pulled a muscle and gave me some painkillers. These