Just wondering how is everyone around the anniversary of their diagnosis. Mine was the 12th December and it reminded me of all the health issues I have had in the last 12 months. I found it a very challenging time. Just wondering how everyone deals with this time.Do you have a special distraction you do every year? Or do you just do your best to ignore. Hope that makes sense. Best wishes. Liz59
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Hi @Liz59 what an apt post for me.
I was diagnosed on the 16 December 2003
For me I know I sort of go into myself and I replay my diagnosis as if it were yesterday.
I remember all the blood cancer friends I have made and those I have sadly lost along the way.
I cook a lovely meal to celebrate.
This year I have been on painkillers which have made me feel rather sick so my lovely meal will be after the holiday period and into the new year.
However I did raise a hot chocolate to myself
I look forward to hear others experiences
Thanks @Liz59 for writing this post
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Hello there @Liz59, I just wanted to say I’m really glad you’ve reached this anniversary and can be here to share your experiences and thoughtful kindness.
I know exactly what you mean about these sorts of anniversaries being a challenge. Funnily enough, I just had one of those anniversaries and made sure to take time to feel what I was feeling and to mark the occasion in some way. I know others might prefer to duck and cover and wait for the day or event to pass.
My own Polycythaemia vera (PV) diagnosis anniversary is in the summer and happens to coincide with a different, happier anniversary so I’ll make more of that one while I stick 2 fingers up at my Polycythaemia vera (PV)! If we can’t swear at our cancers then I don’t know what is worthy of a nice big expletive, hey?!
But in answer to your question about distractions, I think being aware in advance of these sorts of difficult memories can help them not be so overwhelming on the day itself. Maybe even celebrating them in our own ways might help them feel less challenging?
Any excuse for treat I would say, even for painful reminders. I hope your anniversary comes to feel easier for you @Liz59 and I’m sorry this one wasn’t so easy. Practice makes perfect!
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Hi Liz
I was diagnosed on my birthday so it’s very strange for me and was very difficult the first few year as I wasn’t really in a mood to go out or do anything for my birthday. Maybe because I was diagnosed 10 years ago, celebrating my birthday has taken over again and has helped to forget about the dreaded diagnosed day. I also tend to focus now on celebrating the fact that I have managed another year with my illness. A bit of a victory celebration in a way. I know some days are tough but I try to focus on the good days. If I’ve survived one year, then why not another year. Look forward and try to enjoy each day as it comes.
Sandrine
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Erica, Duncan and sandrine Thank you for your kind thoughts and good wishes. Liz59
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