What I Know

Like many families in this technological age, we have a family text that is on going. There are text conversations between Individual family members as well and among the valuable texts shared are occasional Snapple Facts. When Snapple is enjoyed in the presence of others, the Snapple Fact is read aloud. Otherwise, they are shared via text, most often between my husband and one of our girls.

When other randoms facts are shared, I often ask “Is that a Snapple Fact?” While it may not be an entirely reliable source, and I have no idea how it would be cited whether using APA or MLA, it is a source our family accepts. 🙂

Within minutes of receiving life changing news last February, a wise and knowledgeable friend told us to stick with what we know! She knew our minds and hearts were racing and a bit numb at the same time. As gently as the doctor had been in delivering news using the words mass, tumor and cancer, the news came like a blow. I have often visualized us sitting in the recovery room after receiving unexpected news and I hear my friend tell us to stick with what we know. What we knew at that moment was there was a mass that needed to be removed. Beyond that we did not know.

Throughout the process of being told I have cancer and receiving tests, procedures and treatments, there have been moments when it has been easy to consider the “what ifs.” Thankfully, those moments have been short lived and I am taken back to what I know.  It is easy to get caught up in worry, fear and unknowns.  While it’s important to be informed and thorough, it has been key in my mental battle to stick with what I know.  In my experience, it has helped in winning the battle over worry, fear and the unknowns.

Cancer, as well as other life shaking news, doesn’t come with answers found on Snapple caps. It’s not that simple and it’s not humorous. Don’t get me wrong, humor has played a tremendous role in my healing, but having cancer isn’t humorous.

Here’s what I know:

• Worry will not add a single hour to my life (that’s not a Diane original or a Snapple fact. It’s source is Luke 12:25)
• I am receiving excellent care from knowledgeable & kind caregivers
• My prognosis remains good (!)
• The plan is to have treatment 11 tomorrow (getting so close to number 12!)
• My support team is worthy of a Snapple Fact. You all are the best.
• I am loved
• Capes really do help! #capestoconquercancer
• I have lost a lot of hair, but had a lot to begin with so yes, I still have hair and am thankful my chemo regimen didn’t take it all
• I’m sure I have failed to write all the thank you cards I have intended to write
• There are a lot things I want to do in my lifetime and I am dreaming and making plans
• I am stronger than I knew
• My husband and kids are stronger than I knew
• My God remains unchanged

There will be more unknowns and moments of anxiety that may accompany scans and procedures, but I will choose to stick with what I know