Surviving Breast Cancer Now!

I love getting letters. I was appalled when the cost of stamps went up by such a large percentage earlier this year because I am sure it will result in fewer and fewer letters and cards being sent. Who can blame anybody for using e-mail or social networking sites to keep in touch rather than more traditional methods when the costs are so great?

It is certainly lovely to have been receiving so many pretty cards from friends and relatives, despite the cost of postage!  Not only that but the flowers and visits continued to arrive. Friends further afield would skype, phone and write.  Suddenly time was more important than anything else and the fact people were willing to spend their time with me was very humbling.

Around this time it also became clear to me that I should make the effort to spend my time wisely.  

There are some things I do not have the energy to do. Although I am registered with the local library to assist people who need help to use a computer, I do not feel able to undertake this duty just now. I am just too tired. Exhaustion is one of the most debilitating side effects of my treatment for me. However, I did feel able to attend the meeting of the poetry group the meets on the library.  I was thrilled t be able to do that. It allowed me to thank the poetry group for the lovely bouquet of flowers they sent me.

It was a special pleasure to join the group that day as renowned local poet, Gerry McGrath was reading some of his verse.  His website is gerrymcgrath.co.uk. One of his books A to B is reviewed at: https://bookreviewstoday.wordpress.com/2013/04/05/from-a-to-b-by-gerry-mcgrath/

Although I got tired easily and felt a bit tender after the surgery, it was important to me to meet with the group and join in usual social intercourse that did not revolve around me being sick.  I do not like being ill. I am sure most people would prefer to avoid ill health, if they could.

While I was at the library, I was able to pick up the book the library book group was reading that month.   It was Gardens of Water by Alan Drew.

I was equally thrilled when I felt well enough to go to the singing class that runs in the Community Centre. It was another way for me to meet and mingle with the people that I share this interest with too.  members of the group had taken the time to visit me and bring me flowers, so I was able to thank them for the lovely bouquet of flowers.  There is no doubt that making the effort to spend time with people and taking the time to share my interests with them made me feel better.

Valerie Penny