What is your diagnosis story?

As I sit here and look at the date, it is hard not to remember the call. The diagnosis. The complete and utter blackness that took over my being. It was almost like that old movie “The blob”. (For you kids out there, go and google it.) I didn’t know what to do, what end was up, how to go on or how to even start to tell those I love. It was one of the most scary time in my life. I had a diagnosis and it started with that dreaded letter c.

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What does it mean to have a diagnosis? The definition is “the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms”. Interesting. We tend to think of a diagnosis as a life sentence. I didn’t see that in the definition. As I think about it, the waiting and the unknown days were way worse then the days after the diagnosis. At least, I know what I am dealing with. I can move forward (or sideways as some situations may be).

The majority of you know my story so I am not planning to repeat. As I have navigated the waters of having multiple diagnosis’s I think about how others have dealt with it. I tend to use sarcasm, humor, and sheer stubbornness but I do not think that is the norm. Well, at least others have said that. 🙂

So, I ask you. What diagnosis changed your life and how were those first moments, days and weeks as you absorbed your new normal?

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There are so many that I know that have had their own diagnosis (RA, Lupus, Cancer, Arthritis, Thyroid, RLS, Fibro, the list goes on an on.) How did you cope, accept and move on? How did you assimilate your new normal? I really do want anyone to respond and share your story, share your thoughts and be a part of what can be a healing for us all. 🙂

Sometimes knowing that others have navigated the waters of being scared, alone, depressed or even relieved, it is helpful.

As I face some new unknown diagnosis with my joint and other issues, I would appreciate the ability to learn from all of you. I beat cancer but is the next one beatable or just something I have to live with?

My wish for all of you is that you find a place of peace, acceptance and love. We all need to know that no matter what we are dealing with, we are still loved and can find a solace of peace for our souls.

Responses

Anonymous

March 19, 2018

Obesity… I in a sense “jumped the hoops”.. yeah I was a “healthy” obese person.. but I “knew” I needed help.. gastric bypass.. 2009… not for everyone but WAS For me.. still #120 down after 4 months and still 9 years later.. thyroid and some other muscle skeletal (two back surgeries) I don’t regret a thing ..

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1. Mels Missives
  
  March 19, 2018
  
  Wow!! Congrats on being able to continue to be amazing! I am certain your beautiful soul still shines through! ❤
  
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Joan Gilmore

March 20, 2018

Even though I didn’t have the actual cancer of my son, it felt like I did. I said a million times in my head “Why didn’t I get this instead of him?” you go into a zone and you deal with what you have to deal with. 2 1/2 years now after his death, my life goes on and not his. It is a shell of what it used to be. That’s what I deal with now.

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1. Mels Missives
  
  March 20, 2018
  
  Joan, I was outside of this as you went through the pain that I can imagine was unbearable. It did make me think, what if this was my child. Just even thinking that now puts a pit in my soul. Cancer can be so unforgiving and take so many things from our lives. I pray for you and your family as you look to a future without a piece of your heart. May that little girl of his give you at least something to smile about. Thank you for sharing!
  
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Anonymous

March 20, 2018

Clinical Depression – This is a state that is perpetual and, in my case, will never go away. I have many coping mechanisms: medication (very key), a partner who watches out for me and pushes me to get help when I need it even when I don’t see it, and the biggest thing is my faith which forces me to look outside myself to helping others, as much as I can and to being thankful to the God who loves me. To the degree that I am able, not focusing on myself is the biggest thing. It sounds very cliché, but clichés happen because there is truth to them. Of course I have to take care of myself to be healthy, but once I have done that, I need to find a passion for others. Even though I tend to get depressed easily, having all of those mechanisms has helped me find joy in life.

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1. Mels Missives
  
  March 20, 2018
  
  Depression is such a hard thing for most people to grasp however when it is in your life it takes hold of your being and doesn’t let go. Thank you for sharing your story. Clichés have that truth to them. There are so many things that can impact our internal light. I am so happy to hear that your support system is strong and you continue to find joy even through all of the sadness that you may feel daily. Seeing the issue is the start of healing. I think that you are strong!
  
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