So a good friend of mine, brought to my attention a song by Delta Goodrem called "Be Strong".Now as some of you may, or may not, know Delta was also diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma when she was my age. So for me to see some one like her, get through it all, and acomplish everything she has since her treatments is simply amazing. And it is a huge force that drives me to believe that all will be well again :)Since I loved this song so much, when it came out, and as it is even more appropriate now. I want to share it with you all. And yes I can relate to what she is saying, and where she is coming from... Trying to stay strong is hard at times, but having all the constant amazing support that I have from all you wonderful people, helps me get through all the "darkest hours", and remember that I am "not alone".Be Strong, By Delta Goodrem.Songwriters: Benenate, Bridget; Gerrard, Matthew; Goodrem, Delta
Lyrics from
http://www.deltagoodrem.com/lyrics/home.do?catalogueNo=5189153000&affiliateId=0510&side=1&seq=6&lyricId=2131.
Are you swimming upstream in oceans of blue?
Do you feel like your sinking?
Are you sick of the rain after all you've been through?
Well I know what you're thinking
When you can't take it
You can make it
Sometime soon I know you'll see
'cause when your in you're darkest hour
And all of the light just fades away
When you're like a single flower whose colours have turned to shades of gray
Well hang on and be strong
Where taking each step one day at a time
You can't loose your spirit
Let live and let live forget and forgive
It's all how you see it
And just remember keep it together
Don't you know you're never alone
'cause when you're in your darkest hour
And all of the light just fades away
When you're like a single flower whose colours have turned to shades of gray
Well hang on, and be strong
No you're not defeated
And soon you'll be smiling once again
Then you won't have to feel it
Let it go with the wind
Time passes us by And know that you're aloud to cry
'cause when you're in your darkest hour And all of the light just fades away
When you're like a single flower whose colours have turned to shades of gray
Well hang on and be strong
Now I know this may be a little late in getting you to you all... but better late than never.
When I was reading the "Been There, Done That" Book, written by Young People with Cancer, for Young People with Cancer, By CanTeen.. I came across a wonderful section called "Helpful Tips for your Friends" ! :)
Now I know some of you don't know what to say at times, and have questions to ask etc. So from me to you, here are some Tips.
(Sorry if I am offending anyone by putting these up... not my intention at all!)
Sometimes it is hard to understand what your friend who is living with cancer is going through. Your friend’s cancer experience may be the first time you have had to confront terminal illness and the fear of loss. Knowing how to come to terms with what is happening may take time and good communication with your friend. We have put together some info told to us by young people such as your friend, so that you can still be there for your friend who is living with cancer.
Tips:
Understand that cancer is only a part of my life
Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions….I will answer them if I want to, and if I can. And if I don’t…then I won’t!
If I am confused or frustrated, help me to find out what I want or need and how best to go about getting it.
I don't want to go into hibernation! I want us to keep discovering new things together like new books, movies and places to visit.
Come and hang out with me for a day at the hospital while I am having treatment, or at Home.
Email me, text me or call me as much as you like. I get bored and lonely so contact me as much as you can. And don't worry about bothering me... If I am feeling gross, or I am not in the mood to talk, I just won't answer.
Enlist other friends to visit or call me regularly
If my sibling or my family member is away and I am home alone, give me a call and invite me around for dinner. Sometimes dinner isn’t really a priority and we just don’t get around to it!! It is also great to just get away and relieve some of the stress.
If you ask me "how I am feeling?" and I say "Fine", beware!! Just remember that FINE can mean Freaking out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional. What I am thinking is I am not fine: I have Cancer. I am avoiding talking about it because "if we don't talk about it we don't really have to face it. And if we don't face it, we don't have to deal with it. And if we don't have to deal with it, it won't bother us. Right?" Wrong!! As my friend(s) you may be thinking "I don't want to make my friend feel bad by talking about it". But I might want to talk about it. I might need to talk about it. And if we don't talk about it, I am left thinking about it all on my own.
I often lie awake at night thinking and worrying. If you don't mind taking phone calls, or Texts in the middle of the night, let me know.
Cry with me, laugh with me, and listen to me. Sometimes there's no need for words.
Help me to have fun. In the beginning, and for many months to come, I may feel that the world revolves around cancer.. trust me, I will need an escape. We can go out for a meal, take a picnic and a walk together, or go to see a movie or get take-out and watch some DVDs.
Be my friend and support me through all the stages of cancer. A lot of friends and family will be around at the beginning, but providing support and over the long haul is necessary.
Try and be the consistent friend I know I can rely on!
I hope all that helps a little, and sheds a bit more light on some situations.
Many of you have been fabulous, and I wouldn't be as strong, positive and upbeat as I am now, if it wasn't for you!
I THANK YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!!
Untill next time.. Eat Chocolate...
~Amelia xox
