Many who know me well know that 2017 probably hasn’t been my best year. However, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t come with lessons, challenges to overcome, and even good moments. I thought I would take a quick moment to reflect on this year, good and bad. A lot has happened both personally and professionally. Basically, to remember what happened this year, I just have to get out all of my medical bills. I need to do that soon anyway for our taxes. Here are the highlights:
It’s been a heck of a year. A pretty challenging one I’d say. I’ve tested my mental and physical limits in a lot of ways this year. A lot of people said, “You must be so relieved to be done with treatment,” once I finished radiation. To be honest, the relief hasn’t come quite yet as I’m still dealing with some pretty undesirable side effects, like double vision, dry eye, occasional dizziness, and chronic sinusitis. However, these are symptoms I can deal with, and I have found ways to be productive at work. For that, I am thankful. For anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, I don’t think it ever truly feels “finished.” There’s always that worry or thought that the cancer may come back again. Or worse, it could come back again and kill you. Don't get me wrong, I have a good prognosis and I think positively. I do my best to be faithful and thankful, but that doesn’t erase the fearful thoughts that come up from time to time. I am forever changed after this year, and I have learned a lot of things. I have learned to become more patient, and I am slowly but surely learning to let go of things that are completely out of my control. I have learned to accept help from people, which has been uncomfortable for me. However, I look forward to the time when I can pay it forward and help others. I am thankful to have a thriving business, one that is continued to grow despite the setbacks I’ve had. I am thankful for the people in my clinic that held down the fort during my treatments, and the people at home that make it easier for me to do my job well. I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff, and I try not to waste my time worrying or fretting about things that are shallow or unimportant. In that regard, the cancer diagnosis has been freeing. You learn to live in the moment. Even though I’ve grown a lot this year, I’m honestly glad to see this year end and a new one beginning. Even with an extensive support network, being a business owner, practitioner, mother, wife, and cancer patient has tested the limits of my sanity at times. I have purchased a “2017” pinata that I will beat the crap out of on New Year’s Eve, and I have filled the inside with plastic mini wine bottles. I can’t think of a more cathartic way to end one crappy year and begin a new one. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
2 Comments
Lisa Lang
12/31/2017 10:03:41 am
Battle on Dr. Stroupe, you're a warrior!
Reply
Barb Fowler
1/13/2018 11:23:25 am
Jessica, what an honest, raw, and beautifully written account of this challenging year! I read a quote one time that said, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” You have definitely shown strength and courage in the face of adversity. Prayers continue on!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Jessica Stroupe, DVM
Archives
August 2017
|