November 1, with the publication of Husband's Guide to Breast Cancer (Blue River Press), my wife and I have many milestones to celebrate 12-years post cancer. Next summer we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, and earlier this year my wife was released from a decade long breast cancer study with a glowing report. We are also making plans for a trip to Europe, a hiking excursion in the western U.S., and looking ahead to hosting a giant family reunion this Thanksgiving.
The point here is that many couples, when a breast cancer diagnosis enters into the marriage, have a tendency to believe that the best years are behind them. Not true. In most instances, the best is yet to come.
Sure, there are many plans, even great dreams, that have to be laid aside for a season. But in the larger picture of life this breast cancer season is short-lived. So don't give up on the dream. And you might want to begin making plans even while your wife is making the journey through her breast cancer recovery.
In fact, if you are reading this blog to find some inspiration and hope, make it a point to sit down with your wife and draw out some "post-cancer" plans. Set a goal or two. Don't wait until you feel "up to it". Move forward with resiliency and purpose. And better yet, your wife is going to feel inspired by your desire for a long-range plan, especially if it involves time together: travel, leisure, family.
Think of the breast cancer diagnosis as your winter, the treatment as your spring. Summer is not far behind.
Looking back now, our breast cancer winter is a distant memory. We've experienced a great many summers since. And you can, too!
Make those plans.
The point here is that many couples, when a breast cancer diagnosis enters into the marriage, have a tendency to believe that the best years are behind them. Not true. In most instances, the best is yet to come.
Sure, there are many plans, even great dreams, that have to be laid aside for a season. But in the larger picture of life this breast cancer season is short-lived. So don't give up on the dream. And you might want to begin making plans even while your wife is making the journey through her breast cancer recovery.
In fact, if you are reading this blog to find some inspiration and hope, make it a point to sit down with your wife and draw out some "post-cancer" plans. Set a goal or two. Don't wait until you feel "up to it". Move forward with resiliency and purpose. And better yet, your wife is going to feel inspired by your desire for a long-range plan, especially if it involves time together: travel, leisure, family.
Think of the breast cancer diagnosis as your winter, the treatment as your spring. Summer is not far behind.
Looking back now, our breast cancer winter is a distant memory. We've experienced a great many summers since. And you can, too!
Make those plans.
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