[2024-08-31] Saturday Synopsis #111
Last year at this time, I marked three years since my surgery to deal with ovarian cancer and celebrated three years without a recurrence. I also noted that my oncologist had said that the risk of recurrence is greatest in the first 12 to 18 months and that Cancer Research UK had said that most cancers that are going to come back will do so in the first two years or so after treatment. Now, four years after surgery, I continue to show no evidence of disease. That's what stands out most for me this week.
Praising others is like any habit. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.
On the big decisions, it's worth doing our homework, considering the options and making an informed choice. But on the myriad little decisions we make every day, it pays to be decisive and move on.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting on the first one."
— Mark Twain
"Unfortunately, we learn about many foreign countries when something bad happens in them. We see these countries through the lens of the miseries that are reported in the media, whether accurate or exaggerated. It’s good to know a country through its people (friends and colleagues), artists and cultural production."
— Jenesis reader and a friend
Of the 17 mantras suggested by coach Katie Linder, these four stood out for me:
- I am capable.
- Challenges can teach.
- I have choices.
- Life is change.
My approach to learning a second or third language may not work for everyone. Indeed, in response to a question from one of the volunteers last night about whether Duolingo is better or worse than other language learning apps, I said, "The best tool is the one you actually use." The same could be said of exercise: the best exercise is the one you enjoy and will keep doing day after day.
Why recall the anniversary of surgery for ovarian cancer? Well, every year without a recurrence of cancer (and the rates of recurrence for people with ovarian cancer are very high) is a reason to have hope that it won't come back. And, if nothing else, it's worth celebrating simply being alive.
Sometimes I underestimate the challenges that others are facing. Texts and brief chats are often short on details. But a walk outside or a coffee in a quiet café (or both) can beget a much deeper discussion about how individuals are really feeling.
