Skip to Content

Closing Out Another Year

Closing Out Another Year

2011 is rapidly winding down. Another year is ready to “close out.” For those who celebrate Christmas, the rush of preparation is over. One can quite literally slow down, breathe easier and relax a bit. Even the lights on the tree seem more subdued this week, or maybe it’s just that I am.

This quieter week between Christmas and New Year’s has always been one of my favorite weeks of the entire year, mostly because of many fond memories. It seems like the perfect time to unwind, reflect and just be.

That’s what I’m trying to do anyway.

I’ve decided I’m quite ready to send 2011 on its way and more than eager to welcome in a New Year.

2011 was my first entire year spent in post-cancer diagnosis limbo-land. It was the year I was supposed to define my “new normal.”

I’m going to need a little lot more time.

For me, 2011 was a year filled with more than a few new challenges. There were my three surgeries, plus the “minor” tattooing procedure, lingering side effects of chemo to learn to live with, new aches and pains from Arimidex (or as hubby calls it my daily low-dose chemo pill), dealing with Twang arm (borrowing that descriptive word choice from Feisty Blue Gecko, thank you), adding a physical therapist to my trusty medical team, a “minor” recurrence scare, having my oncologist up and quit on me, gaining a few pounds when I’m supposed to be losing a few and, of course, my continuing vigil waiting for the return of a respectable head of hair that doesn’t need to be hidden under a baseball cap.

I’m well aware that in the scheme of things, I’m very lucky. My challenges have been pretty minor. Many others have been dealing with a whole lot more. I shouldn’t be complaining. At all. I know that.

Still… this is not the life I envisioned a short while ago.

On the other side of the coin, there have been some pretty great things that have happened this year. Daughter and boyfriend are now engaged (no date set yet). Son number one graduated with his master’s degree in history and is continuing on with further studies. Son number two is finding his way at college and continuing to hone his musical talents. My dad had an 85th birthday party. Hubby and I celebrated a milestone wedding anniversary and finally took our first ever vacation as a couple to a sunny destination during the middle of winter. I had two more magazine articles accepted for publication (more on those later). I made a little progress on my book. I forged some truly wonderful friendships on-line and reconnected with a couple of old “real-life” friends as well. I finally joined Facebook and started Twittering.

And let’s not forget, we got a CAT!

When balancing the good and the bad stuff on the “scale of life” this year, I have to admit the good things definitely out-weighed the bad and this is always a very good thing.

I’m very grateful.

Still, I’m ready to put another “cancer year” behind me. I’m ready to continue muddling my way through this unchartered cancer limbo-land I now reside in.

I don’t know what the next year will bring, but who does?

And that’s exactly why every New Year is something to anticipate and yes, celebrate!

See you next year!

What has been one of your challenges in 2011?

How do you feel about the New Year?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pink Ribbon Blues

Monday 2nd of January 2012

It's a pleasure to know you, Nancy, and to read your lovely and lively writing. As a yoga friend of mine said this year: "We greet you, 2012, with a loving embrace. Thanks for giving us a fresh start." This is my new mantra! All the best in 2012. --Gayle

Nancy

Tuesday 3rd of January 2012

Gayle, It's a pleasure to know you too, Gayle, and also to have read your book. Pink Ribbon Blues was one of my top reads in 2011. Nice mantra there. Thanks for sharing it. My best to you in 2012!

Stacey

Saturday 31st of December 2011

Nancy, congratulations on your daughter's engagement. That kind of news can certainly take your mind off of unpleasant stuff. I'm ready to move past 2011. It was "fine." Can't say it was horrible, but I'm looking forward to something better. More good stuff and less, "it could have been worse." Know what I mean? All the best in 2012, Nancy! I look forward to traveling the path with you.

Nancy

Saturday 31st of December 2011

Stacey, Yes, I know exactly what you mean. The end of 2011 definitely brought your family some unpleastantness. I'm sure your first Christmas without Goliath was hard and yet I'm sure you were also very thankful, too, this Christmas after the accident. Hoping the New Year brings good things to you and your family, Stacey. I look forward to being on "that path" with you too! Thanks for taking time to comment. And thanks for the congrats! Keep healing...

Cancer Warrior

Saturday 31st of December 2011

This is a post I can really relate to, Nancy. 2011 has been both the worst and the best year of my life! I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, 2011. At almost the exact same time I met my soul mate and we have shared some of the happiest times of my life over the past 9 months! Also my chidren have shown their fabulousness though the cancer journey. So, it is not all bad. Happy New Year to you!

Nancy

Saturday 31st of December 2011

Cancer Warrior, Wow, you have had quite the year haven't you? I'm happy you have had some great times to balance out the not-so-great ones. That certainly helps. Thanks for commenting and Happy New Year to you too!

Friday Round-Up «

Friday 30th of December 2011

[...] Closing Out Another Year, Nancy sees this week between Christmas and New Year as the perfect time to unwind, reflect and [...]

Gabby

Thursday 29th of December 2011

great reflective blog, I am struggling with my new normal, and twang arm, too. New Year, a chance for a new beginning, good luck for 2012, let's hope it brings good things for all of us.

Nancy

Thursday 29th of December 2011

Gabby, Thank you so much for reading and commenting. This 'new normal' thing is a bit of a struggle at times isn't it? Actually, I don't care much for any such labels... Don't you just love that expression from Feisty Blue Gecko - twang arm. It's perfect. 2012 and good things for all, I like the sound of that!