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A letter to self

Posted by Denise @denisestlouie, Apr 4 8:33am

Dear Denise,

If it wasn’t for the every 21-day infusion you could forget you ever had an episode with cancer or Crohn’s disease. The intentionality you used to heal your body and become healthy was inspirational. Really, think about how many people around you are now thinking about the food they are consuming, the exercise they are getting and how many of them made appointments with your holistic doctor. You changed minds by your actions. Who knew this would be the result of your unfortunate experience.

You also have a new best friend. She’s your pen pal. You have never met but the two of you know a lot about each. You met because you both have experienced a similar cancer. Your pen pal has been there for you through some very tough days. Days that you didn’t want to acknowledge how hard they were to anyone who could see you. Your pen pal was a safe person to say things you would otherwise keep inside.

Your general outlook is so different also. You are so much like the 30-year-old you used to be. You are full of energy. You are growing as a person again. You feel youthful and playful. You laugh way more than you are angry. Anger has been a persistent annoyance. You have taken anger on like a champ. You never gave in completely. You recognized how hard it was to be angry all the time. You realized that anger was rotting your mind, body and relationships. Good for you for having the courage to fight for a more peaceful existence.

Denise, you are an amazingly resilient person. Never forget that you have everything you need to keep up all the great things you are doing.

Sincerely,

Denise

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 4 8:39am

@denisestlouie Denise, where is the "love" button. ❤️. Writing this letter to yourself about your growth and resilience is lovely.

I'm curious - what prompted you to write this letter and how did you feel after you finished it?

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1 reply
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Denise | @denisestlouie | Apr 4 9:04am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@denisestlouie Denise, where is the "love" button. ❤️. Writing this letter to yourself about your growth..." + (show)
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@denisestlouie Denise, where is the "love" button. ❤️. Writing this letter to yourself about your growth and resilience is lovely.

I'm curious - what prompted you to write this letter and how did you feel after you finished it?

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@naturegirl5 hi Helen
I'm in a writing group through CancerCare. It the 3rd or 4th sesson I've been in. The prompts are the same, but time has changed. Writing has been a godsend for me. It allows me to really think about what I want from life. I have intentionally written to feel better.

Writing the letter and making it public felt like bragging. I was taught that bragging was a sin. It's not. I wasn't bragging either. I was acknowledging a truth. My body is amazing. I didn't think I could feel this way again. I want people to know that we can make ourselves feel better. That's all

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2 replies
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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Apr 4 4:14pm
In reply to @denisestlouie "@naturegirl5 hi Helen I'm in a writing group through CancerCare. It the 3rd or 4th sesson..." + (show)
Profile picture for Denise @denisestlouie

@naturegirl5 hi Helen
I'm in a writing group through CancerCare. It the 3rd or 4th sesson I've been in. The prompts are the same, but time has changed. Writing has been a godsend for me. It allows me to really think about what I want from life. I have intentionally written to feel better.

Writing the letter and making it public felt like bragging. I was taught that bragging was a sin. It's not. I wasn't bragging either. I was acknowledging a truth. My body is amazing. I didn't think I could feel this way again. I want people to know that we can make ourselves feel better. That's all

Jump to this post

@denisestlouie. Writing, especially with the prompts through the CancerCare group is a really great way to process and reflect on where you've "been" and where you are now. Just as you wrote above.

I know what you mean about bragging. I was taught that boasting about my own accomplishments as I was taught the same as you when I was a child. However, there are times where if you don't do this then who will? I don't consider your post here as bragging at all. You are helping people realize that with intentional effort they can have an even better life and outcome after cancer treatment.

Does the CancerCare writing group meeting online or in-person?

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1 reply
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alohman08 | @alohman08 | Apr 5 7:30am
In reply to @denisestlouie "@naturegirl5 hi Helen I'm in a writing group through CancerCare. It the 3rd or 4th sesson..." + (show)
Profile picture for Denise @denisestlouie

@naturegirl5 hi Helen
I'm in a writing group through CancerCare. It the 3rd or 4th sesson I've been in. The prompts are the same, but time has changed. Writing has been a godsend for me. It allows me to really think about what I want from life. I have intentionally written to feel better.

Writing the letter and making it public felt like bragging. I was taught that bragging was a sin. It's not. I wasn't bragging either. I was acknowledging a truth. My body is amazing. I didn't think I could feel this way again. I want people to know that we can make ourselves feel better. That's all

Jump to this post

@denisestlouie you are a true inspiration !! Your attitude is one to be emulated and I love the letter to self !! Keep up the good work and living the good life ! I echo your sentiments all but the anger..I have never been angry about my diagnosis...I just put on my big girl pants and have moved forward doing all that I have control of to be healthy !

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korinja | @korinja | Apr 5 11:20am

Denise! I love love love this!!! Keep kicking butt and reminding us to celebrate ourselves.

I am going to check out CancerCare too — thank you so much for the resource!

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Denise | @denisestlouie | Apr 5 9:17pm
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@denisestlouie. Writing, especially with the prompts through the CancerCare group is a really great way to..." + (show)
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@denisestlouie. Writing, especially with the prompts through the CancerCare group is a really great way to process and reflect on where you've "been" and where you are now. Just as you wrote above.

I know what you mean about bragging. I was taught that boasting about my own accomplishments as I was taught the same as you when I was a child. However, there are times where if you don't do this then who will? I don't consider your post here as bragging at all. You are helping people realize that with intentional effort they can have an even better life and outcome after cancer treatment.

Does the CancerCare writing group meeting online or in-person?

Jump to this post

@naturegirl5 neither. It's just a website that groups are formed for about 15 weeks. It's sorta of like this but more intentional

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1 reply
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celia16 | @celia16 | 1 day ago
In reply to @denisestlouie "@naturegirl5 neither. It's just a website that groups are formed for about 15 weeks. It's sorta..." + (show)
Profile picture for Denise @denisestlouie

@naturegirl5 neither. It's just a website that groups are formed for about 15 weeks. It's sorta of like this but more intentional

Jump to this post

@denisestlouie , wow, what an inspiration you are! I recall your early posts and how your tenacity shown through even then. I’m thrilled to see you shining through so happy and free.

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