Finding “normal” during cancer #pgmom

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

When I was diagnosed with cancer last year, I was so worried about my kids. They were my number one priority. I worried that me having cancer would ruin their lives, and screw them up psychologically. I worried that they would worry about me. I worried about dying and leaving them without a mom.

Right after I was diagnosed it was extremely important that although my life would be turned upside down, I wanted more than anything for my children’s lives to stay as “normal” as possible. I hate the word normal, but I did not want them to be immersed in my disease. I didn’t want them worrying about me, knowing too many details or feeling that cancer was the only thing in our family. So during the day while the kids were around, we didn’t talk about cancer, we didn’t talk about me being sick or tired. I tried as best as possible to keep the kids life status quo.

I now refer to my life in two parts-Renee before cancer and Renee after cancer. I try not to dwell so much on Renee in treatment because that’s just a shitty time. But, and it’s a huge but, I found lots of moments during cancer where I felt “normal” and moments in time stood still and I didn’t feel sick anymore. Those moments, however small they were made a massive difference to me and my healing.They were also imperative to my kids and family as to not be immersed in my cancer, we required lots of moments where there was parts of our lives that felt “normal” even for a few moments.

Here are a few moments where I found “normal” during my treatments with my kids.

My family loves ice cream, so after treatments when I would start feeling better we would celebrate with a trip to get ice cream.

My family loves ice cream, so after treatments when I would start feeling better we would celebrate with a trip to get ice cream.

Took both kids to The Rogers Cup! The Hubster and I have been going for years and wouldn't miss it!

Took both kids to The Rogers Cup! The Hubster and I have been going for years and wouldn’t miss it!

Finding a quiet moment when these two were so happy together at a summer picnic

Finding a quiet moment when these two were so happy together at a summer picnic

A quiet Saturday morning where the kids dressed up and played nicely together

A quiet Saturday morning where the kids dressed up and played nicely together

A family picture after a fun time apple picking

A family picture after a fun time apple picking

 

Finding “normal” in every day mundane activities made a difference to the way that I parent because I don’t and won’t let little things bother me anymore. It’s just not worth spending my time and energy on these things. Where I once might have let the kids clothes getting dirty or my house being utter chaos bother me, I don’t anymore. I know that finding those “normal” moments when my life was chaotic allowed for us to continue to move on as a family and not get stuck on my cancer.

P&G has made the most amazing “Thank You Mom” video to thank moms for their strength. Grab some tissues because I get all teary eyed every time I watch. I can only hope that eventually the strength I showed during my experience with cancer will eventually make my kids better, stronger people.

 

 Win it!

One lucky Canadian (excluding Quebeca() reader will be eligible to win a $100 Visa Gift card thanks to P&G. All you have to do is share your story of strength on the P&G site!

Follow these steps:

1) Share your story here

2) Take a screen grab and email it to me at info@mysocalledmommylife.com

3) Giveaway ends June 30 at 11:59 PM EST

Please note: P&G has only provided me with the product that I am using as the prizes for this contest.  The contest is not otherwise endorsed, designed and/or administered by or associated with P&G.By entering the following contest you are accepting that, if you win, your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize.  Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize.

This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom/#mamanPG program.  However, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway.  If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected. All winners must be from within Canada.

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Comments

  1. Kim Tanti says:

    I have no idea what a screen grab is?

  2. I can relate to you in so many ways, but one is how you’ve responded to cancer. You haven’t allowed it to fizzle your sparkle, and you’ve gained perspective on the things that really matter in life. Bless you!

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