The Snow Globe Effect: An Unexpected Journey

A little thing called Covid-19 has changed so much for me. Friendships, family relationships, the workplace, shopping, travel, conversations...and, last but not least how I see my health.

Earlier this year, I suspected something was not right with me. I could not say exactly what was wrong - but something was off. I put it down to the changes in my business and the pandemic.

Coinciding with this, my husband and I moved. We sold our large country property to live in the city. Weeks after setting up our new home, I was given the cancer diagnosis.

I believe that nothing happens "to" me. It happens "for" me.

Having said that, reframing neck cancer was a stretch. Early on, I had days of "How can this be happening to me?" and "Why me?". But, when I switched to "Why not me?", everything changed. The biggest change is that I stopped being angry and started looking for the gifts - and there have been so many!

If you are like the pre-neck-cancer me, you are probably in the dark about the disease. Like you, I am somewhat verse on "biggies. "Neck cancer", however, was new to me. And, let's be honest... it does not sound sexy... not to say that cancer is "sexy", but when it comes to revenue generation, it is not a disease that motivates people to give. Look up the fundraising stats. Neck cancer sounds *MEH* when compared to its better known relatives,

So, what it is? There are many types of neck cancer (seriously). Mine is Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Origins that has Metastasized in the Lymph Nodes. Ugh. However, I have great doctors.

One is Doctor Hotte. Unknown to him I called him Hottie but alas it is a French name pronounced "Oht". Another is Doctor Ngyuen. She has the best shoes. Coincidentally, she is incredibly bright, caring and highly responsive. I hit the oncology jackpot. Cha-ching! Doctor Rawoof, my family doctor is also a rockstar. Her persistence got me to where I am. She is a terrier and doesn't give up. And of course, Dr. Rawoof's assistant Ada Collins. She is a fellow Newfoundlander, from my Mom's hometown of Bishop's Falls. She has taken extraordinary care of me - and I am humbled by her caring and grateful for commitment.

Supporting me at home on this journey is my husband and rock Ken Vanlith, my lifetime friend and soul sister Margaret Ann O'Rourke, and my darling friend, yogi, and Naturopath Dr. Tara Clapp. The McKeil family, despite busy lives have been amazing. Blair and Kathy are stalwart pillars.

Family and friends have showered me with much love, guidance, and encouragement. It is a village that guides and informs me. I am blessed.

I am also confident that things are going to work out. I feel good about what this is going to teach me. My good friend Norma Waind used to say "Maddie, in the end everything works out

...and if it hasn't worked out it is not the end”.

And all of this leads to a Positive Outlook...positiveoutlook.ca