I Am An Alcoholic
Now that I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer, the very thought of picking up a drink is repulsive. Why would I pick up poison? What did I see in it in the first place? Oh sure, it gave me temporary relief from my constant barrage of negative feelings, but it also gave me horrible hangovers and caused other problems. Every time I binge drank I was playing Russian Roulette with my life. But I didn't care. That was part of the fun.
It's interesting how I tried everything to stop - AA, rehab, counselling, etc. but nothing really seemed to work until I was diagnosed with Cancer. I used to have no value for my life and now that I am staring death in the face all I want to do is live. Now I will do everything and anything to increase my chances of survival.
Yes, that right! Cancer has given a me a new lease on life. It has given me a new perspective. I have become courageous. I have become a positive thinker. I have become emotionally strong. I face my problems head on now rather than hiding behind bottle.
The prognosis for this particular cancer is bad! It's the most aggressive form of breast cancer and it's rare. Stats for survival are poor. My oncologist didn't give me a personal prognosis, but I've read survival rates are anywhere between 22-50% within 5 years. But somehow, I don't know why, deep inside me I know that I'll be part of the survival statistic. I know that sounds strange to be so confident and I'm not being cocky. I know the reality. But the new me always thinks positive. I'd never be able to say that if I was still drinking!!!
It's interesting how I tried everything to stop - AA, rehab, counselling, etc. but nothing really seemed to work until I was diagnosed with Cancer. I used to have no value for my life and now that I am staring death in the face all I want to do is live. Now I will do everything and anything to increase my chances of survival.
Yes, that right! Cancer has given a me a new lease on life. It has given me a new perspective. I have become courageous. I have become a positive thinker. I have become emotionally strong. I face my problems head on now rather than hiding behind bottle.
The prognosis for this particular cancer is bad! It's the most aggressive form of breast cancer and it's rare. Stats for survival are poor. My oncologist didn't give me a personal prognosis, but I've read survival rates are anywhere between 22-50% within 5 years. But somehow, I don't know why, deep inside me I know that I'll be part of the survival statistic. I know that sounds strange to be so confident and I'm not being cocky. I know the reality. But the new me always thinks positive. I'd never be able to say that if I was still drinking!!!
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