I love surprises. But the one I really wasn’t expecting to end 2020 was to hear the words, “I’m very sorry Michelle. You have breast cancer.”
The doctor delivering this news, just before Christmas, did so with kindness and compassion. But the words still landed with a thumping, knockout blow.
For me, the start of this holiday season has been an overwhelming, shattering, roller coaster ride of ongoing tests, scans, medical appointments and treatment planning. All accompanied by a tsunami of shock, disbelief and very raw emotions.
As I try to come to terms with this sudden and unexpected change in my life’s direction, I find myself unable to join in the excitement and flurry of making plans for the New Year ahead.
Instead, I am preparing to step onto an unfamiliar and seemingly endless road. One that I know I will have to learn to navigate as I go along, holding tightly to a bag packed with courage, resilience and the love and support of my precious and wonderful family and friends.
I have no doubt it’s going to be quite a journey.