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Sam's avatar

I think Lydia sums it up so well that the outcome is not the whole story. This post is an important reminder of everything you had to go through to get to where you are today. Even though I've been following you through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, I'm once again confronted with how traumatic this must have been for you - I know it hasn't been easy but I think the way you've risen above adversity to rewrite this next chapter is commendable. No doubt, sharing your story will both inspire and educate others and I hope that it helps you too. Sending you a big hug xx

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thanks so much Sam. I too thought Lydia's insightful words captured it. I realise now that there is not necessarily time/thoughts to even consider the trauma during a long bout of cancer (you know what I mean I am sure) because the focus is on getting better and being grateful for being well

That said, there's a final post this week & that will wrap it up.

Yesterday's 8th anniversary of the big surgery was good to mark & make it but I'm relieved to stop the looking back etc.

Onward.. and being grateful is my mantra.

Thanks for always being here! D x

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Lydia c lee's avatar

As an outsider looking in, it's a story of miracle and a really positive story but as the person going through all the fear and invasive surgeries, it's quite a different experience. And I guess that's a good lesson for us. The outcome isn't the whole story at all. #WWWhimsy

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you. That last sentence captures it so well. Appreciate the insight & reminder to me too.

Denyse x

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Jennifer Jones's avatar

It's amazing reading about your journey with this Denyse. I know I have read about it over the years, but to see it documented in the one place, just shows how traumatic it would have been. I'm not surprised that it's been a lot to deal with it. I think you're doing a great job in looking after yourself. I hope that writing about your experiences, helps you.

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thanks Jennifer! You are so right... it was traumatic.. & once I made up my mind to write this post & have it publish I feel like I'm honouring how I managed it all & can, at last, let the trauma part of the story sit! Next week a more uplifting story! Need the balance, right?

Yes so many blogging friends have known the story & been so kind & supportive over the years I am very grateful!

Denyse x

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Saved by Grace's avatar

Wow Denyse, you've been through so much and our faces are so exposed to the world. It must have been so frightening and I really hope writing about it helps to heal your heart. Sharing such vulnerability is brave and helps others too. Sending hugs 🤗 x

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you! I was so grateful to be well I kind of left the trauma part of the story go by. But when I needed to acknowledge it writing like this was helpful! Next week’s post (last one) has a different theme! D x

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Saved by Grace's avatar

I find understanding how trauma has affected us intellectually is the start of healing and then giving ourselves the grace to process it in our bodies over time is the ongoing journey. Our health is everything isn't it. K x

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Yes you make a good point! I knew that I had gone through a lot that couldn't really be anything but a trauma but still felt unable to class it that way as there are so many life experiences that ARE.. Onward now as I continue to add new bits of info to my health story aged 75!! The age thing is weird too! D

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Sue Women Living Well After 50's avatar

Hi Denyse, you have been through so much but look at you now! A great example of courage, strength and grace. Go you! Sue L xxx #WWWhimsy

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Min's avatar

Hi Denyse, you sure have been through the mill! I hope that writing about it helps you process it all and allow the brain to catch up with the body etc. You've been so brave and inspiring through it all. Thank you for sharing with us at #WWWhimsy xo

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you. It's helped to share. And I "had" to write it to help me heal & accept what it was/is. Denyse x

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Deb's World's avatar

Oh what a lot you've been through Denyse! You're brave to share it again and yes to courage and grace as Leanne says.

Deb #Teamwwwhimsy

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you. I was of two minds about writing it as a post but for my continued good health progress I needed to. I'm pleased to have shared now! D x

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Leanne | crestingthehill's avatar

A very traumatic time for you Denyse - that you weathered with grace and dignity and courage. x

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you ..

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

Thank you for your kind words and observations of how it was for me Leanne.

Take care,

Denyse x

PS I love that word 'grace' especially...dignity too..and oh yes to courage... x

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