Today, I started my fourth year of my undergraduate degree at Laurier!
It’s insane to think that I’m beginning my final year of school because I feel like I was just in my first year! It’s crazy how time flies. I am excited to get back to school and get into a routine again but it’s hard to not be anxious about going back to school after what my life has been like for the past few months.
Even though I never stopped school from my moment of diagnosis to now (I took 2 classes this summer and completely finished my Winter 2015 term), going back for a full 12 week semester is scary. I feel anxious about so many different things. I’m anxious about my fatigue and energy levels and stress levels and my low immune system. I’m anxious about doing treatment three times a week and how that’s going to impact my school work and assignments and readings. Anyone who has gone to college or university knows what a germ pool school campuses become and with having such a low immune system, it stresses me out! Some of these things that I’m anxious about may seem silly to others, but these are the things that cancer patients have to worry about.
I read this article about returning to school after a cancer diagnosis and one of the points that really stood out to me was to “ease into it,” and to resist pushing yourself into a full semester of classes. I’m not supposed to have any added stress in my life (you know, besides the whole cancer thing) and this article made the point that putting pressure on yourself when it comes to course loads and classes could induce stress so I’m really trying to be kind to myself. For me, that means taking a reduced course load, and not taking 5 classes this term, like I usually do.
School will always be there. Now is the time I need to focus on myself and get myself healthy.
My longtime friend Beth is the features editor for Laurier’s school newspaper, The Cord. A few weeks ago, she asked if I would be interested in being interviewed for her feature on what it’s like to be a student while being diagnosed with a serious illness and what it’s like to be in school while trying to get healthy. The article is in this week’s issue of The Cord and I’m really happy with how it turned out (thanks to Beth!) and glad that one of my friends was able to write it because it made for a positive experience.
So proud of you Mikayla. You are a amazing woman. Take school one day at a time. We will always be here for you. Love you
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Love you Mom! Thank you ❤
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Milayla:
You are so brave and strong. I have been through the cancer journey and one time at Fairview Park Mall, someone sneezed behind me and I panicked. Joe had no idea what was the matter with me, but while I was on chemo treatments I was so paranoid that I would catch something from someone else. No one can understand that until you have been there and done that. My sister was with us and calmed me down. I am not sure what Joe would have done if she had not been there. He didn`t know what to think. I enjoy reading your posts and especially since I am not a journaller. I could not put my feelings on paper. Wished I had you to talk to so you could have written them down for me 15 years ago. I certainly can not know what you feel, but I do understand the feelings that I had when going through treatments. We had 7 weddings to go to that summer and I thought everyone was looking at me. How silly of me when they were all looking at the bride and groom. Just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking of you everyday and hoping your year at university is the best ever. I am sure it will be. I am not far from Laurier and if you ever have the need for a rest during the day, just call me. I will come and pick you up. Hugs and best wishes.
Lenore
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Lenore – thank you so much for the kind message and for understanding! I appreciate it so much, thanks again!
❤ Mikayla
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You are amazing young lady, and an excellent writer. Continue to be good to yourself, have some fun! And remember I’m always here for you for anything at anytime!
Luv u, Care😉
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Wow WOW WOW! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!! smart move to ease into it. You will be fine because you are sensible and will take your time doing your classes. School will always be there…your health comes first. I am so proud of you Mikayla….you inspire me.
love,
Julie
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Thanks so much Julie! ❤
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