Unfortunately, anything to do with the ‘royals’ is apt to get people’s backs up, even to the extent of hostility. But this is an example of a 43-year-old married women with three children willing to step out of her perceived privileges and to speak honestly about her personal experience, not to mention that of her family.
Not long ago, the Princess sent out a press release thanking those of the public who had sent messages of encouragement to her which had also been appreciated by her family. She also made other comments about her cancer experience which connect with many other suffers. She described the ‘ups and downs’ of chemotherapy and the importance of making the most of the ‘good days. (One of my good days is enabling me to write this blog!). She also spoke of ‘learning to be patient, ‘especially with uncertainly’ and allowing herself ‘to take time to heal.’
All of this rang a bell with so many of us who have experienced the ‘unwelcome diagnosis’ and continue to live through the cancer experience.
Recently, the Princess visited a cancer well-being centre in Colchester when she spoke about the ‘new normal’ she and her family are having to live with. She may be in remission but that doesn’t mean all is well:
‘There is a whole phase when you finish your treatment, everybody expects you to be better – go! But that’s not the case at all. You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment’s done, then it like, “I can crack on, get back to normal” but actually the phase afterwards is really difficult . . . you have to find your new normal and that takes time . . . and it’s a rollercoaster . . .’
It is difficult and it does take time, especially when remission comes to an end and you have to adapt not only to changes in your condition but more intense treatment. That’s when it is a blessing to be in good medical hands in a place like the Beatson. Cancer Centre. And to know the prayerful support of family and friends.
I find the ‘new normal’ difficult. From living what I considered a full life in parish ministry it’s is now about clinical appointments and debilitating treatment. The exercise, study, and active social life are now to an extent the ‘old normal’. But I am kept going by Gabrielle, the kindness of friends, our new Church fellowship in Renfrew Trinity, and the opportunity to lead worship in various churches – my preaching ‘gigs’ as I call them! All of this gives me a spiritual boost and helps me to be content with what is and not fretting for what was. Paul once wrote:
“ . . . one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining to what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 3:13-24.)