The Ebbs and Flows of Cancer Treatment - Snapshot 5

Each round was like a labyrinth.

The labyrinth metaphor 

Each round of chemo was like a labyrinth. A labyrinth has one path. This path twists and turns its way into the centre, then back out again. When walking the path, you may feel lost at times, but if you follow it, it will return you safely to the outer edge once more.

As a metaphor for the experience of chemotherapy, the inward path represented the first few days of the chemo round. It had its own set of side effects as it twisted and turned its way into the centre. The centre represented the days after the take-home bottle of chemo was detached. Even with migraine medication, the centre was challenging. It became days of lying low physically, but mentally it was tough going.

Mindfulness practice helped somewhat, and I had to gently remind myself, ”This is not a forever place.” I knew I would once again walk the outward path.

The labyrinth metaphor became a container for each round of chemotherapy.