The Ebbs and Flows of Cancer Treatment - Snapshot 5

Each round was like a labyrinth.

The labyrinth metaphor 

Each round of chemotherapy felt like walking the 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 at times feel lost or disoriented. However, if you follow the path, 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 having to lie low physically, and mentally, it was tough going.

Mindfulness practice helped somewhat. Also, I would gently remind myself that this was not a forever place. I knew I would once again walk to the safety of the outward edge.

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