The Second Time Around

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

The problem with the second time around
Is that it exists in the first place

This was supposed to be over and done with
That’s what all the treatment was for

In my case it wasn’t a recurrence
It was a new occurrence
Which is encouraging
In some strange way
The old enemy had been defeated
This was just its evil cousin come calling

There are blessings
The second time around
Things to be thankful for

Fear of the unknown
Is replaced with 
Preparing yourself 
With what you know from before
And seeing old fears
In the rearview mirror
Helps you realize
Some objects are 
Smaller than they first appeared

You may find yourself
More self assured
Knowing which questions to ask
Advocating for yourself
You have done this before!

Many things changed for the better
In the twenty-two year span
Between my occurrences:
Proactive lymphedema prevention and care
Physical exercise to promote healing
Radiation treatment times reduced
Genomic testing to determine treatment plans

Some things remain the same
Dedicated medical professionals
Doing their very best
To fight alongside you
Family, friends, and fellow patients
There to support you
Your team
Helping you to get through 
This second time around

• • • • •

Look for this poem, also Why Didn’t You Tell Us, and other stories in the Second Time Around issue (April / May 2025) of Wildfire Journal.

www.wildfirecommunity.org
IG @wildfire_bc_magazine

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