Don't pay the toll...till you cross the Bridge
In 2012, when I received my first BC diagnosis, a good friend, co-worker & my Pastor, gave me these words of advice, “Laura, don’t pay the toll till you cross the bridge.” It helped me to slow down, breathe, take it step by step, and trust along the way. Ultimately, I learned that I had a teeny, tiny speck of cancer, that was easily removed via lumpectomy, followed by radiation.
- Recently, a doctor told me that by today’s standards, they probably would not even recommend radiation.
All that is to say, I breezed through the entire process with few issues, and by all accounts was cancer free & cured. My prognosis was very good. I crossed the bridge with very little toll to pay.
In the past 13 years, I’ve almost forgotten that I went through cancer treatment, even feeling a little guilty in referring to myself as a BC survivor. I’ve had my annual checkups and mammograms without any incidents, gone about my life & have not looked back.
13 years later, a second BC diagnosis…a new bridge to cross. This bridge is a little longer and more challenging. Don’t pay the toll till you cross the bridge…these words help me to stay focused on the present. I can’t control the future—I can only control what’s in front of me now.
After completing my first Chemo treatment, I am feeling well, energized, & healthy. The things I can control daily are:
- Good nutrition
- Staying active *walking, stretching, yoga
- Getting good rest
- Keeping life Simple.
- No toll zone!
Over the years, I’ve given many people these same words of advice, “Don’t pay the toll till you cross the bridge.” It might mean different things for each of us.
What words inspire you? What gets you through the challenge? Leave a comment, with your favorite inspirational phrase.
This “sign” was on the wall in the room where I had my first Infusion. Next treatment is: Oct 30.
One day at a time… focus on what you can change/do… give it to God… he has us, Laura, he has YOU!!
thank you Janice! I need to call you sometime…sending you love! –Laura
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
thank you sweet Susan—yes, this is always a good one!
You are handling all of this with such grace and strength. You might not realize it, but the way you’re moving through this — with such quiet courage — it’s one of the most admirable things I’ve seen.
awww, very sweet. thank you. I’m trying to go thru this in the same way I’ve lived most of my life. thank you for the encouragement. also, thank you for your patience in giving me the flexibility to do this…it means a lot to me!