April 1, 2024

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Support Group Leader, NET Patient

Way back in the early 1980s as a young woman with a career, a husband, aging parents, and young sons, I was inspired by an up-and-coming illustrator, Mary Engelbreit. Her whimsical illustrations highlighting brief quips of encouragement were a breath of fresh air as I learned how to juggle all my loves and responsibilities.

“Bloom Where You Are Planted” is the Engelbreit illustration that has remained with me as my life has progressed to a retired, senior woman with health challenges, but my interpretation has evolved as well. Those delightful images frequently bound by a black and white checked border initially urged me to do the best of my abilities. “Hang on! You’re doing the best you can”, they said to me. “Look for opportunities to do more, better!”

Seeing this phrase now, through experienced eyes, harkens back to the quote’s original author from the 15th century, the Bishop of Geneva, St Francis de Sales. His interpretation more closely follows the advice to grow and flourish no matter your circumstances. Do not live just to survive, but to thrive and to blossom. Its message, I believe, is to encourage us to be content. To find joy and opportunities to help others instead of waiting for our situations to improve. Yes, this can require a certain degree of self-awareness, grit, acceptance, and gratitude, especially with a cancer diagnosis.

But blooming is not a solitary endeavor. Just as flowers rely on sunlight, water, and nourishment to thrive, so too do we rely on the support and companionship of others. Recently, during a Net Cancer Support Group Meeting, I was delighted to experience “Bloom Where You Are Planted” in active engagements among its members. Patients and caregivers alike were listening intently to each other’s sharing of concerns. Afterwards, two patients were candidly exchanging dental challenges and encouraging suggestions. Two more were sharing food choices with a newly diagnosed member. Another sharing how a referral to physical therapy had prompted better agility, stability, and even rest! We were blooming together whether we realized it or not. Sometimes we all see this disease as a dead end, the beginning of the end, and a place of no escape. But what I experienced that day with my friends was a realization that we have not been buried but PLANTED! We can grow, flourish, and bloom despite this diagnosis.

So, when you are feeling overwhelmed, bogged down, and frustrated by the complications of Neuroendocrine cancer, try looking for opportunities to help others. Try sharing your story, your experiences, your gifts. It just may be exactly what you need to feel better yourself.

In the garden of life, community becomes our lifeline, offering comfort, guidance, and companionship along the way. Remember, we are always HERE for you! REACH OUT if you need us because with NCAN no one fights alone.