NCAN Blog: But Who’s Counting Anyway?

June 1, 2021

By Anne Dabbs,
NCAN TN Chapter Leader, NET Patient

Numbers can have a grip on our lives, and frequently, our minds. Speed limits, gas prices, GPA’s, anniversaries. We count and tabulate numbers many times a day. I still remember a dozen or more childhood phone numbers. The numbers on a bathroom scale can haunt me for days. Last week I did some of my best counting ever as I sang a lullaby to our grandson.

“Two plus two is four.
Four plus four is eight.
Eight and eight are sixteen.
Sixteen and sixteen are thirty-two”

I quickly lost track of how many times I sang this slow melodic chorus before he fell asleep.

When I was newly diagnosed with Neuroendocrine cancer, counting took up a lot of time and space in my head. My emotions rose and plummeted with my monthly lab work. A slight nudge in either direction could cause angst or celebration. I charted those numbers like the statistician I could have been. My weight fluctuated all over the place and the countdown to scans was nerve wracking. I have thankfully mellowed these past five years. I finally understand that, for me, my NETs journey truly is a marathon, not a sprint. My current state has become comfortable enough for me that I no longer stress out over singular lab work numbers or slight hiccups in my care.

I have learned to set my sights on the old adage, “Don’t count your days, Make your days count”. I try to embrace each day for what it has to offer me. Some days are more productive than others. Some are more creative and social than most. Some days I simply must be a couch potato. But each day has the potential to be enjoyed. And, if we can release our minds from the tally of our days, we will find the ways to make each day count.

If we can help in anyway, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can count on us.

Join us on September 30th – October 2nd for the 2021 National Neuroendocrine Cancer Patient Conference in Atlanta. REGISTER TODAY!

Find out more about how YOU can help the NET Community.

Disclaimer: NCAN blog posts are the opinions of its writers and are not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please consult your Health Care Providers for individual concerns.

Comments(10)

Cindy Evans says
September 27, 2021 at 3:06 pm

I so appreciate reading the informative, educational and spirit of hope in all of NCAN. Recently joined both here and caregiver site for my newly diagnosed zebra spouse & myself. I find it is the same with any long-term health issue- hope must simmer along with the desease and never ever stop reaching for answers & help.
Irene Anne Muzet says
June 17, 2021 at 6:48 pm

Love that: “Don’t count your days, Make your days count!”
Thanks from a jersey girl Zebra in Texas.
- REPLY
  Anne says
  July 22, 2021 at 9:02 pm
  
  Irene, thank you for reading and commenting on our blog. I am glad that little ditty caught your attention! Sometimes I think my days don’t amount to much, but I do try to make them count!
  My best to you. Anne
Alysia Christensen says
June 17, 2021 at 6:04 pm

Anne, I love that little song and your quote! I definitely need to not count my days but make my days count!!! I have a bunch of grandkids coming to visit and I plan to sing that song!!! We can still have a great time doing little things!!!
- REPLY
  Anne says
  July 22, 2021 at 9:17 pm
  
  Yes! We can! Some days, many days it is the little things that matter the most! Thank you!
Paula Hurt says
June 17, 2021 at 5:34 pm

Anne Dabbs, thank you for penning another great blog. I hope every Zebra can reach a day where numbers and reports aren’t life shattering. We need to place one step in front of another one and keep our eyes on the horizon not on the pebbles on our path.
- REPLY
  Anne says
  July 22, 2021 at 9:16 pm
  
  Thank you Paula!, you definitely set a good example of keeping our minds focused on the future. I appreciate that leadership your share. Anne
Nancy Kerr says
June 17, 2021 at 5:22 pm

Another blog that is right on…simple and to the point…we can COUNT on Anne to give us a lift!
- REPLY
  Anne says
  July 22, 2021 at 9:18 pm
  
  Thank you my friend.
Nancy Kerr says
June 17, 2021 at 5:21 pm

Another blog that is right on…simple and to the point! We can COUNT on Anne to give us a lift!

Blog

But Who’s Counting Anyway?

Comments(10)

Cindy Evans says

Irene Anne Muzet says

Anne says

Alysia Christensen says

Anne says

Paula Hurt says

Anne says

Nancy Kerr says

Anne says

Nancy Kerr says

Post a comment

Please follow & like us :)

But Who’s Counting Anyway?