Seeing as how I have chosen to write my sharings on Sundays (for ingestion on Mondays), it only seems fitting that at some point along the way I would come up with a football analogy relative to my Cancer journey. It's not an easy or obvious correlation, nor perhaps even one that will turn out successfully (that remains to be seen/read) . . . but here goes.
In the game of football (and I would offer for your consideration - in the game of life), there are occasions when you just don't have any other options at that juncture and it's time to punt. You aren't necessarily giving up, but rather buying yourself some time and distance to possibly figure out another plan or a better approach. Much like the real gridiron execution, my "punt" comes from using up my three downs and being faced with 4th and long - which in this literary milieu means I'm out of ideas for the moment and the clock is running (yet another sports analogy). As of yet, I haven't really faced any dire or distressing determinations. In the early phase of the treatment process (Fall 2017), I did need to choose between the philosophy and partnership of Dr. S. (one stem-cell transplant and an ongoing remedial regimen) vs. the option of working with a different Onc who espoused an alternate, medically-sound therapeutic plan (two stem-cell transplants back-to-back and NO follow-up regimen). I ultimately chose sticking with the Dr. S. approach; which I am glad I did (the stem-cell transplant is a bit of a rough ride; once was enough for now - thank you!).
At some time during the duration of my cancer journey (one for me that still has lots of ticks left on the clock), should the conundrum arise, I may need to: take a break, sit back, and punt the moment away in order to allow myself more seconds and space to manage the pending situation better - whatever that may be. Cancer seems like the kind of thing that demands instant attention and correct answers at every turn, but it's not always that clear or easy or relatively desperate. Having the latitude and attitude to just give it a figurative breather, can often result in a clearer perspective or at least a better acceptance of the situation at the moment. It may not change anything other than me just being that much more prepared for the outcome and resolved with the result (whatever the impact: positive or negative).
I guess that punt of a topic of a punt worked out ok - huh???
