Sarah Loofstam suffered from endometrial cancer

In 2021, author and linguist Sarah Loofstam has suffered from uterine cancer. The ovaries, uterus and lymph nodes were removed. The analysis showed that the disease was in the third stage of the fourth, which means that the tumor had spread outside the uterus to nearby organs. A year has passed since the end of treatment.

Effect so far: Fatigue, anxiety and early menopause. But also thick hair – and a new home.

Hair is stronger and curlier than before. Then I bought a terraced house, which I had never done before. I loved saving money for retirement. Suddenly I realized that it was not at all certain that I would get there and that I might do something for myself now.

It’s hard to start writing

42-year-old Sarah Loofstam has a long list of books behind her. Written for children and adults in several genres. But she says it was difficult to start imagining after the illness. However, another type of writing has flourished, blogging.

– During the period of illness, I gained a lot of followers who also had cancer, which means a lot to be able to talk to others in the same situation.

During the period of illness, I gained a lot of followers who also had cancer.

The blog made her see the readers in a new light.

I’ve always had a lot of people follow me for my books and what I do in the media. Now it’s clear they care. They have written many words of encouragement.

Exercise a means of control

Blogging was also a way to stick to his usual self. Sarah Loofstam has made it clear to followers and herself that despite what’s happened, she’s still the same person with the same sense of humor as before. It recommends that anyone who suffers from an illness sign up. It’s a way of determining what you’re thinking, she says.

Physical activity was another way for Sarah to control the disease. Her physical therapist explained that it is entirely possible to build muscle during chemotherapy. This made Sarah do an exercise program and, among other things, start hiking with friends and family.

I remembered the prayer of the mind

– I thought: my job now is to provide myself with the best conditions. Then I reminded myself of the prayer of reason, the one about understanding the difference between what you can actually change — and what you can’t. Walking every day and changing my mood was something I could actually do.

The near future is about balancing the joy of a new home and a new daily life with concern about the global situation and disease recurrence.

She says her outlook on life is different than before.

– I realized, on a deeper level, that everyone’s life ends. I can comfort myself with that when there are concerns big or small: “Well, we’ll die anyway.” The thought actually helps.