Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I wasn't acutely aware of how many people had had breast cancer themselves.
Now?
Someone has GOT to be kidding me - both with my own diagnosis and EVERYONE else's.
Since I've been diagnosed (17 days ago) I have accumulated so many stories of other women who've had breast cancer:
-the nurse who helped me as the victim of IV fainting
-the MRI technician
-another nurse's mom, grandmother, and aunt
-2 of my friends' moms
-my friend's sister
-numerous friends of my mom
-my neighbor's mom
-my coworker
-my coworker's 4 friends
-211,000 women in the U.S.and more than 1.1 million worldwide in 2005 alone
-etc., etc., etc...
I guess what's been happening to me over the last couple days is I'm somewhat beyond the shock of this. And now I'm just in disbelief at how many more cases I hear about. And then I think about all the time, energy, tears, and money that go into this. So far I've met with 5 doctors. I've had 3 biopsies. I've met with 4 technicians. I've talked with 4 nurses. I've met with all of them in the last 3 weeks. Think of all the money that's gone into this. And I haven't even HAD the surgery or the treatment yet!
I'm infuriated.
There's got to be more prevention.
And prevention doesn't just mean catching it in a mammogram.
Cause that's what happened to me...and this type of prevention sucks.
***
(And to make Susie proud...)
The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is doing a lot of research and advocacy.
Take a look if you're interested: http://mbcc.org/
(And go VC!)
http://erbc.vassar.edu/
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
-Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi 1207-1273, written in 1230
Posts
6 comments:
Hello....?
Get out of my boobTM finger puppets?
Today's children? Tomorrow's breast cancer curers?
I mean, what else are you gonna do with all that recuperation time?
Simple, effective, and minimal yarn cost to attach their teensy tiny little finger puppet boobs.
you are so right! everyone talks about early detection and cure and not about prevention and cause!
how about all the terrible food we eat!
genetically engineered junk food!
flouridated water!
the list goes on and on.
there is no money for big business in prevention, only in the cure.
how sad!
no custard for bruce!!!
Wow! It really is astounding that breast cancer is SO common and yet most of us women are so pathetically ignorant of the ubiquitous substances and practices that might put us at a higher risk. (Just read an article from a link about fragrances and breast cancer.) Thank you for sharing the stuff you are learning, Meg.
And I second the finger puppet idea! I'm picturing a videotaped performance, complete with sets, sound effects, etc. Or how about something like the silhouettes of sock or finger puppets watching a breast cancer video and commenting MST 2000-style? Did you ever see the old SNL bits with Mr. Bill? Perhaps you could create a clay version of a tumor and subject it to various assaults--like Mr. Bill--using common household items such as a rolling pin, garbage disposal, vacuum, dryer, heavy boots, etc. It might also be especially satisfying to drive over it repeatedly with the car! This could be a fun and creative project for you and Eric to do together! I hope the two of you make the most of your time together this weekend.
Got yarn.
Just ask.
I'll knit.
More love.
You make me proud in many ways Meghan! I have some ideas for a Michael-Moore-style movie once this damn bad dream is over!
Dear Meg,
A big moment ...I am posting on a blog for the first time! I've read your entries (also a first) from the beginning, but only with the help of your mother am I able to respond.
I love your blog. You only have to write something once and everyone feels connected to you no matter how far away they are.
First off, I am so sorry you have to go through this. You're right, breast cancer is shockingly common, but when it hits someone you care about it's impossible to believe. I think of you every day and pray for your quick and absolute recovery.
I have a movie list too, although I know some of it repeats what you already have.
I've included ones that are a bit somber too, but they came immediately to mind as too good to leave out.
Hannah and Her sisters
My Father's Glory and its companion
My Mother's Castle See "Father" first.
Five Easy Pieces
Pan's Labryinth
Brokeback Mountain
Strictly Ballroom
Amelie
Dreamgirls
Little Miss Sunshine
Happy Feet
Red
White
Blue
Shrek
The Queen
My Life as a Dog
Before Sunrise (1)
Before Sunset (2)
Mystic Pizza
The Departed
And if you go out to the movies, Once, Hairspray and Sicko are good choices . Of course the new Harry Potter is out, but I haven't seen it. I'm sure to like it though.
I love movies in general and can come up with hundreds more, but I'll spare you. Also, a warning - not everyone I know appreciates my movie choices. It won't hurt my feelings if you are among them.
Upon watching one of my recommendations awhile back, my brother-in-law was heard to mutter, "She's done it to us again."
'Looking forward to good news....
Love,
Marime
p.s. I had no idea biopsies were so brutal! Maybe I pictured acupuncture needles.
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