alright ladies...it's been one month since i found out that i have breast cancer. have you done a self breast exam in the last 30 days?
just in case you need a refresher...here are very clear instructions from the american cancer society:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_6x_how_to_perform_a_breast_self_exam_5.asp
please do it.
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
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8 comments:
You are really going to have to keep up this blog! Your mom put me in touch with one of her friends, and when I call her and we talk all about how much we appreciate your blog, and now we are great friends! Congrats on all the good news. Love, Amy (Cochran)
If I could, I would. wait, maybe I can... Yes, I suppose I can. OK, I will. think of you every day.
Mine made me feel funny.
Meggles,
Though I'm quite sure that the compulsion will wane and that I will come depend on your monthly reminders, in the meantime I've become fairly obsessive compulsive regarding the breast exam. Is once a week too often? :-)
I am so delighted with the fabulous prognosis so far. You sound energized and powerful - keep it up!
Your entry about Patrick was too moving for words. I was was heartened to see no one else commented and that I wasn't the only one who was veklemt.
Finally - I also vote that Bruce should send the hermits.
Much love and a big smooch.
- Julie
i'll remind mandy and offer to help!!! i think she just hit me! ouch!!
bruce: do you know what is in hermits??
meg
so glad things are going well! don't forget to plan a trip east when you can!!!
xoxo..
um, just about like every day for the past month..
although i'm sure you're not surprised to hear that....
Megan:
My best wishes for your health!
I am Becky's mom.
As you know, I have been through it also. I am now an 18 year survivor.
Initially, I had bilateral mastectomies followed by chemo. Even though I was estrogen/progesterone postitive, I was not placed on an anti-estrogen because it was quite new.
I had a relapse last year and was quite upset initially. But my prognosis turned out to be good, so I calmed down. I had radiation, which was not too bad. (In fact, it was sort of fun, as the technicians were really great.) I was then place on Femara, one of the new anti-estrogen drugs and am doing very well. No side effects.
You write very well and I can very much relate to your description of undergoing a biopsy. I had the same sensations. I agree. It's NO FUN!
I can also relate to your feelings of disconnection. It all seems so surreal--as if it cannot be happening. But it IS happening. Eventually, those feelings go away.
Your episode of fainting also reminded me of a wierd event that happened to me. One night in the hospital after one of my mastectomies, I had a very strange sensation in my head and neck. I panicked and called the nurses. They were very supportive. After talking to the internist on call, I calmed down. I felt a bit foolish--especially since I was a doctor. But those things can happen to anyone. Afterwards, the nurses said they were glad to see something happen as I was taking it all "too well".
Congratulations on the blog! What a great idea! I am quite impressed with your spunkiness and openness re feelings. These qualities will carry you a long way.
Take care and keep up the good work!
Haiku
How many times and ways can I say you amaze me?
Every day I'm telling someone about you, about the blog, about taking care themselves, about raising money for Dan and Danielle's cancer walk in the fall, and about all the neat comments I read IN your blog. It's hard to describe to you the impact you have in all of those ways. All I can do from here is keep sending love, which I do every minute.
Susan
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