Through Thick and Thin

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Last week was a 6 month oncology follow up. This time I saw Becky the NP (Nurse Practitioner). She did a very thorough breast exam and found no issues.We covered lots of bases but I did mention that my memory has been lousy since the last two surgeries. I attribute most of it to four major surgeries in 12 months and the fact that I didn't wake up well with the longest one. Of course there is also the factor of my age, almost 47. As we know dear old "Minnie Paws" is starting to show signs she is knocking at the door. UGH As I already knew Becky verified that surgery can have the effect on people and she herself has experienced it. Otherwise I got a clean bill of health and will be back in six months.

I've been anxious to speak with Becky about my idea of an informational handout for women with breast cancer. Apparently chemo patients receive a folder full of resources but those who do not require chemo do not get the information. She immediately acknowledged that we all hear the same thing, "You have cancer" and therefore all experience many of the same thoughts and fears.  Becky was very open to my idea of providing at least a flier to women who undergo lumpectomy, radiation, and even mastectomy but don't require chemo. I simply need to provide her with a list of reading material etc. that I found very helpful and she has agreed to make it available.  I'm thrilled! Now I need to get to work! If any of you have resources or reading references/websites you care to share please contact me and I would be happy to try to include those in the info I present.

On Monday at our regularly scheduled support group meeting our leader and founder Teresa outdid herself! She had F. Elaine Olsen, author of the book we have been reading together, Beyond Cancer's Scars lined up to Skype with us! Remember me focusing one post on "somethings'?  That was Elaine and her creative writing! She spoke with us for nearly an hour about her journey as well as how she has been able to relate it to scripture. Since you couldn't all join us I will share some of her insight. Elaine said that for many "cancer is a classroom and we are it's students. Survivorship has less to do with defeating the disease but more with defeating the silence about it." I couldn't agree more.  She says it's "less about beating cancer and more about beating silence. God intends for us to share our story." She feels our stories evolve into a type of "kinship".  So well said Elaine!

It was fascinating how she spoke of "destruction and reconstruction".  Hmmm, our breasts are destroyed and many are reconstructed.  We can relate this to the Bible in many ways, but my first thought reflected back on the many plagues.  I have often referred to cancer as a modern day plaque. Cancer can be so destructive to our bodies, our emotions, and even our daily lives but we can assist in "reconstruction" by giving of ourselves and "reaching out to others who need encouragement." Elaine had so many wonderful points to share I think we could have sat and listened to her all night. She will be sending us another book she has authored and I can't wait to read it.

In closing I will leave you on this stormy Halloween night with this...





Thursday, October 10, 2013

Thursday, October 10, 2013

You can't miss it because it's advertised everywhere-October is breast cancer awareness month. I absolutely love that businesses and organizations are helping raise awareness about breast cancer and are also raising money to help with prevention and cure. Statistically it affects one in eight which is huge when you think about it. All the hype and publicity, the openly shared struggles of fighters and survivors, they are all very empowering. I must say they are also a source of encouragement to me to be so open about my journey. It's no longer taboo to talk about boobs in public. Who would have thought that??? haha

That being said, I completely understand that for folks with other cancers all the pink may feel like a negative.  I will never forget the lunch I had last October with a friend diagnosed with melanoma. Deb was a guest writer here and she spoke at Relay for Life. She said sometimes she wonders "Where is my melanoma day?" That statement really hit home to me, especially as we sat in Panera and the restaurant was all decked out in pink. Pretty sure I have shared her thought before, but it seemed only fitting as I sit here and type in my pink shirt touting "Power in Pink" that I post something this month that isn't just all about breast cancer. All cancers are evil and anyone who hears the words "You have cancer" experiences a gamut of feelings that can be very overwhelming. We can buy shirts that represent other cancers, we can even have them made, but there is just something about strength in numbers. Those things will never have the same effect as pink plastered everywhere from newspapers, to football fields to cakes in a display window. 

In an effort to help educate and raise awareness about other cancers and diseases I hope to find more guest writers for my blog. Our stories are different but we have a common bond. Great strength can be gained from sharing and it can also be incredibly therapeutic. If you would like to be a guest here please feel free to contact me through my blog or my email at kbdeno@sbcglobal.net. Together we can make a difference!


Of course I will continue with my passion for pink but in the meantime may this rainbow of color represent all who are facing any kind of struggle.