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...
