Sunday morning thoughts... It’s been a emotional last few days and I find myself tearing up over and over just thinking about a friend’s premature death. My friend had so much to live for, and she really, really wanted to live. And I don’t understand this wholly, but I’m simultaneously feeling strangely guilty that I’m … Continue reading Drink the Lovely Coffee
Friendship
I’m Still Here
I am a researcher; I know the statistics. There is currently no cure for stage 4 cancer. One minute ago, I had a 5-year survival rate of 72% and now I have a 5-year survival rate of 22%. And, the median survival rate of a woman with stage 4 breast cancer is only 3 years. Only three years! All I can think is that I will statistically be dead within three to five years. On August 8 I was healthy and whole and on August 31st I received a death sentence.
Those Hibernating Bears
My bilateral mastectomy surgery went well according to the surgeon. There are few complications except for the large, hard and uncomfortable remaining hematomas, and this annoying stupid drain that still bleeds red after five weeks. My post-surgery pathology report revealed three, small tumors containing a small percent of cancer cells that didn’t light up in my January 2019 PET.
Joy, Faith, Hope, Love, Peace & Rock Bottom
This was the week of Rock Bottom, so there’s no place to go, except up. After last week’s chemotherapy on Thursday, I developed debilitating weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. I am extremely weak and oxygen deprived because my red blood cell count is low, and therefore, the oxygen in my blood is also low. …
Because Love and Trust Live in Honesty
A well-meaning friend demands that it’s time I cut my hair. She starts right in on my second chemo morning. She continues throughout chemo day. She doesn’t let up. She is certain she knows what’s best for me because she’s researched this, so of course she knows exactly what I need to do. I drown … Continue reading Because Love and Trust Live in Honesty
How to really help your friend with stage 4 breast cancer…
Listen to, hear and honor exactly what she is asking you for. Give exactly that - if you are able. If you are not able to give exactly that, then decline; but don’t tell her why what you want to offer her is actually better.Listen to the foods she tells you she literally maybe only just … Continue reading How to really help your friend with stage 4 breast cancer…
Life In Introspection 