My posts are getting a lot of time between them.
because...
Life is Good.
Yes, Life is Good.
Last Wednesday was a good day.
I got to go to Indianapolis with Dan, my Mom, and two of my three sisters - Mary and Deirdre. We went to see the genetic councilor at IU Med Center. The councilors that we met with gave us all the probabilities of my family having a genetic mutation and whether they thought it was a good idea to have testing done. My results should be back this week.
Why genetic testing? well, I am only 34 for one thing. and there is a family history - although not a large history - of ovarian cancer. those two things together could add up to a genetic inheritance, which puts all of my sisters and their daughters (and my sons) at a higher risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer.
It's a lot deal with...so we are all anxiously waiting for the results.
on another note...
today was chemo treatment #9
only 3 more to go before surgery.
I have a tiny bit hair growing on my head - it's very dark -
Michael is almost as excited as I am. Almost.
I met three lovely women today at treatment.
The first gal is only 32 and has stage1breast cancer. She has the most beautiful, long black hair that I think I've ever seen.
She asked me about being bald.
I told her the truth. it hard and depressive to lose your hair. But once it's gone you feel empowered.
The conversation reminded me of Debra. The bald woman I met when I was first diagnosed. That woman changed me. I hope that I was able to pass some of that courage onto the gal I met today.
The 2nd and 3rd ladies are sisters. The younger one came up to me and thanked me for telling them where to by a wig two weeks ago. (they were admiring mine in the waiting room).
FYI - if you know anyone that needs a wig she can go anywhere but the key is to get it cut by a stylist - it really makes all the difference.
She also asked how old I was because her sister thought she was the youngest one there.
She is 38.
She is stage 4. She thought she beat breast cancer two years ago. It is now in her bones and her liver.
She asked what stage I am and I told her stage 3. Her sister asked "how do you stay so positive?"
I said "by the grace of God. I don't know any other way to be."
Her sister - the one with cancer - said "I think I understand that."
That conversation reminded me of a book that was given to me when I was diagnosed.
"There's No Place Like HOPE" by Vickie Girard.
It - among other books- has helped to bring me peace and I will give it to my new friend next week.
I hope, no, I know that it will help her too.
a quote from Vickie Girard...
"There is something good in every single day that we are given; sometimes we just have to look a little harder."
I'm so glad you were able to pass on some of that positivity. You just might be both of their Debra's. :)
Posted by: Schaneon Mahon | Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 10:12 AM