Just When You Think Everything is Fine...Well, YoiuKnow

"Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid.” ~
― Frederick Buechner, Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC's of Faith

Six months ago, it somehow escaped my attention that another mass was noted in the remaining breast.  Imagine my surprise when I was summoned for another CT scan a couple of months ago (at the six month point).  I was in such denial (ahhh...love denial) I wasn't even anxious about it; I thought they'd accidentally scheduled the annual exam a little early.  Let me reiterate:  I love denial.  So liberating.

Cutting to the chase, it looks like everything is fine.  We'll have another look-see in September.  My official position is that I'm not afraid until they are.

But then, there's the massive radiation to my left side.  That scares me a little.

I guess the blog is up and running again.  To any of you who are there, thanks for visiting and stay tuned for more.  

The Question Remains

I'm Not Home Yet

I threw away my prosthesis Monday night and moved my wigs off of my dresser. I don't know why it's taken so long, nor do I know why there are still things I can't look at and can't get rid of.

I have several tote bags in my bedroom that I've used in the 3 years I've shuttled back and forth between here and M.D. Anderson. They're filled with insurance forms, bills, magazines, puzzle books...the stuff that accumulates while you wait. Waiting is an art in which I've become well versed.

I can't make myself go through it. I try now and then, but that chemo nausea returns like a ghost to remind me of how bad it's been.

I also carry a small notebook with me that includes, among other things, several pages detailing the physical reactions I had to chemotherapy. I agreed to participate in a study that required I keep track. I can't tear those pages out.

I remind myself that I've been through a lot. I got rid of the prosthesis, I moved my wigs. It's a journey of reconciliation. I'm not home yet.

25 Breast Cancer Myths

Get the facts; there are lots of myths and misunderstandings floating around out there in the American consciousness. Check out the article at Health.com.

Canola Oil May Prevent Your Daughter's Risk Of Breast Cancer

WebMD has an article today about the potential for canola oil to diminish your daughter's risk of breast cancer. The findings are based on a study done with mice, so there's more research to be conducted before we can known with certainty.

Nonetheless, it couldn't hurt to make the change from corn oil to canola. It's good for you.

See the article here http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20081117/canola-oil-may-affect-breast-cancer-risk?ecd=wnl_brc_112508

Bride of Frankenstein, Part 2

My boss told me yesterday that one of his friends gave him a calendar with photos of women who've survived breast cancer. He called them "cheese cake" photos.

I love my new breast, but I don't think anyone would want to actually look at the poor scarred thing.

My Cancer Was A Gift

My Cancer Was A Gift

Indeed it was.