I am thirteen years away from two lumpectomies (on same breast), chemo and radiation. Just before I was diagnosed, I had a personal tragedy that made the cancer seem “ho-hum.” I did have a wonderful Oncologist and Surgeon who understood that there was a person attached to the breast and also was fortunate to have only the two sentinel nodes involved. And had the chemo after the anti-nausea pill had been invented/
And I was lucky to be near a wonderful hospital that wasn’t too urban. The rides to and fro were beautiful. I did change a lot of things, mainly attitude and view of the world. (Eating differently, exercising more carefully, and throwing away the cigarettes were easy.) My beloved brother was not so lucky; he died of blood cancer in 1999 after a valiant and imaginative fight.
I greet each day with joy and gratitude and try to help others in need. I say “no” to any activities that may cause me stress unless connected to vital family business.
If you are collecting these stories for personal reasons, I wish you hope and a good journey. I found for me that 6 months with a breast cancer support group was very helpful.
Ortise, I send you my condolences.