As life has gone on since my diagnosis, we have slowly, painstakingly, started etching out our new normal. Our routines have changed so much in the last few months, and will surely continue to change in the months to come, a symptom less of cancer and more of life. My husband and I wake up … Continue reading Secondary Losses
Every Fourth Monday
Most people's months start on the first. Mine run in four week cycles, starting on approximately the second Monday of each month. This is the day of my monthly appointment with Dr. G. Once I arrive at the Cancer Center, I do my bloodwork, then check the status of my prescriptions. Then I wait. I'm … Continue reading Every Fourth Monday
Sick Days and Snow Days
We have had a doozy of a winter here in New York. As anyone who has been watching the news knows, New York has had a flurry of snowstorms (ha), which have led to snow days and a melange of cold and flu viruses for our family. But let's back up. Back in February, I … Continue reading Sick Days and Snow Days
“Don’t Skip to the End”
Ever since I read her article in the New York Times, "What to Say When You Meet the Angel of Death at a Party," I have wanted to read Kate Bowler's book, Everything Happens for a Reason, and Other Lies I've Loved. Several friends have strongly recommended the book to me, with the caveat that I should … Continue reading “Don’t Skip to the End”
Dawn’s Letter
Dawn writes: Hi All, My name is Dawn and I was 35 years old at the time of my Diagnosis in September 2006. My daughter Sophie (now almost 20) and my son Christopher (now 15) were aged 8 and 4 at the time. Like all mothers once given the worse possible news anyone can be … Continue reading Dawn’s Letter
Thirty-Three
Last year, in the month leading up to my thirty-second birthday, I committed to thirty days of yoga; the final day landing on my birthday. The last day of the series was a silent flow, and I found myself crying softly as I moved in and out of the sequences. My apartment was still, in … Continue reading Thirty-Three
Cathy’s Letter
Cathy writes: It’s been 22 years. I left the exam room and saw the faces of my little girls sitting patiently in the waiting room. What I saw in the technician’s face told me all I needed to know. I had Breast Cancer. It woudn’t be until the Dr. called me that night to say … Continue reading Cathy’s Letter
What Are You Afraid Of?
Last week, I had a nagging headache for most of the day. I felt a little tired, a little sluggish, and stressed about some things in my personal life. Ordinarily, this is no big deal. However, there is a seismic shift in perspective that takes place after a cancer diagnosis, in particular, a metastatic diagnosis. … Continue reading What Are You Afraid Of?
My Survivor Letter
This is the first of what I am hoping to be many letters from those living with breast cancer to those who have been newly diagnosed. I use the term "survivor" as an all-encompassing one, to include not only those who have completed treatment, but for all of us who are living with this disease. … Continue reading My Survivor Letter
The Rhythm of the Ups and Downs
Finding rhythm in life is a tricky thing, because it always seems like something pops up that throws us off our game. Or maybe that's just me. I'm a tremendous creature of habit, and the last few months have been an exercise in creating new habits for myself, and trying to discern which current habits … Continue reading The Rhythm of the Ups and Downs
