Lately I’ve been just going with the flow in my life, but I’ve been dabbling in writing a book or two as well. It seems to me when we breast cancer patients finish treatment, we are sent out into the world with less than nothing in order to rebuild our lives. As an 11 year survivor, I’m finding that there are so many women out there who are asking as I did, “What now?” because quite frankly, it’s a bit overwhelming.
First there’s the simple grieving process of being diagnosed, with the subsequent surgeries ranging from a lumpectomy to a full double mastectomy which is enough to depress the happiest of souls followed by the reconstruction surgeries which may or may not take place at the same time. Most times we endure chemotherapy which as the meds designed to kill cancer cells, slowly changes our body chemistry as well, we endure hair loss including baldness, depression, nausea, aches, pains, weight gain and hot flashes, none which are sexy or fun. Afterwards, we may have radiation treatment daily which tires us out and gives us a mean sunburn among other things.
And then, we’re set free ~ off to a world filled with pink ribbons and we are handed a survivor sign to commemorate our cancer journey.
But what about the new normal that we’re trying so desperately to find? It’s a hard road to get used to implants or being breast-less or multiple surgeries. It’s a process to accept our new bodies with the restrictions surrounding them. Self-esteem, self-confidence and self-acceptance need to improve so that we can feel good about ourselves and that’s simply NOT just a breast cancer thing either!
So that’s what I’m writing about ~ I want to give a class on it ~ I want to help women who are looking for a friend to hold her hand as we travel along this road together. It’s the beautiful thing about women who’ve endured breast cancer. None of us have wanted to join this group, but since we are all here, we bond.
You can meet a stranger who has breast cancer and instantly, there’s a bond of knowing and understanding which forms quite literally in moments. We’ve been there and we understand each other. Have you found that happens to you? I think it’s human nature to bond with others of similar circumstances. I know I’ve bonded with others who’ve been grieving over the loss of a parent since my dad passed away last year. It’s when we open up and connect with each other that healing can take place.
So if you’re interested, let me know because I’d like to write a bit more about it here on my blog. But I’m testing the waters first because many of my readers aren’t breast cancer survivors ~ but since we’ve all experienced sadness in our lives (at least most of us), I thought it could help others as well since I like the glass half full approach!
What do you think? Would you appreciate just once a week breast cancer help?
Please let me know! Just click on the Poll below! Thank you!
Shine On!
xo
Misifusa's Blog 
I would very interested in reading these posts.
Thank you ~ hugs to you! xo
I have not had any experience with breast cancer but have lost a partner to pancreatic cancer. I have also suffered the loss of not just him but my fiance prior to him (to an accident that time). Oops – beginning to sound a bit like a black widow here. Anyway, I have found that I am able to help substantially with people grieving loss, due to the experiences that I have had. I think what you are planning is a great idea.
I truly appreciate your comment and I send hugs for all you have endured. I embrace your experiences and look forward to all of us connecting so that we can help each other to heal and to shine on! xo Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing. I know how horrible it was when my grandma was diagnosed. She had both breasts removed and her took her struggle in silence. The doctors scrapped her down to the bones in her chest. Back then, they didn’t talk about it.- BUT I am so happy NOW is different. I’m happy that you are encouraging classes with women to openly talk, bond and help one another!! I absolutely love what you are looking to do! Many blessing ahead.
Oh thank you ~ I appreciate your support because I feel that we can all help each other breast cancer survivors or not! xo
We all have challenges… and I think many of the lessons you’ve learned will be able to transcend the specifics of breast cancer and provide guidance and insight to all of us, whether we are battling physical challenges (e.g., cancer), mental challenges (e.g., depression) or even emotional challenges (e.g., divorce).
Thanks ML ~ your support means the world to me. Thanks for making my heart sing with gratitude! xo
I’m glad you’re a survivor. ❤
Thanks ~ me too! 🙂
Hi PP
Your post has warmed my tired heart. I’m going through treatment and have some very dark moments. I don’t want to talk to my family about if as a part of me wants to protect them from seeing how dark things are sometimes. It is wonderful to read about your and other breast cancer survivors’ experience and I feel that connection and bond instantly too.
I started my blog just so I could have a place to share my thoughts with others and was so glad for your visit. Please write more!
Hugs to you. We can talk offline as well via email. Mine is misifusa@optonline.net. Please don’t post/approve this answer but keep my email address so we can ‘talk’ without many eyes reading what we say.
I am a Reach to Recovery Volunteer for the American Cancer Society. I’ve had the darkness too ~ it’s normal. Life is not all cupcakes and roses as we know, but it helps to see the glass as 1/2 full! I wasn’t able to rely on my family either so I get it. I’m here for you! Baby baby steps! xo
I think that would be a great idea, especially since I read that women are getting diagnosed younger.
Thanks Patty ~ I figured if I can help a bit, it would be good. xo