This Will Not get the Breast of Me !

THIS WILL NOT GET THE BREAST OF ME.....


Today was the day of "the first Chemo treatment". One down and only 15 more to go. I have dreaded it and welcomed it all at the same time. I was nervous about all the unknown but so anxious to get on with this show. Here are some things I have learned:

The cancer community is a complete sub-culture that I didn't realize even existed. They love, lift and support everyone.
I keep meeting people who want to "give back". For example, today at Chemo they gave me two gifts. One was a bag full of things to help you during Chemo like several books, a journal, a crocheted scarf and hat, a ball cap, lotion, mouthwash, a little notebook that you can put in your purse to take notes and more. The second gift was a little padded fleece pillow-like thing that you use with your seatbelt strap so it doesn't rub on the Port-a-Catheter ( a device that is surgically implanted just under your collar bone that they use to administer the ). Now here is the amazing part - the first gift is from a cancer support group and they provide these for everyone. The second gift came from the husband of a woman currently going through Chemo. He comes to all of her appointments with his fleece, batting, needle and thread and while she is getting her treatment he makes his gifts. I will share some other stories later. This has caused me to think, HOW CAN I GIVE BACK? I'm working on that.....
I just read an article written by Elizabeth Edwards (John Edwards wife) who is battling cancer. She said this, "We spend our lives weaving a tapestry of sorts. The largest ribbons of color are our family and closest friends. But a tapestry made up of just these has gaps. The other people we weave into our lives - some only as thin threads - are what give our life its texture and its strength. They fill the gaps in the most amazing ways. Their colors reflect on the ribbons and on us. Weaving them into our tapestry creates for each of us a magnificent, dense and interesting life. And when life takes a wrong turn, that tapestry becomes a blanket (bound together by our faith in God) that we can wrap around us or a safety net into which we can fall."
Thank you to everyone for your phone calls, email's, gifts, cards and prayers. You have all taught me the true meaning of friendship, love and compassion. I LOVE YOU !

Love,
Linda