When you are DX you get scared, really scared. Not the omg there's a monster in the closet but the holy shit balls what the hell is going to happen to my body, health and LIFE!! Your doc gives you the info sometimes in a neat little pamphlet with a smiling woman on the front. BULL SHIT!!! So what you do is Google, yup good ole doctor Google. You want to see what you will look like after a lumpectomy, see I started with that. My nipple was scabbed and destroyed, no one told me that. Nor did I know what the hell it was going to really feel like, you maybe sore is an understatement and hearing it from a triage nurse that never experienced it is not comforting. COMFORT is why images like this which leads us to those who went through it.
after the lumpectomy |
You want to know how is THAT going to ever heal?? How will I be me? Will I ever be a woman again? So you search for images to bring you PEACE of mind. You try to find something to show you that you will regain your body in some sort of new way. You need to see that there will be healing. That through the pain and the change you will at some point heal.
healing from expanders |
healing from impants |
healing after the painful DIEP |
You get scared that you can not do this. This is not what you have the strength for. But looking at these makes you see that if someone just like you can do this then maybe are STRONG enough. Maybe just maybe you will be able to face cancer because you can see the pain, the healing and the strength in these images. You see it so it is believable. And your friends can help you see that through a picture.
my girlfriends reminding me I am STRONG |
You then search for support, cause you are going to need to hear from people that actually get it. You find blogs, Instragms, FACEBOOOK and twitter to be a great outlets. You find others that are going through what you are. You find others that need to see the whole process see through someone else's body. Connecting and reaching out to those in their cancer journey and seeing that you are NOT ALONE is the main reason I do this. Because the friends, no the family we have made is what gets us through. We have an immediate connection because of what we have been faced with.
some of my "cancer family" that I have hugged |
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my husband showing me love, kindness and support |
I ask you PLEASE, if you do not approve then leave, you know no one is making you read this. I really do not care if you do not want to. Is it at all possible to have the common curiosity to respect what we are trying to do. R E S P E C T, just like the queen sang it. We all deserve respect which we
have earned to go about this how we see fit. There is no wrong or right way to deal with your DX some choose to quietly deal with their BFFs. Some choose to tweet to get comfort, peace, support, and strength from those following them. Lisa Adams was told she was wrong for doing this
by two journalist. Who are they to comment, critique her in any way. They should not even comment on the shoes she wears (I have never seen her shoes but they are her shoes ya know). I ask you for the 100 time do not judge anyone's cancer story you are not the cancer judge there is no friggin such thing.
Cancer of any beast can not just be wrapped up in a smiling, ribbon. Trust me I do my best to smile, laugh and rock a pink boa but unless you understand all the above the ribbon means NOTHING. Look I do not ask anyone to wear a pink boa, stilettos and a shiny tiara because that is me. Plus they may hate pink and I RESPECT that, are you seeing a pattern here.
And trust when I say if you try to be me you never fill my stilettos, ever. That tiara fits one head and that is mine!
Sister, I laughed, I cried a little, and then I laughed some more. AND on top of THAT, my heart is filled to bursting with such love, admiration and RESPECT for you, you Tiara wearing Queen of Awesome!
ReplyDeleteChris I thank you!!
Deletehttp://www.pixiecd.com
R E S P E C T - S U P P O R T - U N I T E Thanks to you, Annmarie... Thanks to Lisa Adams... Thanks to all who share their lives lived with cancer. When I was DX I was alone and fearful of what will become of my body, my life. Today the internet is an infinite source of information and support to help the new cancer victims and unite us with respect.
ReplyDeleteYour words mean so much thanks!
DeleteI agree with Everyone above...Mama Bear~ <3
DeleteThank you for sharing your story and your photographs. Thanks to Chris for posting so we can read it! You are an amazing inspiration to a lot of woman to be sure! God bless you and your courage and strength for getting through the hardest fight of your life with grace and integrity! More power to you! I applaud you 100%.
ReplyDeleteThank you so so much!
Deletehttp://www.pixiecd.com
ReplyDeleteYou are AMAZING! Thank you so much for sharing your story and photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Xo
DeleteYou ROCK! Love it - I agree entirely. It's such a tough and emotional sojourn. I am amazed that there are people with absolutely NO compassion or empathy for others - especially those that are fighting for their very lives. Keep telling the story AM... Love you!! <3
ReplyDeleteWe have been through our journey together that means a lot xo
DeleteI was diagnosed with "just DCIS" December 20. I will require mastectomy. I am choosing double. Your blog is exactly what I need to read. The doctors make it sound like a breeze. I have read and reread your journey so I can see the true picture of what will happen. Thank you for being REAL! I read your thoughts and feel like I could have wriiten them. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you I just what ppl to see they are not alone xo
DeleteAM~ your blog fills a void .... You keep right on writing !
ReplyDeleteAnnie
Much love xo
DeleteAnnemarie, you are absolutely fabulous, thank you so much for sharing your story. I love that you are open, honest and tell it like it is. Like others said, I have noting but respect and admiration for you...xo
ReplyDeleteThank you so much xoxo
DeleteI have followed you on fb. And on your blog. I find dynamic and inspiring and raw which is what it needs to be. I am 39. Double mastectomy 27 lymph nodes positive. I have been through such a roller coaster of emotions. Thank you for you posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and I'm sending you love xo
DeletePlease visit Jason Vale's website: www.apricotsfromgod.com
ReplyDeleteJason has helped over 40,000 people with all types of cancer.
If I could give you a standing ovation, I would! I follow your blog religiously and your topics always make me laugh and cry. But this one means so much more because I am a fighter as well and this topic touches me to my core. I created a blog myself as to not offend those on Facebook with my rantings, yet I still can't help but censor myself. Or maybe it's that I can't get my feelings into the exact words that I want. I don't know. But I love your no-holds-barred approach to cancer and treatment. Keep it up woman!
ReplyDeleteIt's comments like this that mean so much to me xoxoxo sending a hug to you
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