Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Evolution of Fear

When I was under going treatment for breast cancer five years ago, I imagined the hardest event for me to experience was receiving chemotherapy infusions (IVs).

In the process of having a stereotactic needle biopsy, wire placement, surgical lumpectomy, and 36 radiation treatments to my left breast, I missed out of the dreaded chemotherapy drugs and the rumored, not-so-pleasant side effects. By taking Arimidex® pills once a night for nearly five years post surgery, I was following the course of being cancer-free, so I believed.

However, 1½ years ago, with the detection and removal of a soft tissue sarcoma tumor below the skin of my thigh, I again missed out of needing chemotherapy. Surgery and radiation were all the doctors ordered.

The month following the sarcoma diagnosis, the third and unrelated to the earlier cancers, was determined through a diagnostic abdominal laparoscopy and laparoscopic biopsy.

Now, thirteen months later, after fourteen (14) chemotherapy infusions for peritoneal cancer, I’m giving loving, e-mail guidance to a dear relative who had her first chemotherapy treatment last week.


Note to the reader: The photograph of a basket with clipboards and paper was taken in "Writing Workshop" at the Wellness Community. Today twelve cancer survivors all addressed variations of the prompt, “The hardest emotional moments for me are…”

7 comments:

  1. Nana, very impressed with your blogging and your compelling style.
    Eric

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you Michelle...you are such a comfort to my sister.
    Love you,
    Sharon:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eric, Thank you for knowing this Blog would be a valuable and creative tool.
    Nana Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sharon,
    Susan, your sister, is a blessing to all of us.
    With healing thoughts,
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  5. Michelle,
    You are all sweetness!
    And I totally agree with Eric that you have a "compelling style," and with Sharon that you are a comfort.
    Love, Susan

    ReplyDelete
  6. Susan,
    Cancer is having a profound impact on our lives, as you well know. I'm finding we help each other as we move through this journey of emotions, tests, treatments, results, and physical changes. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete