No offence, but I’m done with apologies for not writing. My personal life has been such a wreck lately that being able to write at all is a blessing. Michelle at Rambling Woods has the strength and courage to keep writing after all she’s been through (which is frighteningly parallel to my own challenges), and she inspires me to keep going as well. That doesn’t mean that I’m going to be able to be as regular as I’d like, but I’m giving myself permission to be ok with that. I’ll write when I can, and will work to keep our blog carnival weekly when I can. If I miss a week, I promise that it will be back – just keep checking in.
So here’s the actual update (if you haven’t been keeping up with me on FB)… I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. Stage 0, which (as I’ve been told) is about the best diagnosis you can get for breast cancer. As far as they can tell at this point, no cells have spread outside the duct where the cancer was detected (I have Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), so I only need a ‘lumpectomy’ (even though there’s no lump) and 5 weeks of radiation (unless the pathology from the surgery shows more cells, or cells that have migrated).
I’m pretty sure this news hasn’t really hit me yet – it’s been less than a week, and it definitely took nearly 2 weeks for mom’s death to sink in. In the meantime, I’m trying to focus on the fact that this doesn’t have to disrupt my life completely. Not that it won’t affect me; I know that I’ll be considered a cancer patient for the rest of my life, but this won’t be something that defines me. Rather, it will be one more life experience that I can (and will) conquer. To paraphrase my friend Len in his reply to my FB post last week, this cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Truth.
Good to hear from you, Cynthia. May you have much strength. We can’t all be Michelle, but we can be ourselves and write what we need when we can. You expressed yourself well in this post.
Thanks Leora. Support from family and friends is definitely where my strength comes from. 🙂
I’ve been worried about you! Don’t ever think you need to apologize for not writing though. You need to focus on you. I agree with Len. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance. You’re in my thoughts, Cynthia.
Thanks so much, Jennifer. It’s a funny balance when your writing is part of your work. I have the ‘Small is Powerful’ manifesto on my personal blog, but worry far more about being away from this one. Oh well…
Hi, I was diagnosed with DCIS on April 12. I too am considered stage 0 until pathology can take a closer look after surgery. It’s a bizarre diagnosis isn’t it? I already hate that some docs act like I don’t have real cancer yet! I have far too much affected tissue to be a candidate for lumpectomy. Anyway, I just wanted to remind you that you are not alone, that blogging (on this page or a dedicated page) may help you work through all that we’ve been handed.
Hi Sarah – thanks for taking the time to say hello. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis. My doctor explained that anywhere else in the body, DCIS wouldn’t be considered a cancer – that might explain for some doctor’s attitudes. It’s a crappy way to be treated, regardless. I’m glad to have found your blog – it’s so helpful to hear another voice experience many of the same things I am. I’ll be sure to stop by and say hello over there later today.
Oh no, Cynthia. I’m so sorry to read about your recent diagnosis.
Take care of YOU first.
Thanks, Fergie – I’m working on it.
Oh no..I am so sorry and we seem to be on a similar path with our Mom’s and then this.. I know there is a difference of opinion on what DCIS should be called and my doc called it cancer. But mine was of a high grade and necrotic. Don’t feel you have to share, it is what I need to do and for me. Do what is right for you. Do your research and contact the American Cancer Society and see if there are other survivors who do kind of a peer thing for the newly diagnosed. I wish I had been a candidate for lumpectomy and radiation to preserve the breast, Oh I am sending you lot of hugs…if there is anything I can do….Michelle
You won’t always be considered a cancer patient…you will be a cancer Survivor!!!!!!!!!
Hooray!
Hope you are doing great now!!
Well on my way – thanks James.