Breast Cancer! That wasn't in my life plan

We all know life ends. Still, it's usually almost a theoretical concept, something to which we give little thought. A cancer diagnosis brings the idea of an expiry date into sharper focus. I suspect this may be the case no matter what stage of cancer involved. I base that on information I've gotten from my cancer support groups. This article came up on my FB feed today. The author has a very aggressive cancer, one that kills fairly quickly. It's what killed Gord Downie. This article resonated with me as a knitter. Two months to live I have been aware of my yarn and fabric stash. I've been aware of the projects I have on my to do list. I am starting a bag for my husband this week. I'm also going to start a sweater from alpaca I bought...

I came across this excellent article about language around cancer. It's particularly timely on the day we learned that Kirstie Allie died from cancer. The headlines state she died after a battle with cancer. WTF. Cancer killed her. Is she a loser because she didn't fight hard enough? This article addresses the issue nicely. Losing “Losing the Battle With Cancer” i promise to haunt anyone who says I died after a battle with cancer.

I initially thought I'd write about my cancer journey chronologically. Instead I'll most likely write about cancer related things that come to my mind. This is part of a post that a friend wrote. I love this. Cancer is not like strep throat where you get sick, take antibiotics and rest, then move on with your life. It is the friend that never leaves. When I was first diagnosed I had no idea what was in store for me. In fact I had the belief that breast cancer was highly treatable and not so bad. Cancer is cancer. A friend said my treatment would take a year. She was right. I had chemo from March to August, surgery in October (six weeks after chemo ended) and radiation in December/January (six weeks after surgery). My final in person...

Someone (@Waterfall ?) asked about coping strategies in my first thread. I've decided to start a thread on this. I'll likely add to it as I think of more ideas. Today I had a great lunch with four other women who have also been getting cancer treatment. We met through a FB group and have a Messenger chat set up. Unfortunately, several women have died since we started it. Still, it's an excellent support. Most of you know I worked in a profession where I helped others develop coping skills. Now I'm getting to put my money where my mouth is. While I'm sure I used these skills before, they are more important with a cancer diagnosis. For instance I have a whole new appreciation for "one day at a time". When I was first diagnosed I used...

So I had this big idea that I would write something about breast cancer and my diagnosis every day in October. We are nearing the end of the month and I haven't written anything. I found myself stuck as soon as this place to write was created. I had so many thoughts. Where to start. What to write. How personal. What was I thinking. It's a big deal apparently. Since I tend to like to do things easily the hard way, I've come to a place where I can start. After all, I have to start somewhere and it can be a small start. Like many people living with or having experienced breast cancer treatment, I have come to dislike the pink messaging that happens in October. "Breast cancer awareness" has been presented with sexy pink messaging...