When I discovered my fairly large breast mass, that seemed to have appeared overnight, I immediately knew from its characteristics that the diagnosis probably wouldn’t be good. During those first several weeks I was overwhelmed with the feelings we all seem to share; shock, disbelief, fear of death, dread and sadness. I coped with these feelings with a fierce determination to fight the disease as aggressively as possible. My cancer and decisions surrounding it became my single focus. I have never regretted by decision for mastectomies and reconstruction! During very dark nights of my soul, the solid, loving compassion and attentiveness from my friends and family were ever-present and sustained me in a way I would not have predicted. I am grateful to my physicians, all of whom, not only saved my life, but related to me, each in their own unique, expert, compassionate ways.
Paradoxically now, one year since the end of my chemotherapy, I find myself less complacent, more engaged in life and appreciative of others in an enhanced way. Oh, by the way, I am loving the freedom of my short “fresh hair.”