My courage key:
I got it when I was diagnosed with cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and then again in 2013. Lucky me!
And if that wasn't enough...the trifecta of Thyroid cancer in 2014.
3 years, 3 cancers and 6 surgeries later.....finally....cancer free!
This is my FB post the day before my double mastectomy:
Tomorrow marks the end of an era. I am saying goodbye to life-long friends.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer twice in 12 months it's time to say goodbye to the girls.
This isn't a 'oh sad for me isn't that awful' post (though that's not untrue).
This is a letting go post.
I'm letting go of something I love for reasons beyond my control. True, health and life saving reasons but still....
I love them. They're GREAT! I mean really great!!! After 45 years they've served me well. They're fun, perky, the 'perfect' size (in my opinion) and I love them.
Was this an easy decision? Absolutely not!.
Is it something I want to do? Hell no!
Do I have a choice? Nope.
Am I sad about it? Extremely.
Am I scared shitless? You have no idea.
Am I the only woman who has gone through this? Absolutely not - and I won't be the last.
I love the girls! I have a great rack. Yep...I said it. They're great and fun and I love them. But not THAT much.
Do I want people to feel sad for me? Sure....maybe a little - I'm human after all. This will not be an easy thing to do and the recovery will be immeasurably painful but through prayer, family, friends, and an awesome team of doctors, this too shall pass.
I wasn't sure I was going to post about this part of the journey but I think there are lessons to share here (and I couldn't find any funny cat videos).
There are a lot of things in life that we hold on too tightly to.
Learning to let go is hard. So when you find yourself holding on to things that might not 'really' matter that much. Try letting go. It may just save your life.
See you on the other side....with new boobs.
Then earlier this year my dear friend Ali got diagnosed with breast cancer. She's 33 and no family history. I attached a picture of her rocking her head scarf. Bald and beautiful!
I'm passing on my courage key to her. I now wear the dream key. After all I've been through...time to dream big and pass the courage on to someone else!
Love you Ali! You'll beat this too.
