Fourteen – Know that you have choices.
Lesson Fifteen – Remember, you are a unique person!
Lesson Sixteen – Celebrate the smallest victories.
Lesson Seventeen – Accept that there are some things in life we cannot change.
Lesson Eighteen – Keep your doctors and health care providers accountable.
Lesson Nineteen – Thank your healthcare providers.
Lesson Twenty – Live life to the fullest!
Except from: The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery: Lessons Learned Along the Path to Healing - Tammy A. Miller, Lighthearted Press
There is so much happening when you are faced with this type of a health challenge and for me, identifying the lessons that I learned was very helpful as it made me feel like I had some control.
I believe all of these lessons are important, but a few especially stand out, like trusting your own instincts; finding the humor in every situation, remembering that you cannot always change what is happening; having a personal mantra (thought, prayer, saying, etc.) in your head because you can only have one thought at a time and you get to choose – you may as well make it positive; be informed; write down your questions; look for every blessing and remain positive; know that you DO have choices; and finally, live life to the fullest!
My life is truly blessed with wonderful family and friends and I am very thankful that I did not go through this alone. Above all, I know that none of us are truly alone, but we have the love of the mighty Lord to guide our steps – for me, I just need to remember to listen!
I truly cannot say that every day on my healing journey was grins and giggles, but I can say there was more laughter than tears, but it was my choice, as it is everyone’s choice on how they will respond to any given situation in life. I pray that you will embrace every second of your life and that your path will always be blessed!
Thoughts on this book project…
For a few years I thought about doing a compilation book with stories from other people, but the time and topic just didn’t seem right. That is until I heard Christine Allen talk about her story of keeping silent about her breast cancer for over 30 years for fear of losing her job in the 1970’s (her story is in this book). I know that breast cancer has changed immensely over the years as far as detection, treatment, and recovery, but I sat there and listened and thought about how the mental part of a diagnosis has changed. Has it really changed? I don’t think so. I am sure that anytime in history that a woman (or man) heard a breast cancer diagnosis; there was immediate fear and uncertainty. Yes, we do know now that the outlook is better than it was 30 years ago, and early detection, new medicines and procedures have helped immensely, but there is still a fear in many hearts and heads.
I sat there and started to think about how other things have changed over the years and that is when the idea of Pink Ribbon Stories: A Celebration of Life was born! A “celebration” you might ask? Did you notice that one of the lessons above was to celebrate the smallest victories (or ideas)? Okay, I admit it, I love to laugh and have a good time. Ready for a party to celebrate getting a new pair of shoes just call me!!
I was hopeful that I could get at least 50 women and men to share their stories as a survivor or caregiver or medical assistant. WOW!!! I never expected to have a completed book with over 120 stories!! In a small twist of faith – yes, faith, or maybe a little quirky, whenever I see a number that is in order like 234, or 456, etc., I always send up a little prayer of thanksgiving for the many blessings in my life. If you take the time to count the number of people who have a story featured here, there are… 123!!! Some days, I thought my e-mail was going to explode! I also firmly believe this may just be the first edition of a series, who knows!
There are all kinds of stories in this book. I am certain that something here will resonate with every reader. For some of the stories I should probably issue a “tissue warning”, and for others a laughter warning, just Depends – yes, the pun IS intended!! There are stories that will warm your heart; make you laugh; cause you to pause for reflection; sometimes make you a bit angry; and others that simply tell a story of a courageous woman’s journey through life.
I have noticed a few similar themes. Many of the stories share a faith in God, or other beliefs in the Power of the Universe. For some it is a renewed faith, for others a new found faith.
There are themes of the strength found in family and friends. How vitally important it is to surround yourself with people who care. There are a few reminders that we never have to go through this alone. If you don’t relate to God or a higher power, we are also reminded that breast cancer affects many, many people, and there is always someone willing to reach out a hand of support – sometimes we just have to ask!
Another theme that emerged was a theme of thankfulness that cancer touched our lives, in fact some call it a gift. This may sound strange but there are many stories included that talk about a cancer diagnosis being the push needed to remind us of what and who are really important in our lives. In this hustle and bustle of life, which seems to get faster everyday, some people now look upon their lives in a different way because of cancer; a slower, more peaceful way.
Whichever story you find as your favorite, I pray that every person reading this book is touched by the stories and words that are written here to encourage, inspire, and make us smile!
For me, I pray that God blesses your path always and that your journey is somehow helped by a story or two in this book.
Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to collect these stories from these incredible people, and thank you for your support in reading along! May you always celebrate every moment, every detail of your life!
Blessings to you always and all ways!
Tammy
Author’s Note: The next section of the book includes stories from those closest to me while I was traveling the journey to recovery. They include my mother, Ruth, my youngest daughter, Lacey, my dear “Pinky Swear” friend, Mary and one of my best clown friends, Anita. From that point, the stories are alphabetical, but include some family connections, as noted in the stories. Read on and be blessed!!
I have also sprinkled a few “funnies” throughout the book. If you find a quote on a person’s page, it does not necessarily reflect the
opinion of that author…just a place to add some fun…
From a Mom’s/Nurse’s Point of View
Ruth Miller
“Mom - I have breast cancer”.
With those five words my world stood still as I was instantly transported over 40 years back to the time when I was a young nursing student. The dreaded “cancer” word was one that was only whispered among nursing personnel and NEVER mentioned in front of a patient. In fact, the diagnosis of cancer was not even listed anywhere on the patient chart. Diagnosis was listed in “code” as 31. The 3 was for the third letter of the alphabet – C, and the 1 was for the first letter of the alphabet – A. Thus, the 31 code informed all the medical personnel that the patient had cancer. Many times the patient did not even know! Many physicians were reluctant to even tell the patient she had cancer.
As a nursing student and later as a Registered
