The Blog about my cancer journey has been relatively silent over the past few weeks. There have been some big life events; I have shared some, but we have also been traveling and very busy. After returning from my mother’s funeral in June, I admit I didn’t feel much like blogging.
I do recall saying I would blog as long as I feel like it. Well, now I am so close to the end of my cancer journey, I wanted to share with you. You have walked this journey with me, and I knew you would want to know how the journey ends.
Many folks have asked, “how are you doing?” Neighbors have brought me flowers. And visits to churches with my hubby have given me opportunities to share my story. At least parts of it. It’s a long story! But now we are finally coming to an end. You may have thought it was already over by now. My silence may have alluded to that mistaken belief. Surprise! Finally, after 20 months, my journey is coming to an end. I wrote about closure of my mom’s house a couple of weeks ago. Now it’s my turn!
The Light is getting very bright at the end of the tunnel, and I am happy to report it is NOT an oncoming train!
I am fairly transparent in these blogs. I share my emotions, the details of my treatment and surgeries. I admit the reconstruction is a little more difficult to talk about. I discuss it with my closest friends (and even show them my belly scar if they want to see it). However my ingrained modesty tells me I should be quiet and keep certain femininities to myself.
Our society has objectified women to the point that many can’t think of breasts without sexualizing the conversation. A few months ago I was completing my annual ethics training required for work. They gave an example on sexual harassment involving breast reconstruction. Naturally my ears perked up and I paused for a few minutes. I imagined the woman (offender) was recovering from breast cancer, and just wanted to share her new knowledge of the reconstruction process. (Talking about it does help us process). However, her coworker filed a complaint, feeling sexually harassed because she was pulling up plastic surgeons who have pictures of reconstructed breasts on their websites.
Really? I was surprised, but then I realized this is a touchy subject for most people. We have to be so careful not to say the wrong thing to the wrong person.
I have become so accustomed to discussing the details of my body with doctors and friends I wonder if my modesty filter has turned somewhat cloudy. I apologize in advance if I’m not “PC” enough as I share my journey. If you are easily offended, or if we work together, please don’t read my blog. Just stop here. Turn off your computer. Move to another website. Go watch TV or something. Just don’t read any further. You’ve been duly warned!
Final Step – Tomorrow! Stay tuned for more, if you dare…
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À la prochaine (Until next time) …