DAY 12: Breast Cancer Journal

Our Health

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October 10, 2009

Anonymous The Meadville Tribune Sat Oct 10, 2009, 11:49 PM EDT

Did I ever tell you waiting rooms suck?

The anticipation of what lies ahead and seeing it sitting right there beside me is disconcerting.

I see people that have just been diagnosed, those that are in the midst of their treatment, those waiting for the start of their chemo, those that have just had surgery, those that have a recurrence and those that are here for their normal checks for THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

What is normal about any of that?

I don’t deny that we have a common thread but that doesn’t mean I want to live, feel, see, and smell it all over and over again.

The faces of optimisim, fear, confidence and acceptance as well as denial and, yes, even joy - they are all looking at each other and determining where to draw the lines.

I bring an I pod ( whatever the device was called to listen toback then), a book, a sudoku, candy, popcorn(my mainstay in all storms) lip balm, a pen, a blank notebook that haunts me for lack of words, and hidden in the bottom, a cross.

Yes, a cross.

I am a believer.

I have faith, I am not angry or distraught, just lost - I pray.

In my life I have learned to make wishes, carry a lucky penny, avoid black cats and going under ladders and I do a lot of inner talk.

There are people all around but no one really sees or hears me, I am haunted by myself and my own thoughts. Everyone is loving and caring but, I am alone.

This is the most alone I have ever been but really the first time I am really defined.

I am Cancer.

Cancer defines me, my every moment, my every thought and directs my daily activities.

I have needs and emotions and support, and a sea of do-gooders who just don’t know what to say or do. A hug cures more than chemo, Hug me!

I am laughing, I am always laughing it is my rock. I look to humor as my biggest support and it does not fail me.

I enjoy sharing my humor with others and turning their dark to light when possible.

What happens when the cancer is gone, is there a me left?

What is my definition then?

Ah yes, my humor, yup- it is still there. Funny, I thought I misplaced it for awhile.

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DAY 12: Breast Cancer Journal

A clean-energy plan to use solar energy in eastern Pennsylvania has been met with resistance, even by environmental groups. Do you think solar energy has a future as a valuable energy source in Pennsylvania?

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