As we sit poised on the brink of the new year, one of the more significant things that occurred this year, and that will follow me into 2011 is the breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I'd say chemotherapy is the nastiest thing I've ever had to go through -- and at this point, I am halfway through the six every-three-week treatments. Yes, it is quite as horrible as you may have heard, with nausea being the foremost complaint. I do believe I've experienced most of the side effects one may, but I'll spare my blog a list.
I find that today, I feel more about blogging through images than through words, and so:
A few highlights from the journey so far........
Here I am, just before starting chemo.
Nice hair.
(^_^)
This shows my port catheter. It is in my chest, and a tube goes up my neck.
It is a good thing.
This is my meds bag.
Isn't it cute?
and pink?
It is important to be cute and pink when undergoing breast cancer treatment.
And so I wear hats. Lots and lots of hats! I am a mad hatter! Mad I have no hair and have to wear lots and lots of hats!
Puppy Love!
Puppy Love!
We had a Merry Christmas!
I count myself highly blessed, with a loving family, wonderful friends, and more resources than most.
When I wrote to my professors to tell them I would have to postpone my dissertation proposal defense, I said that I was sorry, but I had been "unrealistically optimistic."
One of my professors wrote back to tell me that this is a good thing, that she once heard Carol Anderson and Froma Walsh (two very eminent persons in our field) say that "a characteristic of people who win health battles is that they are 'unrealistically optimistic.'"
Happy New Year!!!
and may you be as unrealistically optimistic as you like and need to be!!
May 2011 be a wonderful year!
you really rock those hats. I hadn't seen the red one before, it's my new favorite, or maybe it's just the expression on your face is so compelling. I guess this is the first time ever that I'm thinking it's a good thing that the glass is half empty! Half way there seems like such a great milestone, to have half behind you means you know you can do the rest, because you've already been through that much and came out ok. If you've never tried Seabands (helped amazingly with severe nausea), I highly recommend them. They're only nine bucks or something, you haven't lost much if they don't work.
ReplyDeleteOh Ruthie! Look how amazing you are! Even in your state, still able to communicate such beauty and strength. In our darkest days, its the best medicine. I promise that when faced with such large medical termoil, one day you will look back and it will feel like a MILLION years ago, and you will be healthy with a full head of hair and right where you are supposed to be! I applaud you for your strength and when you feel low, that's ok too. I will hug you until you're felleing better! I love you my friend!! You're an inspiration to ALL of us!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. you rock all hair(less) dos AND the hats!!!!
Xo
B
Outstanding baby. You are my rock.
ReplyDeleteLove & Bass
Wow. Pictures are powerful. I empathize with the hair loss - I only had half of my head shaved, but jeez, I should have just gone crazy and done the other half. That was the hardest part of my little skin cancer scenario. No nausea or any of that nasty business. I'm in awe of your forthcoming-ness by posting your experience on the blog. I'm forwarding along to another girlfriend who has also beat cancer, as you are.
ReplyDeleteThankful for you, friend. Keep up the courage. It is inspiring. Oh, and my non-exciting blog is at kristin-allen.com - it's been sparcely visited by myself.
Ruthie my dear, you look stunning in hats! I am so humbled by your positive attitude, and I love the bit about being "unrealistically optimistic." A great notion to carry forward in life. Much love to you!!!!!!
ReplyDelete