My neighbors daughter and I have participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure for a few years now in honor of her Mom and my aunt. In the last 6 months we have lost these heroes however the battle continues. Thank goodness for mammograms as the cancer in my breast is at the most early stage. I have definitely gone through many emotions in the last month but from everything I have read positive energy can help.
After thinking and feeling that I wasn’t in control of my own body I thought of the thing that I can control and that is my attitude. With that in mind, I planted two window boxes on the garden shed, which my bedroom window overlooks. This is my visual reminder every morning as I pull up the blinds. I have planted pink flowers as a symbol of the breast cancer, yellow flowers as a symbol of hope and each box has only 2 blue flowers as there is no room for feeling blue. I am 3 days after surgery, awaiting my follow up appt and then will start radiation after that. I will use these window boxes as a constant reminder of never losing hope and not to let the blues in.
Most sincerely
Joanne Montague
Joanne, I am touched by your story. I went through the same thing when I was diagnosed with DCIS in June or July 2002 and had so much anxiety in me waiting until my biopsy was done in Sept. of same year. I was devasted when I went to see the surgeon and my family doctor. But with the advancement in the study & research of breast cancer now we do not not have to be scared. You’re right in adopting a good attitude and I can say, from my experience, that this is what will get you through. You will sail through your radiation treatments with flying color with having always a positive attitude. I shall include you in my thoughts & prayers. Know that you are not in this alone.
I am now in my eight year being a survivor, having done with taking Tamoxifen after radiation treatments of 16 plus 5 booster sessions. This is also my 8th year doing the CIBC/CBCF Run for the Cure.
Sisterly,
Arlene G. Soril