Hello Candace, my old friend.
I knew you’d find me, but your timing is always inexplicably bad.
Honestly though, the day before Christmas seems to be an all time low, even for you.
But alas, for Christmas this year, I got: unexpected and fabulous time with my semi grown children. Fleetingly precious time with my parents, and while my Dad is fading he’s still the funniest one at the table. Time with old friends, nephews, niece, brother and SIL, all of whom I adore, and breast cancer.
Just as I was coming to terms with my new friend AL, another uninvited guest has arrived.
So, Candace, a few things you should know before we begin our tete a tete:
I’m still getting over my anger and frustration at losing time to Covid, so you taking any more of my time will be met with virulent passion and intensity.
You may get to hang out in my left boob (for now), but I am not letting you into my head (as much as possible) or my heart (ever).
You can have my boobs, my ovaries and my fallopian tubes, but that’s it.
You cannot make me stop making jokes, using the F-bomb whenever I choose or drinking wine. (Surely, they won’t make me stop drinking wine, will they? Bless the mother fuckers who suggest that as a treatment plan.)
Welcome to the party, Candace.
May your stay be short, your conversation skills above par, and your party manners intact.
Here’s to our new (hopefully very short) relationship,
Juli.
Dear Juli,
You are stronger than Candace. There will be many decisions to make in a relatively short time and ideas being thrown your way, but I strongly suggest you trust yourself. Also your team, but trust yourself first. I am now celebrating two years with new boobs. She also reared her ugly head in my left breast. I know you have lots of support but Amy is our mutual chum and I let her know I am here to answer any questions you might have or just to bloody scream - just don’t throw the wine glass!! (On the wine note: after my dx I didn’t/couldn’t/desire wine much. So. I switched to vodka 🤪😘)
Somehow I read these out of order🙃
But Candy came in my left boob too! Thankful for small ones or I’d never noticed her presence (ok Lew found her, have to give him the credit!)
Lots of resources available but positivity and a support crew are best medicine! Somebody you know or know of, has had a similar diagnosis but everyone’s is different and your experience and reactions to stuff will be different! I had an angel tell me lots of things - one biggie is that you are not required to listen to anybody’s horror stories! Everyone you know will tell you about their sister’s in law’s cousins awful story - you do not have to listen!! Only happy tales!! 2 yrs 9 mos cancer free🎉💕 and basically back to normal, if I ever was?!
If you would send me your address, I’ll send you one thing that I received (from my angel) and I’ve sent many on to others.
Keep on keepin on!! You’re beautiful 😊💕