The other day my sister and I compared notes on our first mammograms. She’s four years younger than I am, so she wasn’t quite due yet, but she had a lumpy spot that her doctor thought was worth looking at (especially since our mother survived breast cancer almost 20 years ago). We agreed: OWWEE, but manageable. And we’re both fine.
This same week, my friend T. started chemo to treat stage II breast cancer. It was diagnosed when she was 8 months pregnant. She had a lumpectomy right away, but delayed the start of chemo until three weeks after her baby’s birth. This meant changing OBs, because her (former) doctor insisted that the only option was to deliver the baby by c-section at 38 weeks, then quickly remove the tumor and start chemo. T. refused, arguing that she’d prefer her baby to be born full term, thanks, and recover from the (nonsurgical) birth before undergoing chemo. Now that’s the kind of mama grizzly I like to support.
My friends here in Mayberry and I organized a meal schedule* for T. and her family (despite the fact that she and her husband are both trained chefs. That’s not intimidating at all). As the nominal keeper of this schedule, I’ve been lucky enough to e-meet some really lovely people, people that care about T. and her family too, people that I wouldn’t otherwise have encountered. It’s a good feeling.
Our book club will put together a care package for T. based on Susan’s list. You probably know Susan, and if you do you’ll know why I’ve posted her warrior princess minifig in the sidebar. I may not be able to deliver her a hot meal, but virtual hugs, funding for the great causes she supports, and spreading her important message as far as I can? That I can do.
And you can:
- Get your own warrior princess button
- Join the Army of Women (I’ve been a member for a year or more–it costs nothing more than your time to read the occasional email)
- Contribute to Crickett’s Answer to help breast cancer survivors
- Read more about inflammatory breast cancer
- Get a mammogram when you turn 40! We’re all doing it!
*shout-out to Foodtidings.com — so helpful!
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Thank you for the reminder to e-mail my friend!
It’s good of you to organize those meals. One of my colleagues (for whom I organized group gifts and edibles while he was going through treatment) is officially in remission, but I suspect having concerns again. Not sure how to approach this, sigh. I’m offering chances to talk, so we’ll see.
Got my mammogram during the Christmas holiday…the only other time besides summer when teachers have the time to get one. Hope your friend powers through!
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