Thursday, January 22, 2015

tHERsDay



Tomorrow is the big day - surgery day and the first major step in becoming cancer free! By this time tomorrow, I will have hit a major milestone in the recovery process. Though I'm not looking forward to the actual surgery itself, I AM looking forward to closing the door on this chapter. 

Plans have changed a little. I have breast cancer in my right breast, but a biopsy of a suspicious area in the left  indicated that I had something called Lobular Carcinoma In Situ or LCIS. Though it is NOT breast cancer, it is a cluster of abnormal cells that increase a woman's chances of developing breast cancer from 12% (average woman's chance over a lifetime) to a 40% chance. So, since I'm going under the knife anyway with the right sided lumpectomy, my surgeon suggested that she excise that tissue from the left as well. It makes sense and hey, it beats having to go back in again later! So, basically, I'll have two lumpectomies so both sides can feel nice and even!


I was at my pre-op appointment a few days ago down at the cancer center. After it ended, Dr. Fabulous ducked off to the restroom while I finished checking out with the administrative staff. On my way out to the lobby, I passed a woman not too much older than me with a scarf wrapped around her head. She was talking to the front desk woman and I heard her saying "I'm so blessed. There are so many people who have it worse."

I smiled to myself, knowing that this woman obviously has been going through chemotherapy (a bullet I have dodged) and likely will go through radiation too. I was smiling in appreciation of her gratitude despite her circumstances. She sounded so sweet and upbeat it almost made me cry because I would have looked at her and felt sorry for all she had to endure, seeing that scarf on her head. "It could be worse," I would think to myself." "I could have to go through what she is going through."

Dr. Fabulous wasn't back in the lobby yet, so I ducked into the restroom too. When I emerged, he was sitting there staring across the room with a face full of emotion and a sad smile.  
"What? What's wrong?" I asked. 
He shook his head and said nothing, but he still had that look.
"What?!?" I pressed. 
He told me that the woman across the room with the scarf on her head was with her young adult daughter who had Down Syndrome.
I glanced over nonchalantly, and it was her. It was the same woman who I overheard talking about how blessed and lucky she was and how many people have it worse. She was a caregiver to a disabled child.

There were no words at that point. 

There still are no words.

All I can think of is this. That in some way, being a caregiver to a child can sometimes tear you down, challenge you, exhaust you. Yet, at the same time it makes you a fighter. It makes you less concerned about yourself because you are so concerned with another. It makes you find humility and gratitude in the little victories embedded in the bigger stressors. 



So, even today when I got that phone call about the surprise of an additional surgical procedure? I went through a myriad of emotions but landed on this - there are so many things someone can hear, and if this is what I hear? I'll take it. I'll take it, run with it, be glad that this is all I get right now. And I'm grateful for everyone and everything that has made me stronger along the way. 

Tomorrow is game day. Look out cancer, you are getting your ass whooped. I take no prisoners. 

13 comments:

Moira said...

Time to make cancer your bee-atch!! Thinking and praying all goes well...as it will!

Kim said...

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, positive thoughts all the way. Take care!

Maggie May said...

I am sending your healthy, positive thoughts.

kario said...

Surrounding you in love and light. I will be thinking of you and hoping that all goes as good as it can and that your recovery is speedy.

Anonymous said...

Sending love and support (via Elizabeth's FB feed). I'm scheduled for a double mastectomy on Tuesday… So I think I can say, I'm totally with you on this. Cancer can suck it.

SelinsgroveMama said...

Hugs and prayers Cuz for a smooth procedure and speedy recovery. Love you!

Sia said...

Tell cancer where to shove it!!! Thinking of you! You so got this! Xoxo

Elizabeth said...

I'll be thinking of you all day tomorrow, Alicia! You'll be fine, and we're all here rooting for you with love and gratitude.

Unknown said...

I remember when I found out about CB. I was kind of shocked- you seemed to have it all together. I had in my mind that having a special need child meant you would forever be in this insane struggle and never have your stuff together. You made it all look easy. And now with this, I kind of think the same. I have always admired you, but I don't think I ever really realized how much I LOVE you! I know that is a stronger sentiment than I usually give and I am always quick with a joke... and I don't have one for this! I am mad that you got dealt bumb boobs! (There that is my joke) Please if I never say it well enough know- that I am here for you, and that this will be just a bump (pun) in the road of a successful year! I am blessed to have such a positive influence in my life! Your strength and determination inspire me! Love, Regina

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Claire said...

Hugs

Anonymous said...

Sending you good wishes that all goes well and your recovery is fast.

Monique

Anonymous said...

Tears fill my eyes as I read the words of this special young women called Alicia and I have the privilege to call my daughter in law. Her gifts are many. More then she knows. One of the most impressive is the way she loves. It is strong and royal. My son, her children and those if us that know her are the fortunate recipients of her specialness. So in Alicia's chosen style of going through life anchored in gratitude - I count her as one of the blessings in my life for which I am grateful. May God be with her all the days of her long long long life.

~Alberta

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