Since I've been diagnosed with PSTD, and am about to embark on treatment specific to this issue, I feel compelled to research what this means. EMDR, the current treatment for PSTD, addresses the connections in the many components of our brain. I will be undergoing the same treatment as a soldier returning from war, … Continue reading The Paradox of Fear
Cancer
My “battle” with ovarian cancer.
The Universe or Coincidence?
Today I went to the funeral of a young woman who died of ovarian cancer. She was 36 years old. way too young to die. She did good deeds, she made an impact, she lived every minute of her short life. She started a project thanking cancer researchers via letters from survivors, a project … Continue reading The Universe or Coincidence?
Leave My Attitude Alone
I just finished reading a summation of a celebrities journey with cancer, in which she claims that to survive cancer you must believe you will "win". She went on to say that all of the "survivors" she knew had this belief. I am dumbfounded by this. Of course the women she knows believe they are … Continue reading Leave My Attitude Alone
Cancer Changed Me. Get Used To It.
A friend of mine is “battling” breast cancer, and I spent some time with her today, running errands, having lunch, chatting. She asked me if I am different after cancer. I told her a few ways I’ve changed, and when I got home I checked my blog to see if I’ve written about this. I … Continue reading Cancer Changed Me. Get Used To It.
Vomitus Invitationus
My mother always says that I make friends where ever I go, and this is true. I have no trouble meeting new people, and I can become fast friends with some. In fact, I become such close friends with some that I do what I call “vomiting invitations”. I have been known to invite virtual … Continue reading Vomitus Invitationus
Yo Doc – Why You Gotta Be So Rude?
I view Dr’s as better than me, in the sense that they are smarter, more motivated, make more money, have more status, look great in white and, in a curious twist, are fairly good looking. (How is that fair, by the way?) On a human level though, which ultimately we all are, I know they … Continue reading Yo Doc – Why You Gotta Be So Rude?
The Meaning Of Brave
One of my pet peeves of cancer, and a pet peeve of many cancer patients I know, is suddenly being told we are“brave”, “courageous’, a “fighter” and even a “role model”. Most other cancer patients I speak with despise these sentiments. It’s not like I Chose Cancer. I didn’t sidled up to the take out … Continue reading The Meaning Of Brave
Stop With The Platitudes
Individuals in my situation, cancer “survivors”, or those going through divorce, are bombarded with Platitudes. These statements are uncomfortable at best, hurtful at worst. The reason for this is that a platitude “is a statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful” (dictionary.com) . In … Continue reading Stop With The Platitudes
Silver Linings of Cancer – Gratitude
It's hard to find the good in cancer, yet it is there. While still in treatment I found it imperative to focus on the good, since treatment is pretty damn bad. Here's what I came up with. My top 10 silver linings 10. No more bad hair days. And, no need to shave! 9. … Continue reading Silver Linings of Cancer – Gratitude
Old Me Versus New Me
Pre versus Post Cancer I have often heard “cancer changed everything”. I thought this was just one of those cliché’s we all hear, but is clearly an exaggeration. I’ve been dealing with chronic, debilitating illness for 19 years, so how could cancer change my perspective of my life? Yet it did. My life is … Continue reading Old Me Versus New Me
Groomed but Escaped 