I feel so blessed to have so many people, even some I’ve never met, supporting me through this. (And I feel so guilty that I’m not able to correspond with each of you and thank you all personally.) Around Thursday, my perspective seemed to change. For the better I think.
Everyone, it seems, has either had breast cancer or knows someone close who has. At breakfast with the ladies of the church (not a large gathering, maybe 10 at most), I found myself next to two breast cancer survivors. (What you want to bet that wasn’t a coincidence?) I didn’t know either of them had had it–they’re amazing, strong, involved women.
Then I had the meeting with the nurse educator that afternoon. Boy, does she have this stuff down. And I started to realize, hmmm, how to put this, I wasn’t that special.
Now, that’s not the way to put it, but as I was trying to figure out a better way to express this while waiting for the PET scan, I fell asleep. (And sleep is good!)
I guess what I’m trying to say is that while this is all new and strange and frightening to me, there’s a lot of people who have gone this way before and lots who know how to help folks get through this. I’ve had a few days with that idea buzzing around in my head and it feels good.
Dr. Burns asked Charlie and me the definition of “minor surgery.” He was surprised when we both knew that it was “surgery that happens to someone else.” Yeah, this is happening to me and that makes it feel pretty damn major, but it has happened to lots of others, and that makes it feel a little more manageable.
Laurie White's Blog 
FOR said
Laurie,
this is just a quick comment to let you know I’m still reading your notes (of course), and.. well.. still learning from you.
“And I started to realize, hmmm, how to put this, I wasn’t that special.”
Oh… but, my dear, special you are, and have always been. Not because of this illness, but because of everything else.
The way you are handling all of this is just a little demonstration of that.
F.
Julia Benson-Slaughter said
Pish tush. You ARE special, and your story is special. Reading your observations helps me remember that all the little crap in life is just, well, little crap. Plus, I remember that at Jekyll you were one of only two roommates I’ve ever had (present husband excepted) who ever brought me coffee before I had both eyes open :-).
Fran Hunt said
What a small world! Here I am reading Laurie’s blog and I see a comment from someone I knew from I won’t say how many years ago, but lost contact with. Amazing how the fabric of life is woven.
susie vanderGlas said
Breast Cancer can do some prespective changing for sure … Been there done that …And still here doing it.
Did you let that sink in Still Here !!!!! Life can be different sometimes set back Laurie take a deep breath you are starting to see the rainbow. In a blink of an eye this will be over and you will move on .. I am thinking of you often even tho I do not know you I am traveling the journey with you .. Be well my sister..
As Always Susie v