My children are back in a few hours from their week at their father’s house and I can’t wait to see them. I’ve had a lovely week at home – being busy and spending lots of time with Builder Bloke and catching up with friends, but it’s very different without them around. I hope they’ve all had a good time.
Things are good and bad in my neck of the woods. As ever. My father is in pain after yet another operation and we’re all going to go and see him tomorrow. Keeping everything crossed that he’s going to get better soon.
A very, very good friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s been a huge shock for her. I saw her several times over the weekend and she is being unbelievably brave and positive and is as fantastically bubbly as ever. She’s got to have a mastectomy. The operation will involve reconstructive surgery at the same time – she is delighted to report that they will be using fat from her stomach to create her new breast. The plastic surgeon reconnects all the blood vessels so it will actually be living tissue from her own body in her new breast. How amazing. Her surgeon has told her that this operation will cure her. She won’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Just one very big operation and then thats it. She can move on with her life again.
She said I could write about it and I know she reads my blog. All I want to say to you my gorgeous friend is that you are loved by many and we are all full of admiration for the way you are dealing with it. You are a beautiful, strong and capable woman who has proved to be far stronger in the face of adversity than I could ever hope to be and you know that we, your friends will be with you every step of the way:-
“The woman who has laughed is the same one who will cry, and that is why you can tell from the way a woman is when she is happy how she will be in the face of adversity.”
Simone Schwarz-Hart
You are an inspiration to us all.
August 16th, 2010 at 4:14 am
Oh so lovely and so so true ! x.
August 16th, 2010 at 6:04 am
Good luck to your friend. I am on chemotherapy at the moment and find that trying to stay happy (can’t quite do bubbly)helps to keep the monsters at bay. And I wrap myself in the love of friends.
I am blogging the experience if there is anyone out there who needs to be reassured that it is not all horrible. http://www.twocrumbliesandacat.blogspot.com and you get nice photos of Mallorca, too.
Look after yourself and BB. I’m sending snarls to the other two. See, cancer doesn’t make you a saint, either!
August 16th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Thanks Di, I’m sorry to hear that – I’ll def be over to see you Lx
August 17th, 2010 at 10:21 am
Welcome any time. xx
August 16th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Sending all good wishes to your father and your friend,xx
August 16th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Thanks xx
August 16th, 2010 at 10:28 am
Hey, my mum’s got breast cancer and I made her a post op pillow that she’s found indispensable. The hospital did give her one but it wasnt the right shape or the kindest fabric. Would your friend like me to make her one? It’s no trouble at all x
August 16th, 2010 at 10:36 am
What a lovely idea – I’m sure she’d really find that a help – hadn’t thought of things like that Lx
August 17th, 2010 at 4:13 am
Your friend sounds wonderful! I’m walking 60 miles (96.6 kilometers) this weekend for breast cancer awareness, treatment and research in hopes that maybe it’s not such a big shock to any of us ever again. Life is hard enough on its own.
August 17th, 2010 at 9:05 am
good for you – I do a breast cancer walk every year too – it’s v important! Lx
August 17th, 2010 at 8:41 am
You echo all of our thoughts about our lovely friend. So strong, positive and funny – I’m full of admiration. Xxxx
August 23rd, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Have been catching up with your blog after our holiday. I usually read but usually don’t comment. Just had to this time regarding our gorgeous, brave friend who you can only admire with love and affection for being truly amazing with this facing her. Only would she be happy to be getting a tummy tuck at the same time! We will certainly all be there every step of the way getting her through this.
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Hear hear and thanks for leaving a comment – she is truly amazing isn’t she?? Lx
August 24th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
She sure is! How do I get Coleman off my name sure have typed Julie C (a lot more cooler!) Hope to see you soon xx
August 24th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Don’t know – should be able to change it the next time you want to leave a comment Lx
September 30th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Felt so hepoelss looking for answers to my questions…until now.