THINK PINK - CHOICES

This blog was designed to feature things which bring joy and beauty to my life;

It has taken me a while to figure out how to talk about something which is going on, and which is at first glance, anything but a source of joy, fun and happiness.

About eight weeks ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer in the left breast.

My first response was denial (not uncommon, cancer always happens to other people).

I met up with two lovely ladies from the Kim Walters Choices program,

who gave me information, reading material, a special cushion, and a fabric bag to hold drains.  Drains??  What is that all about??

My first choice was to have a wide excision day surgery, followed by radiation.

The wide excision had cancer in the margins.

I was spoilt by so many nice people, who sent prayers, flowers, cards, emails, and rang to check on me. 

 I did find joy and happy times in all this.

I returned 12 days later for further surgery, a wider excision and removal of a lymph node.  This time I was 24 hours in hospital.

While I recovered I made up this Liberty fabric, purchased in London 3 years ago.

At last the time seemed right for a pink floral loose shirt.

Today I saw my surgeon again, and to his surprise there was far more cancer in the second excision than he or his colleagues had anticipated.

It is DCIS, but very widespread.

Once again, I had to face Choices:

Go with radiation, but chances are much higher that it will escalate further in the next year.

Or have the entire breast removed.

That is what I chose.

My mastectomy will be this Friday afternoon.

The silver lining is that there is quite a good chance that I will not need to have radiation therapy, which I had dreaded, nor take strong and debilitating drugs.

Fingers crossed.

My diet is now focussed on careful avoidance of the carcinogenic,

and the consumption of appropriate amounts of high antioxident foods,

like these tasty products ....

Now, back to the fun things.

Her Majesty, looking gorgeous in pale pink last week.

I hope she is enjoying her Jubilee.

And I hope you have a good week too.