I am surrounded by positive and proactive people. The first thing that most of you ask is, “What can I do to help?” This questions exhausted me at first, but with the help of a couple of friends, I have come up with a reply.
- First and foremost, you can make sure you are current on your mammogram and do self exams. They work, trust me, I know. Even men can get breast cancer, so they need to check themselves as well. Your health is important to me, and statistically, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 1000 men will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
- You can send me funny or encouraging (not everyone can be a comedian) emails and notes in the mail. I will find a basket to collect all of these so I can read them as I go along. Years ago, I created a “Feel Good” file where I store the many nice notes that people have sent me. On days where I wonder if I’m really making a difference in the world, I pull it out and remind myself that I have touched others.
- If you live close enough, you can visit or meet me for lunch.
- You can hug me like you mean it. I don’t hurt or feel bad at this time. I feel remarkably good in fact.
- You can ask Gene and the kids how they are doing.
- You can pray, send positive thoughts, stay positive and support me as I do this my way.
- And finally, if you are so inclined, you can wear something pink for me as a show of support on the 29th . . . nail polish, socks, underwear, shirt, tie, jewelry (oh yes!), or a stinkin big pink bow in your hair. Send me your photos and I will post a collage on my website. (Don’t send me photos of your underwear. It would simply be too much to bare – get it?)
I am normally not a pink kind of girl, but on the 29th I am going to wear a big pink bow in my hair in honor of you and your recovery. I have no doubt people will ask because I am not a bow person either. So I will tell them to pray and send healthy, happy thoughts your way! Thanks for reminding us to ask and include Gene and kids, they sometimes get forgotton! I just remembered Dolly may be the only other person than my family that sees my pink bow on Monday. I will bring one for Dolly too!
How could I have forgotten Dolly! A bow for her is a great idea. I will leave the camera where you can find it to take her picture. She hates to be left out.
You are just too funny. I love the way you are approaching this. I wish I could have seen Gene and you throwing the eggs. Of course I will wear pink on the 29th, maybe I will even get uncle Larry to wear some also. Prayers are with your whole family.
I can’t wait to see my sister Jo with a pink bow in her hair! She’s right, she’s not a pink person! Dang, I have pink underwear just for such occasions but now I’m going to have to buy a new pink outfit since you don’t want underwear pics. I don’t do bows!
I don’t know Uncle Larry but I can’t wait to see his pic too! I’ll bet my sister will look better than Uncle Larry!
Hi Kathy, I am very disappointed that you have been chosen to join The Club. Yes, I mean the cancer club. For what it’s worth. Welcome! It isn’t my favorite club to belong to but it has been one filled with love, blessings and strength. I think it had better perks sometimes than my Costco card! 🙂 There will be some absolutley down right funny stuff happen. Like spending time with the family looking up nipple tattoos online for your reconstruction. Or deciding if you want the Raquel Welch long and curly wig or the short and sassy. Still wish I went for the long one! Or seeing how long you can milk the “Could you get me a glass of water, I have cancer.” The kids get over that fast. Actually after surgery, Meghann pointed out that I was practical cancer free and could no longer use it as an excuse. Nice! After the intial shock of losing your hair, you will come to enjoy the care free feeling of no bad hair days! And how wonderful scarves look. And the fact that you will not have to WAX your upper lip!!!! I will be following you and praying and WEARING pink on the 29th. Hang in there! I am up for a good chat anytime!!!!
Chris, I’m holding my sides laughing as I read your post! I must admit that the thought of milking this has occurred to me. Steven is flying home so he can “help do stuff” as he says. I’m wondering if I can come up with a list of things I have been putting off and keep it in my pocket and sneak a peek when he isn’t looking.
As for nipple tattoos, a male friend of mine said he was going to get “hot” tattooed on his right side and “cold” on the left after his mastectomy. It has been hillarious following his recovery.
I’m glad Steven is heading home. As much as we want to protect our kids they really want to be supportive and help out.I asked Meghann to contact Steven. Sometimes the kids need an ear. As for the “tattoos” Meghann and Catherine suggested I use seasonal stickers. You know, snowflake…heart..shamrock…etc. 🙂
Stay Strong and PINK On!!!!
I will be Pretty in Pink on the 29th…without a doubt and thinking of you!! It’s amazing how many friends and family are Members of this Club but probably few are facing it with your humor, style and grace…wishing we could DO LUNCH before your big day but since it’s a plane ride away guessing that’s not going to happen! But don’t count it out…would love to come and visit and meet Gene and Dolly!
Kathy,
I LOVE your sense of humor! You want pink for the 29th – well, you’ll get some from me – can’t promise that it will be “pretty” but it will be PINK! Hugs, kisses, prayers, and PINK to ALL of you. You are SO blessed to have Gene right by your side through all of this. Love you.