Everything I Need to Know I Learned After Chemo


The following is a message that was posted on Care Pages while I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I tend to see life’s challenges and disappointments through a lens of humor as a means of processing and coping. This is not meant to belittle the battles so many face with this disease and its treatment. Cancer is not funny.

Pictured are members of For the Breast of Us, a support group whose mission is to empower women of color affected by breast cancer to make the rest of their lives the best of their lives through education, advocacy and community. My friend, Miranda, is a Baddie Ambassador with For the Breast of Us and works with Reconstruction of a Survivor, CanCare, Inc, Wig Out, and leads a support group at Methodist Hospital. She has used her experience with breast cancer to help others. I am in awe.

 

June 11, 2011

After my diagnosis, tests, and first chemo, I have received life lessons that I would like to share.

1.    Listen Carefully to the Doctor

I was intentional about writing as the doctor shared my dietary instructions related to chemo side effects.  “……do not worry about being on a diet…….. eat several…..meals a day……eat what you like.”   After gaining several pounds, I reviewed my notes and realized my summary left a lot of blanks. What he actually said was “IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE EATING do not worry about being on a diet. IF NAUSEA IS A PROBLEM, eat several SMALL meals a day. IF YOU HAVE NO APPETITE, eat what you like.” I need to revisit Weight Watchers.

2.   Prayer is Available and Powerful

The power of prayer has sustained me, and the source of prayer has awed me. I’ve received assurance of prayer from friends and family, from Kenya, Jerusalem, Cote d’Ivoire and Ireland, from churches, convents, and a synagogue, from a biker group and my hair stylist, from my co-workers and my family’s co -workers, and even from Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter! No word from the space station yet……..

3.    Every Day with Hair is a Good Hair Day

Please disregard this lesson and watch for the post titled “Bandanas and Turbans and Scarves…Oh My!”

4.   Insurance Reform is Needed

As I left my doctor’s office and tried not to give in to my fears and tears, the receptionist stopped me to remind me of my co-pay. Nobody should have to pay $20 to hear “You have cancer.” That’s just wrong.

5.    It’s Not All About Chemo

My doctor warned me that with “red devil” chemo my urine would be orange for a few days. But the day I rinsed my mouth with my usual baking soda solution and saw orange saliva I reached for the phone to call the doctor….until my daughter reminded me I had just eaten a red popsicle. Not all symptoms are chemo side effects.

6.   “Everything I Need to Know” is a Myth

I have learned that, although I love Robert Fulghum’s kindergarten lessons, there is simply no time when I will have learned everything I need to know. School is still in session.

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