Friday, March 18, 2011

Diagnosis puts me on a roller-coaster ride

Nobody ever thinks it's going to happen to them.
At least I never did.
Last month I got a diagnosis no one would ever want to get: breast cancer.
I've become one of those "1 in 9 women get breast cancer" kind of people.

I've joined a new club. A sorority of sorts. Membership still feels surreal. Like a roller-coaster ride that doesn't end.
I never liked roller coasters.

I've been busy. I've already had what feels like 40 appointments since early February. Not that many, of course, but it feels like it.
Doctor, MRIs, blood draws, doctor, surgery, physical therapy, patient navigator, doctor, etc., etc. I meet the nutritionist Monday.
Phone calls keep coming. Bills that I cannot pay keep coming.
But I'm determined to keep going.

On the positive side, I have met the most caring most helpful health care professionals I could ever hope to meet at the brand-new Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Ct.

I cannot even put into words the good feeling I get when I walk into the building.

I really need to write about all that is going on, for my own sanity ~ everything seems to be happening at breakneck speed.

Sad to say I haven't been blogging lately; I haven't been visiting the wonderful blog friends I've made over the last four years.
I'm going to attempt an online journal of my new journey here on my humble blog. We'll see how it goes.

9 comments:

Barb said...

So that's where you've been.

I have had several women in my life -family, extended family and friends - who have received this diagnosis. Only one of them actually expected to get the diagnosis as her mother also had breast cancer. They're all survivors.

I know you must surely have a wonderful doctor and support system. Since you're a writer and a blogger, I'm glad you've decided to journal your experiences.

Big hugs :]

betty said...

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm sure you know that there is cause for optimism. Good luck in the coming battle. I'll be anxious to hear about your experiences.

Linda said...

Thank you, Patti, for finally putting into words the battle that you have been fighting so that we can now all rally around you (without having to keep our big mouths shut!) and give you the support and encouragement that you deserve and need at a time like this.

I am proud of you, my friend, and I know that you're going to get through this and be a breast cancer survivor - not a breast cancer victim.

Sending you a very big hug from the other side of the state and I'll be sure to give you a real one when we next get the chance to meet up which will hopefully be soon.

Until then, if you need me, you know where I am!

Anonymous said...

You can beat it!!!!!

LAC said...

You can do this. We will be here with you all of the way. Don't be afraid to ask for help, no matter how small. We shall pray!

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

oh honey i am so sorry, you know i had it too. it sucks i know. i am three years out and have to get more mammograms on monday. but we have come a long way. i also know medical bills are negotiable, talk to them...

big giant hugs,
bee
xoxoxoxooxxo

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

sorry, double post.

Ann DeMatteo said...

Hi Patti,
What a fantastic blog. Sorry to hear about things.
Ann DeMatteo