Breast Cancer Journey
Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "Cured of Cancer?"My journey through breast cancer.
139 total reviews
Comment from Cooper Watt
Hi Barbara,
Although I've seen your name around Fan Story here and there for a couple of years, I don't recall ever reading or knowing your unfortunate story. I wish you well and a speedy recovery -- get those energy levels up!
One small critique:
Now I know why there's security posted around hospitals. After I considered doing him bodily harm, I decided to get ice cream. <-- I realize this is more of a journal entry than a story, but I still feel compelled to say, you SHOWED us brilliantly your state of mind with "Now I know why there's security posted around hospitals," but then you took away from the impact of that line by TELLING us how you considered doing him bodily harm. As I said, I know it's more like a diary/journal, so it's tough to critique it like a story -- I simply can't help it. I think it would be more impactful if you wronte "....around hospitals. I quickly rearranged my thoughts and decided to get some ice cream.
Also, I have question; I'm not a religious man at all. If, as you say, God will help you through this, how is it that he let it happen in the first place? I don't mean to rattle your cage, I'm simply curious to know your thoughts on it. If God let's things happen for a reason, what was his reason for allowing you to be infected with cancer?
I do sincerely wish you the best, Barbara.
Regards,
Coop.
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Hi Barbara,
Although I've seen your name around Fan Story here and there for a couple of years, I don't recall ever reading or knowing your unfortunate story. I wish you well and a speedy recovery -- get those energy levels up!
One small critique:
Now I know why there's security posted around hospitals. After I considered doing him bodily harm, I decided to get ice cream. <-- I realize this is more of a journal entry than a story, but I still feel compelled to say, you SHOWED us brilliantly your state of mind with "Now I know why there's security posted around hospitals," but then you took away from the impact of that line by TELLING us how you considered doing him bodily harm. As I said, I know it's more like a diary/journal, so it's tough to critique it like a story -- I simply can't help it. I think it would be more impactful if you wronte "....around hospitals. I quickly rearranged my thoughts and decided to get some ice cream.
Also, I have question; I'm not a religious man at all. If, as you say, God will help you through this, how is it that he let it happen in the first place? I don't mean to rattle your cage, I'm simply curious to know your thoughts on it. If God let's things happen for a reason, what was his reason for allowing you to be infected with cancer?
I do sincerely wish you the best, Barbara.
Regards,
Coop.
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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God has never promised us a life of only good things. The only promise he's made us is that when bad things happen, he will help us through them. Thank you for the kindness and I will check out that area.
Comment from fastdigits
I have given you six stars both for
the artistic and graceful manner in
which you have written this essay on
life, but also for the courageous spirit
that you have exhibited in your words. and
courage, of that I do know a bit about having been
through what you are going through with my
wife. With all this happening to you you
still retain that humor, no bitterness, which
sets you apart.
I have not stopped by and read your writings
before, and if this is a small indication, the
loss has been mine.
beautifully and gracefully done
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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I have given you six stars both for
the artistic and graceful manner in
which you have written this essay on
life, but also for the courageous spirit
that you have exhibited in your words. and
courage, of that I do know a bit about having been
through what you are going through with my
wife. With all this happening to you you
still retain that humor, no bitterness, which
sets you apart.
I have not stopped by and read your writings
before, and if this is a small indication, the
loss has been mine.
beautifully and gracefully done
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from the blue pixel
I thought I remembered you Barbara and I just had to check out this poem that appeared on the front page and of course, it all came back to me. What an inspiration you are. A beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit. You tell this part of your story with such humour and frustration, with such angst and again with such humour, with such a wonderful mix of positivity touched with a little charming negativity and more humour. I have two younger sisters who both have had breast cancer and thankfully got out of it if I can put it that way, much easier than you have and my older sister and I are kind of waiting our turns. I have remained lucky but who knows? Just for the record, my six is not a sympathy rating (forgive me for saying that and I hope it doesn't offend you), nor is it because you have been such a kind reviewer of mine recently. It is purely because you have delivered a brilliantly written piece with personality, a touch of piognancy, wonderful humour and with a theme that you don't lose sight of for a moment. I have posted 11 chapters of the book I always wanted to write but it was tearing me into pieces emotionally and I have let it go. The other reason is that I just can't write with anywhere near the same talent as you have displayed and I remember admiring you, your story and your work many months ago. Sadly, you are right about cancer. It seems to hover around if not for real, somewhere in the minds of those like you who have had to face it and those like me who expect it to knock at the door any day. I sincerely hope that after you reach your five year all clear, which is considered a cure in Australia (though I get what you mean), that you can relax a little more and believe that you are at least starting off again with a clean slate. The very best to you my friend and congratulations on coming as far as you have without letting it destroy your spirit. xx Carol
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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I thought I remembered you Barbara and I just had to check out this poem that appeared on the front page and of course, it all came back to me. What an inspiration you are. A beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit. You tell this part of your story with such humour and frustration, with such angst and again with such humour, with such a wonderful mix of positivity touched with a little charming negativity and more humour. I have two younger sisters who both have had breast cancer and thankfully got out of it if I can put it that way, much easier than you have and my older sister and I are kind of waiting our turns. I have remained lucky but who knows? Just for the record, my six is not a sympathy rating (forgive me for saying that and I hope it doesn't offend you), nor is it because you have been such a kind reviewer of mine recently. It is purely because you have delivered a brilliantly written piece with personality, a touch of piognancy, wonderful humour and with a theme that you don't lose sight of for a moment. I have posted 11 chapters of the book I always wanted to write but it was tearing me into pieces emotionally and I have let it go. The other reason is that I just can't write with anywhere near the same talent as you have displayed and I remember admiring you, your story and your work many months ago. Sadly, you are right about cancer. It seems to hover around if not for real, somewhere in the minds of those like you who have had to face it and those like me who expect it to knock at the door any day. I sincerely hope that after you reach your five year all clear, which is considered a cure in Australia (though I get what you mean), that you can relax a little more and believe that you are at least starting off again with a clean slate. The very best to you my friend and congratulations on coming as far as you have without letting it destroy your spirit. xx Carol
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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I have been told here the 5 year mark is for a survivor but not cured. I appreciate you saying the six isn't for sympathy because this post has revceived many sixes and I told my husband they're probably for sympathy. Thank you for reading and your kindness.
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I really wanted you to know what my six was for Barbara and I thank you for accepting the rather clumsy way I probably said it. May you do better than just survive and in my opinion, you are doing that in so many ways. I have a great deal of admiration for you. xx Carol
Comment from Ian Ayris
Hard to rate this one, Barbara, as it is so emotive.
My mum and my little sister both came through cancer. And living through it with them, the one thing I learned is that life is now. It is not in the next twenty, thirty, forty years. Now is all there is, for any of us. Moments of beauty surround us all, and sometimes it takes a traumatic experience, such as you describe, and one I am painfully familiar with, to see beyond the ordinariness and the rage.
Wishing you strength and love on your contiuned journey, Barbara.
Warmest regards,
Ian
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Hard to rate this one, Barbara, as it is so emotive.
My mum and my little sister both came through cancer. And living through it with them, the one thing I learned is that life is now. It is not in the next twenty, thirty, forty years. Now is all there is, for any of us. Moments of beauty surround us all, and sometimes it takes a traumatic experience, such as you describe, and one I am painfully familiar with, to see beyond the ordinariness and the rage.
Wishing you strength and love on your contiuned journey, Barbara.
Warmest regards,
Ian
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Thank you for your kindness and wisdom.
Comment from krpippa1062000
Nice piece of writing, gives great insight to the thoughts and feelings of some-one who is going through the hell of this disease. I guess the one thing you have to do is try to keep your sense of humour and you've brought that out nicely in this. I look forward to reading more from you (especially as you plan on living to 115!).
My thoughts are with you. Stay positive and keep moving forward.
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Nice piece of writing, gives great insight to the thoughts and feelings of some-one who is going through the hell of this disease. I guess the one thing you have to do is try to keep your sense of humour and you've brought that out nicely in this. I look forward to reading more from you (especially as you plan on living to 115!).
My thoughts are with you. Stay positive and keep moving forward.
Comment Written 29-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Thank you for your kindness.
Comment from Slush Pile
Barbara...it's great to know you 'are doing well'. How in the world did your sense of humor survive those treatments? I DO remember you in my prayers (as promised long ago) and I know God will be with you in all things. I wouldn't count on living to be 115, though. I hear life sucks after 110.
:-)
Blessings, Slush Pile (deni)
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Barbara...it's great to know you 'are doing well'. How in the world did your sense of humor survive those treatments? I DO remember you in my prayers (as promised long ago) and I know God will be with you in all things. I wouldn't count on living to be 115, though. I hear life sucks after 110.
:-)
Blessings, Slush Pile (deni)
Comment Written 28-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Thank you for your kindness and wisdom.
Comment from Tellis
Glad to hear you're doing well enough to joke about it. Doctors don't like to make those kind of statements I guess. For the fatigue, I think the low vitamin D is part of the problem. Are they having you take vitamin supplements?
Tellis
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Glad to hear you're doing well enough to joke about it. Doctors don't like to make those kind of statements I guess. For the fatigue, I think the low vitamin D is part of the problem. Are they having you take vitamin supplements?
Tellis
Comment Written 28-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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I take a ton of vitamin supplements. Everytime my doctor's think something another vitamin is added. I am sure they are in bed with the vitamin companies too. I will have to write another update on that, thanks for the idea. I appreciate your kindness.
Comment from Shirley B
Dear Barbara, Way to go Shoot for 117. I am with you all the way. I went down to see if I had breast cancer, but I had a seizure while having the test, so they called 911. Great. They told me they want my seizures under control more! LOL. I did find out however I am in the high category. I will go back, But I guess I scared them to much. I just got back from visiting my son in Waco Tx and deceived right now, I don't want to know. I will know later. Keep us updated. Still praying for you, Shirley
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Dear Barbara, Way to go Shoot for 117. I am with you all the way. I went down to see if I had breast cancer, but I had a seizure while having the test, so they called 911. Great. They told me they want my seizures under control more! LOL. I did find out however I am in the high category. I will go back, But I guess I scared them to much. I just got back from visiting my son in Waco Tx and deceived right now, I don't want to know. I will know later. Keep us updated. Still praying for you, Shirley
Comment Written 28-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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I am sure you struggled with the heat in TX. Waco isn't that far from me. We play them in football. Thank you for your kindness. You're in my prayers.
Comment from l.raven
OK That's what I like to hear.115 years old.Of course I don't want to live past 80.That's enough time for me.Get here and then move on.I want a new home with white pearly gates and a bed of soft clouds.And every one back around me.And God as my President.You will be fine.Just believe it.Gods promise is to be with us when we need he.And he is.
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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OK That's what I like to hear.115 years old.Of course I don't want to live past 80.That's enough time for me.Get here and then move on.I want a new home with white pearly gates and a bed of soft clouds.And every one back around me.And God as my President.You will be fine.Just believe it.Gods promise is to be with us when we need he.And he is.
Comment Written 28-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Thank you for your kindness and support.
Comment from catch22
I love it! My own mother is a cancer survivor and I grew up with her going through chemo, and you hit the nail on the head. The UNCERTAINTY of the whole process is almost worse than knowing one way or another. I love that you put a comical spin on the doctors, who are supposed to be experts but are as uncertain as you about the outcome of the whole process. I love that you invoke God in the end of the piece, because all this uncertainty over life and death leaves a big gaping hole for faith to step in. Kudos and best of luck and wishes to making the most of every day!
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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I love it! My own mother is a cancer survivor and I grew up with her going through chemo, and you hit the nail on the head. The UNCERTAINTY of the whole process is almost worse than knowing one way or another. I love that you put a comical spin on the doctors, who are supposed to be experts but are as uncertain as you about the outcome of the whole process. I love that you invoke God in the end of the piece, because all this uncertainty over life and death leaves a big gaping hole for faith to step in. Kudos and best of luck and wishes to making the most of every day!
Comment Written 28-Jun-2011
reply by the author on 29-Jun-2011
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Thank you for your kindness.
