Coming Home to Joy at Stage IV and the New 100+
Updated: Dec 14, 2024
During a routine yearly mammogram, on October 16, 2024, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer), which I learned within the month, had likely metasticized to my sternum in one spot. Although I am still amidst testing (a third biopsy - of the bone, ouch - awaits), early drug treatment to shrink tumors; and not more than a bit of confusion, this plunks me soundly into Stage IV. I have learned that staging is complex too; and every person is unique. I have very little concrete idea what the months ahead will look like. I vacillate between tiny synapses of terror to believing I am the luckiest woman alive. Love is winning and I am supported by too many amazing humans to put in a blog post.
Cancer does not define me, but it surely is a bumpy road at the moment. I don't like talking about myself and hiding under a log was an initial thought. Yet vulnerability, transparency and honest conversation with loved ones have been my lifelines. We have to talk openly, share and dispel the medical fear and misinformation that is so pervasive. There are SO many women and men taking control of their bodies amidst cancer diagnoses, no matter their stages or kinds, and suddenly anecdotal stories become nutrient-rich food to be shared, nutured and perhaps another's key to vibrant living NOW, when it is so crucially important. They are my heroes.
I am a graced with a dear friend Jaime, who is amidst her publishing journey with a memoir about sobriety and finding God. We have exchanged ideas about various forms of putting yourself, and your art, out there in the world. Jaime gave the strength to post this today.
Alas, here are the new 100 (and growing) images, ever reminding me of the love, beauty and downright amazing humans, animals, spirituality and nature that grace my life. Every day is a gift; and I vow to keep my heart open wide to never lose sight of that.
Enjoy a tiny trip through my present and near past. From Sri Lanka to the swamps of funky Florida to the excitement of my niece Sophie's Eventing shows at the Kentucky Horse Park to the cat sanctuary for the "end of the road" cats (and the wondrous new friends I found there) (https://allaboutcatshhi.org/) on my beloved Hilton Head Island.
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