I don’t often tell my entire breast cancer story all at once. I usually share just bits and pieces of it. This afternoon, I talked about a few chapters with a fellow mommy while waiting in a doctor’s office. It turns out while I was being diagnosed with cancer three years ago, this woman found herself in a serious car accident. We talked about physical therapy, our long lists of doctors, our respective survivals. Our chat was short and sweet—and powerful.
This morning, I told my whole story. I talked about diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, hair loss, radiation, drug therapy, counseling, anti-depressants, hospitalizations, and doctor relationships. I talked about my hopes, my fears, my attitude, and my state of mind every step of the way. It took more then one hour of phone time to pour out every last detail for the researcher who will somehow use my information to help better the business of cancer. Our chat was long and involved—and powerful.
Talking about cancer is emotional. It forces me to revisit my travels with a life-threatening disease. It also helps me appreciate how far I’ve come, how well I’m surviving, how important it is to talk.
I told my researcher guy today that I’m willing to talk about anything related to cancer. Sure, I could be private about it all. I could keep my information inside. But I figure that doesn’t do anyone any good. Talking—and writing—about cancer is what helps. It helps me. I hope it helps others.
If you want to know something about cancer, especially breast cancer, ask me. My information is yours for the taking.
I can not imagine how difficult it must be—-but youve made your life one which impacts others daily.
pretty freakin cool.
C.
Jacki, your willingness to revisit your experiences and share your strength and wisdom is a great gift. I’m grateful to know you, and to begin finding other good people recently to talk with. Last night, for example, a volunteer from SHARE (chosen as a “match” for me) called and we talked for almost two hours. That’s a rarity for me; I’ve seldom opened up to that extent, or felt such an immediate connection with someone new, unseen… who was smart, articulate, and did me a world of good. As you have. So along with the shock of diagnosis and subsequent anxieties, these treasured connections have come into my life…
Dear Jacki,
Greetings. My name is Tara Holahan from Trusera (www.trusera.com), a free invitation-only network that connects individuals to first hand health experiences of others. We're beginning an exciting new venture with a simple starting point: To provide a safe and comfortable environment where people looking for credible, relevant health information can connect to the knowledge and experience of others who’ve “been there.”
The Breast Cancer community’s real need and demonstrated track record for sharing knowledge and support has made it one of Trusera’s first areas of focus.
I’ve been reading your blog and wanted to reach out to you because you seem to share our belief in the power of sharing and creating access to actionable information. Our members share your belief that writing helps and we believe our community would learn much from your experiences and find your thoughts empowering and inspiring. At Trusera, we believe creating the world’s largest network and repository of Breast Cancer stories/information will be extremely beneficial to those looking for knowledge, support and guidance in taking the next step.
We are reaching out to a select group of people within the Breast Cancer community—leaders and advocates—as part of an effort to build valuable, credible content on Trusera and connect existing networks of people in new, powerful ways online. We would love to discuss the different ways in which you could play a meaningful role in sparking this new resource for the Breast Cancer community. Our goal is to build a strong base of people and experiences with whom others can connect for information, support and insight.
Please let me know if I can send you an invitation to join our network.
Sincerely –
Tara Holahan
Trusera
2011 Olive Street
Seattle, WA 98122
Hi Jacki, you’re right, it does us good to talk about what we’ve been through. Some of us do it with humor, honesty, bitterness….some a combination of these and more. I blogged through my entire experience, diagnosis and treatment, recovery and recurrence. It was therapeutic. And now I can’t stop blogging! It feels good and it helps me get through what I need to get through. I’m so glad to have discovered your blog! Katie
Just got updated on your blog and again I am truely amazed by all you do for others through your writing. What a great gift you have to touch others with all you have to say and all your experiences. I am proud of you that you are taking a step to do something you want to do. You deserve to feel better about all you have went through. I will be thinking about you as the day approaches. Continue to be strong. You are an inspiration and I think of you often.
All my love from Ohio-
April
Great job on this post. Many people have been touched by Cancer and your strength inspires me. I am doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer in Toronto this june and I will be surrounded by people with stregth and a story.
Good luck and all the best!
Hi Jacki,
Just wanted to let you know you’re not alone. I’m a 3 1/2 year breast cancer survivor. Do you feel like you joined a club you had no intention of becoming a member of?
Are you on Tamoxifen? I am on it and discovered a side effect that was not mentioned on any website I could find. I wrote a blog about it today. Darndest thing those caruncles. I think the website I am giving you will take you there if you care to read about it.
Many blessings to you for reaching out and sharing with others.
Debbie
Jacki,
I had my first chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer last week. I am 40, and I have 3 children. The youngest is only 20-months-old. I came across your blog while trying to find out when exactly my hair will fall out. I can’t tell you how much your story touched me. I smiled, I cried, and I felt I had to write to tell you that you give me hope. Thank you so much for sharing your story.