My cancer story was actually quite simple but, nonetheless, shocking.
You see, I have been fundraising voluntarily since 1976 because I believe “we should take care of each other.” I am a full time blues vocalist and my “shameless begging style to spread awareness” worked magic during performances.
Oh boy. Since I have been telling people for centuries to “be informed and NOT in fear,” I was now in a position to walk my talk. And I did. I HAD to!
After a “concerning spot” appeared on my MRI, I had a biopsy on Thursday, April 28, 2011 and I was diagnosed with “breast cancer” at 4:11pm on Friday, April 29, 2001 in Scottsdale, Arizona while visiting two great friends. Since my hubby was in Las Vegas where we lived, I called and told him the news. Then I called all my friends to make sure they, too, were aware. Then I went to an art party with my two great friends.
Saturday, April 30, I went shopping all day.
Sunday, May 1, I laid by their pool in their gorgeous sanctuary backyard.
Monday, May 2, at 7 AM, I was looking at my doctor and her scroll of “things I needed to do” before a lumpectomy.
I didn’t live in Arizona, but I got out my GPS, went to every place on her list for blood work, tests, oncology, etc., finished it up on Tuesday, May 3.
And on the morning of Wednesday, May 4, I was on her surgery table getting that lumpectomy.
Oh yeah…Thursday, May 4, I was heavily bandaged and out running my 2-mile trek like usual.
With my lumpectomy surgery complete (and with help from the biopsy bruising), I now had a greenish-black breast that I affectionately named “My Franken-Booby!” I was now on track for 45 rounds of radiation, no chemo and lots of scans.
After six weeks of radiation, I watched the flesh decompose under my right armpit. I just have to say that was bizarre, unbelievable and a little funny in a sick sort of way. It smelled like rotting raw chicken meat, funky gym shorts and stinky armpit, and made it impossible to wear a bra. So I didn’t.
And I cut the right side out of every shirt, went places and told them I was “an Imhotep mummy (LOL!) so please forgive my rotting, stinky armpit and my open to the public boob!” Most people looked really concerned once they heard the word “cancer,” but laughed once they realized I had a pretty good sense of humor about my status. Yep…got the chance to use my “Heal your Heart through Laughter & Prunes!” inspirational message on myself!
So, there you have it. It’s not really a giant story compared to so many others I have read, heard or seen but, it keeps reminding me why I will always continue to fight for breast cancer awareness, inspiring others at all times and the strength of positive thoughts and humor.
