Almost ten years ago, when my girls were much much younger, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. It was shortly after my youngest was weaned and she saw me as I emerged from the shower. As I remember it, the conversation between the two of us went something like this:
Shann: Mommy, you don’t have a nursing? It’s gone?
Me: Yes honey, it’s gone.
Shann: Will you get another one?
Me: No. I don’t think so.
Shann: That’s okay Mommy. Maybe tomorrow.
I have held that memory close throughout the years. That simple acceptance that no matter what, that I was still Mommy, still me was a gift beyond measure. It carried me through the physical healing process from surgery, the nausea and hair loss from chemotherapy. I don’t know if either girl understood then, or if they will ever know how much the simplicity of their acceptance helped carry me through that time in my life.
Maybe tomorrow. That tomorrow is almost here. Next Monday I will undergo the reconstruction phase of this journey. It seems weird to write of it but it is part of my cancer journey and recovery. It won’t be easy. But it is time.

60/365 Woolgirl Rocks!
eta 3/2/10: I apologize for my really awful editing last night when I posted this. Sorry!














