Words

"Words are just words until you give them the power to affect you." ~ Unknown

What They Say

It will be okay.

It's malignant.

It's small.

You have cancer.

You will need only radiation and oral medication.

You're going to be okay.

The margins were clear.

The lymph node was clear.

It was Stage 1a, Estrogen-positive, HER-2 negative

It's the best kind of cancer to have if you have to have breast cancer.

Six weeks of radiation and oral medication will be all you need.

You're going to be okay.

What do you know about the tumor you had?

It was Luminal Type-B.

You are high risk.

Chemotherapy will get rid of any errant cells and lessen your chance of recurrence.

You will have four infusions, one every 21 days.

You're going to be okay.

There's 93-96% survival rate

You will lose your hair.

You will be extremely tired.

You may have mouth sores.

You will need to hydrate.

You're going to be okay.

You might experience chemo brain.

You will be bald.

You should buy a wig.

You should buy a turban.

You should buy cold socks.

You're going to be okay.

You will bruise more easily.

You will be at high risk for infection.

Chemo can increase chances of heart/lung problems.

Chemo can increase chances of another cancer.

You might be moody.

You're going to be okay.

Your might lose your nails.

Your hair will grow back a different color.

Your hair will grow back a different texture.

Your hair might never grow back.

You will have hot flashes.

You're going to be okay.

Your joints will hurt.

You may have heartburn.

You may have nausea.

Your taste will change.

You may have peripheral neuropathy.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

What I Hear

You have cancer.

You are high risk.

You need chemo.

You're going to be okay.

You have cancer.

You are high risk.

You need chemo.

You're going to be okay.

You have cancer.

You are high risk.

You need chemo.

You're going to be okay.

You have cancer.

You are high risk.

You need chemo.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

You're going to be okay.

What I Think

I am lucky.

It could be worse.

I can do this.

I can't do this.

I'm going to be okay.

I am afraid.

I am strong.

No, I'm not.

I am afraid.

I'm going to be okay.

God give me strength.

I feel vulnerable.

I feel selfish.

I feel alone.

I am not alone.

I'm going to be okay.

I have my husband.

I have my son and daughter-in-law.

I have my family.

I have my friends.

I'm going to be okay.

I don't want to lose my hair.

I'm going to lose my hair.

If I lose my hair, I won't have bad hair days for months.

If I lose my hair, I'm getting a pink wig....and maybe a red one.

I'm going to be okay.

Chemo brain scares the hell out of me.

I can't deal with chemo brain.

I will need to meditate.

I will need to keep active.

I'm going to be okay.

I want to smash dishes.

I want to hide until this is over.

I want to scream.

I want to run away.

I'm going to be okay.

I can't do this.

I can do this.

It could be worse.

I am lucky.

I'm going to be okay.

I'm going to be okay.

I'm going to be okay.

I'm going to be okay.

I'm going to be okay.