C is for Color

C is for Calm
and C is for Cancer

I learned yesterday that I have an early stage breast cancer.  Not the news I was hoping for, but not the worst news either.  In a lot of ways it is just a relief to know, not to be wondering any more.  That said, I'm not all that happy to be joining the Cancer Club.  

I talked to my parents and the other people who are closest to me yesterday - didn't want to mention anything in yesterday's blip until I had a chance to break the news to those who love me most.  And I have made the firm decision to be public and open about this.  Not because I want or need sympathy but because I may be able to help someone else who is traveling this road, and I also know that I will get a lot of support from other women (and the men who love them) who've gone through this already.  

The plan is to do a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy) next Friday, followed by radiation.  Hopefully I can avoid chemo, but that will depend on if there are any stray cancers cells detected in lymph nodes.  Whatever I need to do, I'll do.  This is a small tumor and there is no reason to expect anything less than a full recovery.  But just the same, I'm planning to stock up on dark chocolate.

By happy coincidence, my besties are all coming out this weekend for a belated birthday celebration for Peg - it will be just the distraction I need.  Monday I will get cardiac clearance and Tuesday I'll have a virtual visit with the surgeon to go through all my questions.  

Today I took the kayak out for the first time this year - it was so perfect and peaceful on the lake - turtles were sunning on every log, vultures were kettling overhead, two geese were keeping pace with me, and I could hear woodpeckers drumming and bluebirds singing.  It was a short period of very welcome zen.  

I only took a few photos today- including one of  garden light that is pink (see Extra)  I decided to have a go in PS with it to create a twirl.  Pink for breast cancer, but also because it's really pretty and I think it fits the "fill the frame" theme for Abstract Thursday this week (thanks Ingeborg).  

You know what I'm going to say next ... safe, kind, chocolate.  And for all the lovely people who've already reached out to me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

xo
Debbi