I was invited to speak at a Victorian tea this weekend. I had been asked to wear a period costume, which the organizers rented for me. I got to pick out a lovely Victorian dress from a local costume shop. I would not have been able to choose the dress I chose if I had not had reconstructive surgery. There were other dresses I could have chosen, but this one, a bright red off the shoulder and tightly laced in the back, looked terrific on me. I wore it with a black feather boa and long black gloves. It was a spectacular event, and I rose to the occasion.
Speaking to large crowds is something I enjoy. I also train others to do it. Part of the success in my method comes with being confident in what you are wearing so that you do not have to be pulling on a hem, or praying that you do not spill out of your attire. I remember well the first few months after my mastectomy when I was only comfortable in a cami with fiberfill in place of my breast. Well, inevitably, by 3:00 p.m each day, my ?breast? would be on my shoulder. Often, my youngest son, (twelve at the time), would say, ?Mom, your boob is sliding up again.?
Reconstruction has been a blessing for me. I have enjoyed this hot humid summer in t-shirts and tank tops with no concern of a full bra and heavy silicone prosthesis. I know it is a little thing when you regain your health and life after surgery and treatment, but my goal is to live as outwardly unaffected by cancer as possible. It is my way of winning. A couple of weeks ago a woman in her early 60s came into my husband's store and told me about her breast cancer. When I told her I also had battled breast cancer and had undergone reconstructive surgery, she was quite interested in the DIEP procedure. Her complaint was the discomfort in the way her clothes were fitting. Other health problems ruled out other types of reconstruction, but it was something she really wanted.
It is clear that I will require more plastic surgery to my breasts. One is considerably smaller than the other and has an indent. I just haven't been able to schedule the final procedures. Even with these imperfections, it still makes things much easier and makes me feel more normal.
Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease and some very good work is being done to raise awareness and explore preventative measures. Unfortunately, there is still a downside.
This is the fact that these two words "breast cancer" strike fear into the hearts of most women. We all know that it is these dreaded words that sets the alarm bells ringing. The psychological aspect of this means that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer her stress levels skyrocket, putting an extra load on the body when she can cope with it the least.
It is of course her attitude towards these words that could be the greatest influence in her recovery.
Having survived breast cancer myself, I feel that some of the healing process is in part how you view the disease itself. As anyone who's read any of my previous articles will know, I did make considerable lifestyle changes to facilitate recovery. I'm also convinced that a big part of the process was down to the attitude I adopted towards cancer.
I had great faith in my surgeon and after the operation when he told me he had removed the cancer I believed him; totally. However, I also understood that the surgeon had done his part, now it was down to me to make sure the cancer didn't come back.
During the recuperation period there is plenty of time to think. It was during this time, that I was able to work out what I think was the cause of my breast cancer. It is a good time to find a strategy for post-breast cancer lifestyle. I had several challenges on a personal level; self-confidence being one of the issues. So I bought several books on the subject that were a real help in getting me back on track.
I've never liked the word remission, because it always seems to me that when someone says they are in remission, it is as if they expect the cancer to come back. The Law of attraction states that you will attract what you think about the most. If you spend your time expecting the cancer to come back, the odds are pretty good that it will. Of course I have absolutely no medical qualifications, and I don't profess to know the answers, I can only say what has worked for me.
I've always believed that stress caused my breast cancer, and part of the changes I've made to ensure the cancer didn't return was to eliminate as much stress from my life as I could.
For my part, I felt the best thing was to move on as soon as possible. So after a few mammograms and checkups that put me in the clear, I cut all ties with the breast cancer episode and got on with my life. I don't think about it very often, and I'm inclined to treat it as just another surgical procedure. It was a necessary procedure such as my appendectomy, but by not giving it too much credence, it means my breast cancer remains low on my list of things to think about.
Overcoming breast cancer is not easy, but advances in medical science help surgeons work miracles. Then it's down to the individual to decide what part their attitude can play in effecting a lasting cure.
My last piece of advice would have to be, set your self up to enjoy life. You know what they say, this isn't a dress rehearsal. This is it the real thing. Enjoy it now.
Both Kathy Ellen Kups & Trish Powell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Trish Powell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Stress Management, Types of Cancer and Exercising and Running. Trish is a Life Coach specializing in health wellness and relationships. She has a very informative and authorative site on how to become Fit For Life.Visit her site now.. Trish Powell's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.