Finding Your Silver Lining
There’s almost always something good within the bad, “the silver lining”. One week before my 48th birthday, my daughter survived a difficult pregnancy and delivered a beautiful preemie baby boy named Bryce. What a precious gift! He is named after my beloved brother who died at age 39. The day after my 48th birthday, I had my first mammogram and consequently, my first biopsy. I had noticed a large, soft, movable lump but didn’t think much about it. It didn’t meet the cancer criteria of a hard, immovable lump. Five days later, I got the diagnosis: Triple Negative High Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Breast.
My first reaction was to plan my funeral. My next reaction was relief. I’m not sure when I started feeling my next reaction: to fight. I guess it happened somewhere between the heartbreak and tears I shared with those closest to me, and the seemingly endless medical tests.
I had overcome a lot of difficulties in my life, and I would beat this one too. I was prescribed five months of neoadjuvant chemo. However, all I heard in my mind was “That’s five months of no eyebrows”. Ugh. I have five more weeks of chemo to go. I won’t lie, it’s been rough. But there is a silver lining: I have witnessed truly beautiful and selfless acts by some family, friends, and helping organizations. After years of feeling like I was drowning, the care and support I’ve received is like a life raft. It has restored my faith in the goodness of people and the beauty in life.
Sharsheret is one of those organizations that I hold close to my heart. They truly care and reach out personally to provide emotional support and tools to help navigate this journey. I especially appreciate the eyebrow pen I received in their Best Face Forward kit. Little Bryce has been the best silver lining. My love for him and his mommy and daddy give me strength and hope. May you all find your silver linings.