I’ve experienced many life-changing events over the years, but there is one that sticks out in my mind: Breast cancer.
I’m not sure that I’m ready to write about this yet, but I’ll try.
I was diagnosed in 2021 after finding an indentation in my left breast. Things moved quickly after that. It was Stage 2 and chemo started within a few days. It made me so sick and emotionally fragile; I was either screaming or crying. It was like that for months! I’m still not the same person I was. My memory is shot and I have trouble learning things sometimes. It’s difficult for me to focus at times, which makes for more challenges. This is as good as it gets, I guess.
After chemo I had a bilateral mastectomy. No way was I taking any chances on this horrific disease returning. No reconstructive surgery, either. To me, that’s an invitation for that shit to return. And why would I want another pair of those things? They tried to kill me for Cripe’s Sake! Besides, they’d caused me nothing but trouble since they sprouted. Who needs ’em?
Anyway, during that time I’d lost 26 lbs. and the rest of my teeth. And of course, my hair fell out which isn’t going to grow back, apparently, until I can quit taking estrogen blockers. Drawing on eyebrows is still a trial, but I’m getting better at it. As for my head, I have lots of wigs. They aren’t all that expensive and last a while if you take care of them. If anyone is in need, try wigs.com . Be careful though, wigs can be addictive.
So now that the drama has subsided, I’m trying to figure out my life. I retired from my job last week and am getting back into write regularly like I once did. Sometimes I am numb and other times I feel as though a stranger who used to be me has inhabited my body, and I have to get to know this person.
The struggle is real, but I shall overcome.
Written for Sadje’s Sunday Poser.
Ergo, the Ogre 
Tell it like it is