This is the time of year to send holiday wishes on the Journey. If I could wrap up in boxes all the stories shared, both happy and sad, those who have been on this Journey through breast reconstruction, I don’t think there would be a space large enough to place those wrapped boxes. We have shared struggles, triumphs, waiting for results, preparation, anticipation of surgery, celebrating completion of the reconstructive process; the list goes on.
Who are we here on the Journey?
We are a global community that stretches beyond cultural borders and continents. We are women and men who have heard those dreaded words, “You have breast cancer” or “You are BRCA positive”. Through your research, a friend, or physician you found the Journey. You told us your personal story. Some are still in treatment waiting to go through the reconstructive process. Others have completed phase one and are healing. Still others have had their reconstruction and joined the Journey to support those who are currently in the process; a pay it forward gesture of sharing information and experiences to help ease the difficulties that lie ahead for others.
Each time, as the site’s administrator, I get a new request to join, I take pause and consider the new members. What stage are they at? What help do they need? How can we collectively shore each new member up to make their breast reconstruction and all the questions that come with it easier?
I have been so privileged to have met some Journey members in person. What a bond we all have when we meet! Our conversation usually goes straight to our struggles, our outcomes, our fears, but it always seems to mix with smiles, hugs, and laughter.
Our Wonderful Journey Plastic Surgeons & Physicians!
This year I had the added privilege of meeting in person some of our Journey plastics surgeons and physicians. They, like us, have their own stories, their own passions, their own high standards for the best possible outcomes for their patients. I admittedly have strict guidelines and vet these physicians carefully because I want only the best for Journey members. These men and women, like us, have families, fears, failures, and successes in life that make them human, compassionate, and we are grateful beyond words that they have chosen to be on this Journey with us!
Enjoy a Few Moments!
Breast cancer does not take a holiday break but I encourage each of you to take your own holiday from whatever may be burdening you this time of year. Take a few moments or few days to celebrate you! You deserve it! Know that here on the Journey you belong. We are a tribe, in a sense, of warriors in this fight against a disease that so many times seems bigger than any of us. But collectively, we stand in the face of breast cancer and forge through our struggles with as much courage and dignity as we can muster on any given day.
Drink a glass of wine without fear! Have a delicious desert dripping with chocolate with no worries. Breathe in some cold, fresh, winter air to put some pink in your cheeks and warmth in your soul. Play your favorite holiday tune and dance like nobody is watching or grab someone and dance with them. You are worth a day of indulgence. Cuddle by a warm fire with your children or with yourself and read a favorite book. Trouble will come and go but as they say, Carpe Diem, seize the moment and I send you all……
Holiday Wishes on the Journey!
