OF FUNERALS AND FRIENDS

We had a death in the family. My husband's only sibling died suddenly three weeks ago. He was not young; he was not old. He was middle aged. And his death sent shock waves throughout the family. 

(Copyright © 2013 The Big C and Me)

Which reminded me that the rituals surrounding death, while varied, exist for a reason: Society has been following mourning rituals for thousands of years — because they work. No matter what those rituals are, they're important, and they're in place to help soften death's blow. These traditions have vast intrinsic value in helping to push us gently along our own pathways of grief...

ROBIN ROBERTS RETURNS

(© Michael Appleton for The New York Times)

I got up early this morning to watch Robin Roberts' return to Good Morning America following her five-and-a-half-month hiatus.

For those not in the know, Robin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and underwent lumpectomy and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, in June of 2013, Robin announced she developed Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) as a result of chemo. Treatment for Robin's MDS included more chemo — and a bone marrow transplant. But first, she needed to find a donor. She was fortunate to find a perfect match in her sister, who agreed to donate her healthy bone marrow to Robin...

A POETIC CANCER

(Copyright © 2013 The Big C and Me)

I read a wonderful poem recently about cancer written by Maryland's poet laureate, Stanley Plumly, in the Los Angeles Times. I am struck by it's lyrical, imaginative and original nature, and inspired to write some poetry of mine own.

But not today. 

Instead, allow me introduce you to...

I HATE CANCER

(Copyright © 2013 The Adventures of OBB)

“Courage isn't having the strength to go on — it is going on when you don't have strength.” ―Napoleon Bonaparte

I just learned this morning that another blogging sister's cancer has returned: Kate over at The Adventures of OBB. Her husband posted the news this morning.

If you have a moment, please pop over and show her some love.

I hate cancer.

IN MEMORIUM

Today is the one-year anniversary of the death of Rachel Cheetham Moro. There will be many tributes to Rachel in the blogosphere today...

RASHES AND SCARS AND CANCER, OH MY!

I saw this quote the other day, and in keeping with my last blog post (and subsequent discussion) about feeling invisible, I wanted to share. I'm working on getting rid of a few of my little monsters... ***In other news... if you haven't seen Breast Cancer? But Doctor... I Hate Pink! lately, please stop by and visit Ann's wonderful blog. She has written an important post about feeling abandoned; you can find that post here.  ***And in still other news, I am seeing my plastic surgeon, Dr. C., this afternoon to show him my rash. Yes, the RASH...