"Oh, I just died from embarrassment," we tell our friends with a laugh when relating a story about an awkward social moment.
We don't mean it literally, but sometimes it is all too true. When embarrassment keeps us from seeing the doctor about an issue of sexual or breast health,...
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Your post makes me wantto stand up and cheer!
PJ Hamel
Monday, August 24, 2009 at 05:10 PM
Phyllis, thanks for the backstory on the stages we've gone through re: being proud (or ashamed) of our breasts. I'm forever grateful to Betty Ford for revealing her breast cancer back in the '70s; it was considered SO shameful (WHY?!), but if the President's wife has breast cancer and can talk about it, well...
Now, I'm happy to show my breasts to perfect strangers - and do! Under the auspices of our hospital's BeFriend program, which matches up veteran survivors with newbies who have a similar diagnosis. Since I had a TRAM flap, I often speak to women getting TRAM flaps - and am happy to pull up my shirt to show them the "after" version of what they're undergoing.
Thanks again - PJH
re: Your post makes me wantto stand up and cheer!
Phyllis Johnson
Monday, August 24, 2009 at 07:46 PM
I'm sure it really helps others to see your new breast! The more we can demystify this disease the better. Keep up the good work!
Phyllis, thanks for the backstory on the stages we've gone through re: being proud (or ashamed) of our breasts. I'm forever grateful to Betty Ford for revealing her breast cancer back in the '70s; it was considered SO shameful (WHY?!), but if the President's wife has breast cancer and can talk about it, well...
Now, I'm happy to show my breasts to perfect strangers - and do! Under the auspices of our hospital's BeFriend program, which matches up veteran survivors with newbies who have a similar diagnosis. Since I had a TRAM flap, I often speak to women getting TRAM flaps - and am happy to pull up my shirt to show them the "after" version of what they're undergoing.
Thanks again - PJH