October is NBCAM National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women, excluding some types of skin cancer, and affects all nationalities equally.
Among Hispanic women, breast cancer is the most common cause of death.
I wrote this poem today to honor those strong women who are overcomers of the trials of this earth. I have not had breast cancer nor any other diagnosis of like this. I can not say I know how it feels or what a woman must go through when faced with this diagnosis. I do know that more women today are living with a diagnosis of breast cancer than ever before.
I have sat beside girls who have survived it and those who have not. Each person I have been with has a resilience that surpasses all other strengths. It is something in their eyes that says, "You can't beat me." This is in the eyes of those who beat it and those who pass on.
Every woman with breast cancer is a survivor whether she stays on this earth or pass on to heaven. They keep going past the point of knowledge and lived with their heart. It is what I felt and saw within each one.
To the world, may perceive behavior like this as denial. But what I saw and felt was beyond the realm of this earth. It is a might, a force, a hope that is powered by something beyond what we who have not gone through this can comprehend.
I think it changes the way a girl looks at life. Their purpose is no longer to survive each day of work or make it to the weekend. I think their new objective is to live each day to the fullest and that is different for each one. As a nonbreast cancer survivor, I can not say what this is for each one.
I have faced death but not from cancer. I had to make a decision to live or die. I could continue to live knowing that I may die, but live each day with hope, love, and kindness. Or I could give up and die while I was still alive.
I made the choice to live. It was not easy and I did not have to go through extensive treatment. What I went through makes me wonder if this is some of what a breast cancer survivor goes through?
I have speculated on a lot of emotions and feelings here but only one who has gone through this can know the truth. None of us will ever know how we will react to a diagnosis of breast cancer unless it happens to us.
In honor of all breast cancer survivors, I dedicate this poem to you.
Please see A Poem About An Angel who came to take my friend home.
This poem is beautiful Laura, absolutely stunning. It’s funny how things we take for granted every day can mean so much to others.
I’ve been lucky not to have cancer hurt anyone close to me – my wife however has, and knowing what it did to her family, this poem reminds me how lucky I am.
Thank you for writing and posting this poem!
Jonnie, I am honored you like the poem so well. thank you
Really nice poem. Very sad and I can relate to it . I think must people will because we all know someone who has been afflicted with this disease. The poem was well written sad because of the subject the poem was about. But the poem was also uplifting and I hope someone somewere stuggling with this disease get to read it.
Joseph, I do appreciate your kindness and compliment. I too wish to reach who ever may need this poem in their day.
This poem is very well-done, thank you. In mid-page – the word “wain” there is spelled “wane”. Otherwise it’s great.
I’ve had chemotherapy and have lost my hair too, so I understand exactly what you are talking about here. I remember getting my first treatment, knowing that hair loss was inevitable. And then about a week and a half later, feeling my scalp getting “tight” and feeling strange. I knew that when I stepped into the shower, I’d not be seeing my hair again for a while – and sure enough, out it came in handfuls. Like you, mine grew back much greyer, but hey – I still have it! Yay!
It’s very personal, including a photograph which is eye-catching and striking. I like the arrangement of the page. Nice work! Very impressed!
Don, Thank you I am so happy you enjoyed the poem and it is good and not good that you can relate to it. Good that you made it through and not good that you had to go through chemo. The word wain is correct for the way I want it in a poem. But thank you for pointing that out. Thanks for the compliment on my website. Hope to see you lingering on my site again.
Wow Laura,
That was very powerful. I’ve never known anyone with breast cancer. It amazes me the amount of strength it must take to pull through such an ailment.
I really liked the poem especially the lines: “One time the doctor/game me a med/The one that kills and saves”
Gave me chills. It really shows that even though there’s treatment, it has its effects on the body.
Thank you for the poem. I look forward to reading more.
Branden, Thank you. I do appreciate you. I am so so happy the poem moved you and you were able to pick up on the meaning I was implying. I imagine that to fight cancer takes a deep seated strength.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for this write up on breast cancer. My sister is currently in this condition. She had an operation last month, it went well but now she has to deal with the chemo. She has not lost her hair and I wish with all my heart that she does not. Up till yesterday she was doing okay. Do you know any foods that can help? Does she have to be on a special diet? Are there any activities she should not do? I really need to know how to help my sister.
Juliet, I am so sorry t hear that you and your sister have to go through this. I know that while she is on the chemo there are certain foods she can and can not eat, but the oncologists will give her info on this. She will need to eat a high protein diet to promote healing but often times the nausea and lack of energy will prevent eating at all. Family members always want to do something functional to feel like they are helping but in reality the support and understanding you give is far greater than the functional things. don’t get me wrong, she will need help with transportation and food preparation but your support is the greatest gift you can give her. I only wish the best for you and your family.
Laura,
Thank you for this incredibly moving poem!
I have a weird relationship with October. I am a huge fan of fall, but the reminder of breast cancer is inescapable.
I think it’s amazing that we have become so aware of Breast cancer. I don’t remember being so aware of breast cancer as a kid, but now I feel kids are growing up with more information and resources!
Thank you once again for the amazing poem and I look forward to reading more.
Thanks,
Timm
Thank you Timm. Because of NBCAM we are making break throughs in treatment. Breast cancer has always been there but now more women are living to tell about it.