I have not connected with others who have gone through or are going through the same thing as me. Yesterday a woman I work with came up to me and said that when she was going through cancer the number one thing that helped her was joining a support group. Talking and being with people who really understood because they were facing the same thing.
I am sure she is right. It was definitely reading through breast cancer discussion boards – essentially eavesdropping on other women’s conversations – that helped me make the double mastectomy decision. That, and reading about Christina Applegate (and seeing her fabulous new boobs – can I look just like that please?) and watching Giuliana and Bill, the reality show about E talk show host Giuliana Rancic and her husband Bill (first winner of The Apprentice), who happen to be going through the same thing in this season’s episodes.
But I haven’t actually written anything on any of those boards. And while so many of my friends and family have offered to connect me to people they know who have been through this, I haven’t taken anyone up on it. Yes, I guess I’ve still been holding on to that last bit of denial.
You probably wouldn’t know it by talking to me. At work, so many people know that I’m almost surprised when someone doesn’t. As people have heard just that I’ll be out, they’ve asked where I’m going – somewhere nice? Somewhere tropical? Poor Steve, I just spurted “breast cancer” and shrugged. His eyes widened and mouth dropped, and I felt so bad for saying it that way. “I’m sorry,” I explained, “It’s just become automatic.” So it appears I have faced it and am sailing through, but as a handful know, it’s not necessarily true. I have a lot of dealing to do. And I should probably start by making some of those connections…
Amy's America 
Hi Amy,
My name is Janie ( Lawrence) Collins, I went to Dean College way back in a day (92-94) I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer Oct 2007.. I had a double radical mastectomy, reconstruction surgery back to back. ( sad way to get a boob job. I was a stage 2b, I had 19 Lymph removed on the left side and 3 on the right… I am braca negative and I am ER negative but PR pos. by only 7%// I did roughly 6 months of chemo… I started off with the AC then went on to taxol… I op not to do tamox…..I did do a complete hysto… I live in Florida, with my two children they are now 12 and almost 5.. My daughter was only 4 months old when I was diagnosed.. My entire family is in New England.. I went through a divorce while I was fighting cancer… I personally am not one for support groups… I tried it but it stressed me out so much.. I am more of a one on one girl.. I found it much more my speed knowing someone who has already traveled down this road then ones who where going through it.. So this is what I do now.. I am the support for woman one on one and help them as much as I can get through this part of their life.. There is a light at the end of the tunnel I promise.. email me if you would like to chat.. I have some helpful hits that will help you after your surgery ect….Take care you can do this 🙂 Janie
Janiecollins2004@yahoo.com
Hi Janie,
That is the same time I was at Dean, too! I just got back from Florida – had we connected ahead of time, maybe we could have gotten together (depending on the part), but would love to talk – I will definitely be in touch. Thank you!
Amy
Hey Amos, glad that you are going to face this with a tan… will be thinking of you Monday! r
Thank you Robert! 🙂
All I can do is try to make you laugh — so what grade are you in, hon? Love, Jackie
Ha ha ha ha ha ha… xoxo
Amy you will connect when you feel it is right for you. You have to do this your way. You are a strong wonderful young woman who will come through this in your way, in your own style. By the way I saw Isobel Hoseason this week and she sends her best. Take care and God bless. Susan x
Thank you so much, Susan!
Yup! Yup! I totally endorse this idea. The support I have received from the other Pompe patients has been invaluable. Friends and family can be super supportive, and we need that, but connecting with others who are going through the same things is where you will find inspiration and strength of a different kind. xoxo Monique
You’ve got me convinced, my friend. I am going to do it this weekend!