I realized that I now belong to a very exclusive "club," if you will. Women who have gone through breast cancer treatment are naturally bonded to each other. It's like finding a long-lost relative that you've been searching for and finally meet. I've met two such women in the last two months. The first woman actually isn't a breast cancer patient, but rather someone I met during chemo. She's a native East Coaster like myself who is now living in my area. I overheard her on the phone. Immediately, I thought "Brooklyn!" I was right! (Chemo brain conquered). We talked about where we were from, how we ended up in the middle of America and our treatment journeys. We had more in common that just New York and chemo...her son is living in Santa Barbara (my other home town) and we talked quite a bit about it. Now I realize I said "breast cancer" but Native New Yorkers in another pond can also fall into the category of finding a long lost relative. The other woman I met at a bookstore. I immediately knew that she had a mastectomy and we began talking. She just completed a her year of treatment in October; I will be done in three more weeks. We laughed and hugged and congratulated each other. We talked about the "End of Cancer Party." She had one and I am planning one as well (look out Vermillion!). It's important to mark the end of such a journey...I have three weeks to process this, then what? I must admit that I'm having some anxiety about not seeing my treatment team as often. So, after cancer support groups, here I come! Or I can head to the tiny independent bookstore and meet with my new sister.
Peace and Blessings.
