If I have been in denial about having cancer, a bilateral mastectomy was the mother of all wake up calls. I am getting stronger every day, both physically and mentally, but I still have a long road ahead. As the ultimate giver, I am learning how good it feels to receive. The love, concern and nurturing are harmonious with the healing process.
I have been staying at my daughter and son-in-law's house, but tomorrow I go back to my own home, to sleep in my own bed. As hard as this has been for me, I am consumed by sadness for a dear friend of mine, who is going through a traumatic time of her own. Her twenty three year-old daughter, who had a kidney transplant three years ago, is showing signs of rejection. The torture her body is going through right now is much worse than mine, and she has her whole life ahead of her. My daughters used to babysit her and I remember how happy everyone was, when she got the kidney match, after years of trying to find a donor. As a mother, I can imagine the pain her mother is going through. As the saying goes, no matter how bad you have it, there is always someone who is worse off.