Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Sisters, Boobs and Breast Cancer!

  Wow!  It's been  while since I've been here.  July has been a busy month!  Campfire Musings all across the east coast!  I've just gotten back from Massachusetts.  I was out there for the wedding of my youngest sister.  The trip coincided with my middle sisters recent discovery that she has breast cancer.  The news came as quite a shock.  This is going to take a while to write, I feel it already!  Are sibling relationships the most complex?  This is as much about relationships, as it is about my sisters cancer.
  We are as much alike in some respects as we are different.  And when we fight?  Ohhh....don't get in the way!!  It's like watching hurricane clouds over a boiling sea!  I can fight with her, but I get very defensive if someone else messes with my sister!  Her husband is an only child.  He doesn't get it at all! 
  In actuality, the older we get, the less we fight.  Chalk it up to maturity.  But every now and then, like a volcano, it blows!  Is she at fault?  YES!  Am I?  Yes.  But here's the thing, I can't control her.  I can't control her actions.  I can only control me.  She may still act poorly,  (she probably will!!  lol!! )  as will I, but it's my responsibility to change my behavior.  People are who they are.  It's a matter of accepting  them as such.  Diplomacy is an art!  Not saying that you can't discuss issues that arise.  But it's not my job to change anyone.  Leave that up to God.  He gave us 2 ears and one mouth so that we could listen more than we talk.
  So...cancer.  Fortunately, we had very gradually come back to a decent place in our relationship before she was diagnosed.  For that I am thankful.  She will be having both breasts removed.  She is 36.  She has a beautiful 1 year old daughter.  Her treatment will be aggressive and there will be a 50% chance that she will be infertile when all is said and done.  IVF is not a viable option.  This has been the biggest blow as she and her husband looked forward to adding to their family.  But, despite everything, she is taking on this battle with determination, strength, and a Whitcomb sense of humor.   You don't have to whisper when you say cancer!   I never knew there were so many "boobie" jokes!
  In a little over a week, she will start treatment.  I wish I could be out there for her while she goes through this process.  She will be having a "Head Shaving Party" at her salon.  I LOVE this idea!  Talk about turning a negative into a positive!!  Others will be getting their heads shaved, and there will be snacks and drinks.  Wanting to do what I could I eagerly offered to shave my head as well!!!  It seemed a good idea at the time...until I saw her really cute wig, done in a sassy blonde style.  Hmmm.  I reconsidered as my insurance won't cover the super cute wig. 
  What can I do to support.  Pink ribbon?  Eh.  I want to do something that would remind me daily to pray for her.  I want to do something pro active.  I want to fight with her.  For a long time I have been battling my weight.  The older I get, the less healthy I become.  Along with the extra weight comes a higher risk of cancer and a myriad of other health problems.  I've taken my health for granted.  Tricia has to fight.  If she can take on battling breast cancer, a fight she didn't start, I can for sure take on the extra pounds that have been torturing me!  Each time I am tempted, is a reminder to meditate and pray for her.  So I dedicate my struggle to her.  It may sound weird, but it's what I'm doing.  So keep her in your prayers, and I'll update you on the progress!   Here is a picture of Trish and her boobies!
Oh, the hat?  Looong story!

Tricia and Tracy