A "Survivor's" picture was taken before the 5K walk/race. About 600 of us stood in position that formed a big breast cancer ribbon, and then the photographer stood on a tall scaffold and snapped the photos.
While we were waiting in line for everyone to get situated, a few of the other ladies started asking others "how long?' meaning how long had they been survivors. One was at 5 years, another 6 years, and one was at 11 years. One lady had never had reconstructive surgery and was prepping for that. She (with a State 4 diagnosis) evidentally had very little flesh to work with now and hadn't had expanders put in when the cancer came out! Another lady was listening to us and advised her not to get the kind of reconstruction that required using your own fat and muscle to make the new breasts, because she was still trying to recover from that. I am not saying not to do that kind, because a lot of people have had it. I just know that my plastic surgeon game me the option and just watching the video about it was scary. Owwwee. It just wasn't right for me.
All was very exciting and beautiful. At the Finish line, I told Jill and Delta that I felt like pulling Roschelle the wig off and tossing her in the air just like Mary Tyler Moore did at the beginning of her sit com TV show. They said to go right ahead, and when I finally got enough courage worked up, I did it. I think maybe I scared a few people who were passing by me to finish the race, but since they were all there for someone with cancer, I imagine that they were familiar with baldness. My peeps gathered around and looked a little stunned at how different I looked since I have worn a hair helmet for about 7 months. My dear Holly who is a hairdresser, said the short Pixie cuts are all the fad right now. How sweet for her to say that.
It kinda feels like has been a graduation of sorts. Most everything is behind me and now I will finish up the rest of treatment and go about my normal life again. (Normal???? did I say that outloud?)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL