That is the question.
After deliberating in my head for a few days (while frantically swapping gems in Bejeweled Blitz) - the answer I have come to is... to blog.
For those who regularly follow this blog, you'll know that my posts are a journal of my experiences living in a foreign country. Generally speaking, I like to share the things I find funny, or odd, or annoying, about Denmark, and about how I cope with life in Denmark. And now and then, I throw in a picture or story about my dogs and cats, because they're here, and because, frankly, they're rather amusing. Through it all, I hope you're laughing with me (or at me) and that you're enjoying my tales.
But, real life doesn't always provide you with just the amusing things - it also throws in a dose of sobering realism. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Yeah, it sucks. But it is what it is. This isn't the first time in my life that I've dealt with cancer. In 2005, I had cervical cancer. Hearing that news sent shock waves through my system. The first time you hear that diagnosis, you can't help but be shocked, and scared. Prior to that diagnosis, I had already decided that kids weren't something that I wanted, so when the doctor told me that I would need a hysterectomy and that I wouldn't be able to have children, I told her that she had just gotten off easy. I won't bore you with all the details, I will just let you know that when all of that happened, I just tried to look at the bright side - I would no longer be a customer of Tampax, Playtex and the like! Ultimately, I got through it and came out stronger on the other side.
So here I am trying to look at the bright side again because, well, that's just what I do. You, my friends, are about to get a first hand account of the Danish medical system! I just know you're on the edges of your seats in anticipation!
I am not turning this blog into a 'cancer' blog but for the near future, you're going to have to put up with hearing about it. I promise, however, that I'll still sprinkle the blog with tales of the animals in my life, so yeah, you'll have to put up with that too!
I hope you'll all continue to laugh with me in the coming months because I'm going to keep trying to amuse you.
As for today...Happy Easter and God Påske!
And P.S. I passed module 4!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
I am so sorry and I hope you'll get through this smoothly and fast.
ReplyDeleteI deliberated as well on how much to post on my own blog about my MS, and like you decided to blog, because it is part of my life. And I for one would like to know how you're doing, so it will definitely not be a matter of "putting up" with you writing about the cancer and your treatment.
I'm sending good vibes and thoughts your way! I hope your treatments go as smoothly and quickly as possible! Don't forget to tell us when you need us to make you laugh. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Patti.
ReplyDeleteMads and I just came home from our trip and I was catching up on my blog reading and got to yours.... I am sorry I did not read it sooner.
Both of us are so very sorry about this and want you and Ole to know we are here for anything you need. Breast cancer is a very near thing to my heart (read an old blog here: http://madsandkelli.blogspot.com/2007/10/we-did-it-3-days64-miles-got-blisters.html ) and it is something that I am committed to finding a cure for in whatever way I can... so I want you to know... I am your friend, and I will walk this road with you, in whatever way you need.
Will call this week and we can chat. :o) Hils to Ole...
My heart goes out to you and Ole! Let me know if you need anything, I'm only as far away as Århus. Sending you positive thoughts!!
ReplyDeletePatti,
ReplyDeleteThis was really sad to read about this horrid twist of fate that has happened to your life not once but twice. The brain is a very powerful tool in fighting the negatives that happen in your life. Your attitude is everything in this fight and you've surived this battle once, I'm sure you'll do it again. Keep thinking positive and know that we are out here in cyber world and in real life if you need us...
Hugs from the gang in the woods..
Oh my goodness Patti. So very saddened to read about your diagnosis and upcoming challenge. Please know that your fellow expat friends are here cheering for you, thinking happy thoughts, and will give you hand whenever you need one.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
I hope you stay strong, like you did when you were diagnosed with cancer before. My prayers and my thoughts go to you. Let me know if you need anything!
ReplyDeleteDear Patti,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that. It must be a very difficult time. I was very surprised to hear that you have dealt with cancer before. You have such a positive and sunny outlook to life. Its apparent you have great strength in your character. I hope very much that you get through this difficult time with much love and support. Sincerely, Paula.
*hugs* and congrats on module 4! You are almost home free :) Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I often debate about what to share about my life in my blog, but then I remember it is my blog for me that I Happen to share with the world. Sending lots of positive vibes to you from Viskinge.
ReplyDeleteOh - I'm so so sorry to hear this! And yet so uplifted by your courage and humour!
ReplyDeleteFirstly, congrats on passing the latest Danish exam!
ReplyDeleteAs for the cancer, well, if I can do anything to help - things you might need in CPH etc, just let me know!
I'm so sorry. But if it's any consolation, my mom, who is very well-informed, said that breast cancer has great treatment stats these days. Way, way better than pancreatic cancer or all those hidden cancers they find too late.
ReplyDeleteThere's a very good blog written by a friend of Lawyer Mom's who is going through the exact same thing. You might want to check it out, for a support group or maybe comparing the Danish medical practices: http://kellyless.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteOh my god, I am so sorry!
ReplyDeleteI hate to be the voice of gloom here, though, but have you considered going through treatment at home in the US and not here? I ask, because the Danish healthcare system leaves quite a lot to be desired in terms of breast cancer.
Please do be very vigilant and very very assertive.
Best of luck.
Dear Patti,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think you're right, I think our blogs are places where we talk about what is real. I hope all is going to go really well. As Paula said, you come across (I haven't met you yet) as such a very solid and warm and positive person, and that is a strong thing. I wish you all the best, and will help in any way I can. And do be very assertive.
And - what I can talk about - well done on getting through Module 4! It took me almost a year, I got completely stuck. Congratulations!
Sincerely, Lucy