We were nine women who had experienced some of the bad that life can throw--a breast cancer diagnosis, seemingly endless scans, tests and surgeries as well as the eternal fear of recurrence.
But this late summer weekend in the mountains of Utah was about seizing some of the good that also abounds--breathtaking views, scrumptious food, total relaxation and most of all, a chance to commune with women who already know part of your story.
Beautiful, honest, strong, funny women who were busy living life when the brick that is breast cancer sailed through our windows. Some learned the news as they were putting their kids down for a nap, were alone at home or driving down the road. But no matter how the word came, our images of our lives and ourselves was destined to change.
That's why Image Reborn, the name of the group behind these no-cost healing retreats, is fitting.
"Living Beyond Breast Cancer" was engraved on the wine glasses we toasted each other with, and that's what we talked about and celebrated for 2 1/2 days.
Many of us are in the process of rebuilding our bodies after beating the disease--some for more than one time. I'd say we're also working on incorporating the ways our experiences with breast cancer have changed us.
Some farther past treatment said their experiences made them better people--more empathetic, less self-centered and more grateful for the gift of each new day.
Some had dug into advocacy by mentoring newly-diagnosed women and taking leadership roles in research and support groups. Others were eager to find ways they could also help.
But helping others would have to wait, because as our gracious hosts repeatedly told us, "This weekend is about you."
They didn't just say it, they showed it with one fabulous treat after another. An accomplished chef prepared healthy and creative dinners; lunch at a nearby resort restaurant was al fresco with views of the mountains and ski runs; facials, massages and advice from a lymphatic specialist filled an afternoon; and two nurses from the Huntsman Cancer Hospital answered all our bc-related questions.
Side highlights included soaks in a hot tub, walks around the neighborhood and into the mountains and lots of time to share our stories, compare notes and get advice.
Mother Nature even cooperated by sending along a meandering moose and a spectacular night sky show.
We didn't have time for a session on journaling, but the night before we left I started writing this in the beautiful journal we received because writing is what helps me make sense of events in my life.
For example, I heard a lot of us talk about how others were impressed by our strength in dealing with cancer. But we didn't see it that way--after all, we were only doing what we had to do to survive, doing what anyone else would do.
I'm thinking about that now. My surgeries, 14 months of treatment and constant vigilance are requirements for being here for my six-year-old son. And I'll do whatever else I have to do for that reason.
But while I'm not always impressed by my own story or my own strength, I am awed and inspired when I hear other survivor's stories. And I heard enough fabulous accounts this weekend to make me consider that maybe I'm doing a fairly good job myself.
I think it takes others who have been there to help you spell it out--We are SURVIVORS!
But this late summer weekend in the mountains of Utah was about seizing some of the good that also abounds--breathtaking views, scrumptious food, total relaxation and most of all, a chance to commune with women who already know part of your story.
Beautiful, honest, strong, funny women who were busy living life when the brick that is breast cancer sailed through our windows. Some learned the news as they were putting their kids down for a nap, were alone at home or driving down the road. But no matter how the word came, our images of our lives and ourselves was destined to change.
That's why Image Reborn, the name of the group behind these no-cost healing retreats, is fitting.
"Living Beyond Breast Cancer" was engraved on the wine glasses we toasted each other with, and that's what we talked about and celebrated for 2 1/2 days.
Many of us are in the process of rebuilding our bodies after beating the disease--some for more than one time. I'd say we're also working on incorporating the ways our experiences with breast cancer have changed us.
Some farther past treatment said their experiences made them better people--more empathetic, less self-centered and more grateful for the gift of each new day.
Some had dug into advocacy by mentoring newly-diagnosed women and taking leadership roles in research and support groups. Others were eager to find ways they could also help.
But helping others would have to wait, because as our gracious hosts repeatedly told us, "This weekend is about you."
They didn't just say it, they showed it with one fabulous treat after another. An accomplished chef prepared healthy and creative dinners; lunch at a nearby resort restaurant was al fresco with views of the mountains and ski runs; facials, massages and advice from a lymphatic specialist filled an afternoon; and two nurses from the Huntsman Cancer Hospital answered all our bc-related questions.
Side highlights included soaks in a hot tub, walks around the neighborhood and into the mountains and lots of time to share our stories, compare notes and get advice.
Mother Nature even cooperated by sending along a meandering moose and a spectacular night sky show.
We didn't have time for a session on journaling, but the night before we left I started writing this in the beautiful journal we received because writing is what helps me make sense of events in my life.
For example, I heard a lot of us talk about how others were impressed by our strength in dealing with cancer. But we didn't see it that way--after all, we were only doing what we had to do to survive, doing what anyone else would do.
I'm thinking about that now. My surgeries, 14 months of treatment and constant vigilance are requirements for being here for my six-year-old son. And I'll do whatever else I have to do for that reason.
But while I'm not always impressed by my own story or my own strength, I am awed and inspired when I hear other survivor's stories. And I heard enough fabulous accounts this weekend to make me consider that maybe I'm doing a fairly good job myself.
I think it takes others who have been there to help you spell it out--We are SURVIVORS!
4 comments:
Peggy, what a wonderful piece you wrote! An excellent reminder of why we do what we do. Thank you.
Thanks, Donna. And thanks to all the helpers and the donors who make these retreats possible! They really are fabulously special!!!
Impressive i personally think that we appreciated out all people who joins and make it's successful.
Nice to know a place like this. Things like this will relax them and make them feel better.
Nice sharing.
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