Join the author as she takes you alongside an emotional dive through breast cancer. Reflecting on her journey of pain, loss, death, hope, love, and rebirth. Written as a series of musings, short stories, and poetry, she connects you with the cancer experience. From diagnosis, treatments including chemotherapy, surgeries such as a double mastectomy, to recovery. Bridging hearts through her deep contemplations of young adult cancer, the author shares a personal journey of self discovery through illness.
Зміст
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE
SHOCK TO THE HEART
finding you…3
barrage of testing…4
peace with departure…5
deafening diagnosis…6
SLOW IT DOWN TO SET IT FREE
moving through diagnosis…11
slow drip…15
lessons in letting go…17
LIFT ME UP
my tribe…21
your story is our story…22
ode to my lover…24
DEATH REQUIRED FOR LIFE
the chair…27
brown bag…28
the first dose…31
dancing with the red devil…33
a sea of medications…36
fertility fears…38
death…40
LONELINESS TOGETHER
waiting room…45
wrapped in light…47
escaping eros…48
energy’s power…50
OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW
triumphant tresses…53
shedding gratitude…55
without you…56
bald beauty…57
ceremonial burn…58
moon cycle magic…60
body blessing…61
synthetic breasts…62
THE UNKNOWN OF REBIRTH AND HEALING
body image…65
the wild unknown…67
sweet taste of rebirth…68
depression’s hold…69
fatigue…71
rediscovering myself…73
a story of aletheia…74
LIVING WILD AND FREE
full circle…79
yew tree magic…80
becoming water…81
the world through new eyes…82
journey inward…83
finally free…84
Про автора
Melannie holds experience as a dive instructor, published marine scientist, and yoga teacher. She is passionate about inspiring connections with each other, within ourselves, and with our planet. She earned a Masters of Science degree in Marine Science from Hawaii Pacific University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Michigan State University. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor diagnosed at age 35, she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. The timeless art of writing has been an integral part of everything she does; like the water that flows through all she is fortunate to create. She shares her experiences through the potent energy of print with the intention of inspiring connection by feeling deeply within the golden thread of community. For more information, explore her website: www.melanniebachman.com