We Can Rebuild Her
Better than she was before… Better, Stronger, Happier. A Breast Cancer Journal

Happiness Is…

Psychosocial Oncology.

Again and again I’ve been bowled over with gratitude for the skillful and compassionate nurses, technicians and physicians who have cared for me during this journey…

As I’ve been rolled in and out of surgeries, cared for in recovery rooms, carefully injected with chemo and positioned to the millimeter for radiation.

And for the health care system that has foot the bill.

But some of the most spectacular, gratitude-invoking work to date happened last Friday.

I arrived at the hospital cracked open with despair and found my way to Psychosocial Oncology. I cried uncontrollably as I awaited an initial, impromptu meeting with a social worker. I was barely coherent as I unloaded my long list of troubles to the patient, level-headed young health worker who had generously squeezed me into her day.

And somehow, she put me together again.

She listened, she made notes, she spoke gently and logically. She divided my troubles into chunks and assured me we’d work each chunk, together.

And I was able to go on.

With immense gratitude.



More Happiness here.

Andrea Posted by Andrea

May 25, 2010 at 8:48 pm.

9 comments

Glimmers

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
– Persian proverb

Heartfelt thanks to my dear friends Caroline and Jay for guiding me toward light during this very, very dark week.

And to Lucy and Mark for holding my hands.

Four twinklings in my murk.



Andrea Ross was diagnosed with breast cancer October 6, 2009 and intends to survive and thrive. You can read more from Andrea here.

Andrea Posted by Andrea

May 21, 2010 at 6:36 pm.

5 comments

This isn’t turning into the party hang out I hoped

I’ve been having a rough week.

  • gaping bald patches (especially at the front of my scalp — exactly like the irate Taxotere victims)
  • continuing harassment and threats from Josephine and Keith Ross
  • news from my medical intuitive of two new areas of cancer
  • distressing in-law challenges
  • continuing discomfort in my right arm, upper back and left leg
  • extreme parenting challenges
  • declined EI medical benefits
  • and the joy of sleepless nights

On the plus side, my good friend Caroline let me rant today as we walked to the hospital and back, so I’m feeling well enough to write this curse-free post.

ps. Andrea needs to care less…Andrea needs to care less…Andrea needs to care less…

Related Posts:



Andrea Ross was diagnosed with breast cancer October 6, 2009 and intends to survive and thrive. You can read more from Andrea here.

Andrea Posted by Andrea

May 19, 2010 at 1:46 pm.

24 comments