Healing Ribbons Story
The autumn day in October 2000 that I was diagnosed with breast cancer would be one that would change the course of my life forever. I just didn’t appreciate the number of twists and turns the road would take and where my final destination would be.
My first thought upon hearing the doctor tell me that I had breast cancer was I don’t have time for this. And secondly, how would I tell my family. Luckily, my family and friends rallied to my side and provided me with unconditional love and support. Without their encouragement, compassion and prayers, I’m not sure how I would have gotten through treatment.
The initial weeks following my diagnosis were filled with doctor’s appointments, biopsies, bone scans, mammograms, x-rays, and lots and lots of blood work. The range of emotions I felt was overwhelming, and I spent the first few days in tears with little sleep.
Working with my doctors, we decided on an aggressive regimen that included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Of course my hair fell out, but my husband, Larry, used humor to lighten my mood by periodically wearing my wigs! Friends remarked that he looked quite stunning as a blond!
There were many dark days. I worried about the side of effects of the chemotherapy. I wondered if the cure would kill me. I was devastated to learn that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. It was hard to live with the constant fear of what if – what if it doesn’t work, what if I don't get better. But I vowed never to give up and to fight as hard as I could every day.
I also had to change the way in which I handled difficult situations. I was the type of person that in the past ignored situations over which I had no control. It always worked pretty well until the diagnosis. So, to defeat the breast cancer, I had to change my thought process. There was no possible way I was going to let this take control of my life.
After months of therapy, I finally felt that I was going to win the battle and my life would continue on as before. However, there was one more detour in the road. As I was completing my last round of treatment, a nurse spoke to me about the risks of developing lymphedema. My reaction was – “Lympho what?” I discovered that lymphedema is an orphaned (or little known) condition of the lymphatic system that can cause painful swelling and infection typically affecting the arms. This disease impacts almost twenty-five percent of all breast cancer surgery patients. There is no cure but there is treatment.
As I learned more about lymphedema, I realized that the risk of this disease was going to dramatically change the course of my life, perhaps more so than cancer. No longer would I be able to carry my heavy audit bags from client to client, as lifting can trigger the disease. I would also need a constant reminder not to have blood drawn from the affected arm and to be more aware of my physical activities in order to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema. This constant reminder came in the form of a plastic medical bracelet given to me at the hospital.
Finding the bracelet less than attractive and needing something creative to occupy my time, I developed a collection of jewelry-designed medical bracelets. This desire evolved into a complete collection of jewelry created to support individuals touched by breast cancer and other medical conditions. And, more importantly, it is a means to further the fight against breast cancer. Healing Ribbons gladly donates 100% of our after tax profits to the Healing Ribbons Fund held at The Rhode Island Foundation in support of the fight against breast cancer and related diseases.
During the course of my treatment, I also needed to connect with other women fighting this disease. I wanted to hear what medical decisions they were making and how they and their families were dealing with the cancer. The Internet provided access to medical information but it was difficult to connect with other patients.
By developing Healing Ribbons, I hope to provide individuals with the opportunity to exchange medical information, celebrate victories, and to support those currently undergoing treatment. Included are links to the latest medical research and a section called News/Events that describes lymphedema and its treatment options.
Today, I look at life differently. Minor annoyances that used to drive me crazy no longer do. I don’t have time to sweat the small stuff, as I’m too busy enjoying the new direction that my life has taken.
Each time someone shares their story with me, I am inspired. I look forward to the chance to work with you to reach out to other women and to provide them with emotional and spiritual support.
