A few more details

When I asked about thermography, Veronica shrugged and replied that any money that might have been spent on that would be better spent on massages. According to her, thermography is not a valid diagnostic tool.

If the genetic marker test is negative, then I will likely have one breast removed anyway, since the cancer has clearly already spread.

On the way to work this morning it suddenly dawned on me that I am about to have disfiguring surgery. It's hard to write that, I always took my body for granted - smooth skin, nice breasts, all of that.

My mission in life has always been (as my kids will tell you) to acknowledge that every person on the planet is made in the image of God. B'tzelem Elohim in Hebrew. And that each of us deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I never imagined that I'd have to use that concept when I look in the mirror -- because I always expected to simply watch the body I was given age slowly, as it should. I must find a new way to see myself, and rely on my ability to see what's within as the essential spark of the Divine.