Are there any other nuns out there?

Viranani
Viranani Member Posts: 9
in Breast Cancer #1
Imagining that I'm probably not the only nun out here who has had this dx...and I'd be grateful to hear your stories, and to hear how your inner lives have been changed.
I'm Buddhist, not Catholic, but don't really think the difference matters so much as far as this is concerned...we share similar priorities.

I've got bi-lateral mastectomy coming up, and body image doesn't feel so important as it clearly is for most people. When I got the news, I thought more about challenge, knowing that this'll be a huge learning experience, and a deepening of my spiritual life! Which doesn't seem like a bad thing at all...already it's cracked the heart wide open, no small gift!

Comments

  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #2
    Welcome!
    I wish you did not have a need to find us but since you do I am glad you found your way here as this board is filled with many insightful, strong, caring souls. Cancer is indeed a challenge but certainly not one you cannot rise to. It seems when one hears one has cancer there is a re-evaluation of what is important, one does not usually set out to make a list of the important things they just seem to come more into focus. In regards to the mastectomy I think we all react differently, you may find that you are not disturbed by it and you may find that seeing yourself looking so different from what you are used to is a bit dis-concerning either way we will be here for you. I have had a lumpectomy on one side and a mastectomy on the other, I recently completed the reconstruction after more than three years and find that for me it was important. Body image is different for each person.

    Do you know if you will be having chemo or radiation treatments? If you do there are a lot of tips that can be shared with you . One important tip I will mention is that if at all possible you may want to have someone go to your doctor appointments with you to help you remember it all as there is a lot of information being given and many times it can become a tad over whelming so a second set of ears does help.

    I truly wish you all the best,

    RE
  • pattimc
    pattimc Member Posts: 431
    #3
    Hello
    Hello, Sister. I am not a nun but work for a religious order of Roman Catholic nuns. I was so blessed to be working for the sisters when I was diagnosed. We have many sisters who have been diagnosed with BC. Their insight, support and prayers provided me much comfort during the most difficult time of my life.

    I wish you well in your journey. Post often. I did not have a mastecomy but many on here have and they can answer any and all questions. I had a lumpectomy,chemo and radiation. I just celebrated my 2nd year cancerversary in May!

    Best to you,

    Patti
  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #4
    Breastcancer.org is another
    Breastcancer.org is another website you could try to find nuns with breast cancer. There are lots of categories in the site to go to. I am not sure what one you would try. Perhaps the category of your cancer, newly diagnosed category and I do believe there is a spiritual category if you look there. I hope you find some nuns to talk to and relate to.

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