Survivor speaking experience

tootsie1

Well, I did it! Tonight was the first time I've publicly talked about my cancer experience. I mean, I've mentioned it, but I've never told the story of diagnosis, etc. It was actually a very cleansing experience, I believe. I ended it, as planned, with the little story I wrote last year about my day with my grandsons, and that went over very well. And I didn't even cry until I got to the end of that story, because my grandsons always touch my heart. I want to be here for them.

Thanks for the support!

*hugs*
Gail

lisa42

good for you!
Good for you! I actually spoke one time about my cancer at a church women's brunch. I was very nervous & it showed, but I think many were touched by my talk, and it was really catharctic for me to talk about it.

VickiCO

Great Gail!
I am proud of you!

When I was first Dx'd last October, my head was reeling, etc. You know the routine. Just days later I attended an art critique group I belong to. There are about 15 wonderful artists in this group, most my age (in their 50's). I had created a small journal quilt about how I was feeling, and wasn't even planning on showing it that day. But suddenly I found myself standing in front of these ladies and sharing my story. I called myself a "public service announcement." Their response was unbelievable. First of all, those who hadn't yet had a colonoscopy told me they planned one soon, and most followed through. They asked intelligent questions, and offered whatever help I needed. They continue to send me funny cards, goofy socks (it's a joke with my nurses), books, CD's, whatever they think I would enjoy. I am so looking forward to this month's meeting - the first I will be able to attend since that day. Yes, I cried and so did they. But we laughed also. That is the day we named my tumor Fred, and the day I realized I was NOT alone.

Good for you for sharing your story!

Vicki

msccolon

Outstanding!
Job well done! I know you are relieved to have that speaking engagement behind you! I know you did an excellent job and hopefully even 1 person might be saved by your experience!
mary

maglets

well done
Good for you Gail...it is not easy to speak in front of people....well done.

Mag

Unknown

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kmygil

Congrats!
Congratulations, Gail! I know it is not easy to get up and speak in front of a bunch of people, especially about something so personal and difficult. I salute you!

Hugs,
Kirsten

tootsie1

Thanks!
Forgot to mention that I strongly advocated for people to check out the cancer survivors' network, and they all chuckled a lot when I told them that we call ourselves semi-colons.

*hugs*
Gail

tootsie1

Doh!
How could I have forgotten to put this piece of information in my previous posts? I told them about your healing bags, Kay, and I took mine to show. Everyone was impressed. It was also very comforting for me to hold while I was speaking.

*hugs*
Gail

Buzzard

tootsie1 said:

Doh!
How could I have forgotten to put this piece of information in my previous posts? I told them about your healing bags, Kay, and I took mine to show. Everyone was impressed. It was also very comforting for me to hold while I was speaking.

*hugs*
Gail

Congrats.....
Congrats on a milestone for you. Also for waking people up to the severity of what we or they can go through. you have done them a valuable service as well as yourself....Im very proud of you........God Bless ya...........

tootsie1

Buzzard said:

Congrats.....
Congrats on a milestone for you. Also for waking people up to the severity of what we or they can go through. you have done them a valuable service as well as yourself....Im very proud of you........God Bless ya...........

Thanks
Thank you, dear. That means a lot.

*hugs*
Gail

KathiM

Wonderful! I knew you would do well!
Hugs, Kathi

tootsie1

KathiM said:

Wonderful! I knew you would do well!
Hugs, Kathi

Thanks
Thanks, Kathi!

*hugs*
Gail