Weekly Round Up: The Thanksgiving Edition

Time for this week’s round-up of the best of the blog posts which I’ve read over the past week. These are the posts that have moved me, taught me something, inspired me, and which I’ve wanted to share with you. Don’t forget if you have written a post which you would like readers to see, just leave a comment below.

My American friends are enjoying a Thanksgiving holiday weekend as they read this week’s round-up of blogs  and for the rest of us, we can join you in spirit.  Beth has written a beautiful letter to her daughter’s birth mom; Renee and Rachel list all the reasons they are thankful this Thanksgiving; Darryle shares a recipe for the best ever pumpkin bread; Claudia recounts a thanksgiving turkey story;  Uzma is grateful for Facebook friendship and support; Yvonne shares her own unique perspective on the holiday as an Irish woman living in the USA; and Tric as an Irish woman living in.. Ireland.  Ann shares how her celebration of Thanksgiving has changed with the advent of cancer. Nancy asks if cancer has made you more grateful? Barbara answers this question in her own Thanksgiving blog. Elaine tell us that Thanksgiving is also National Family Medical History Day and while she is divided on whether it is the best day to initiate a discussion on the topic, she does recommend setting time aside at some stage to review family health histories.

Le Amazzoni Furiose writes of the death taboo in cancer circles. To deny the reality of death is to deny the reality of life. Yesterday was the third anniversary of my mother’s death and both Jen  and Eileen have been writing of the pain of loosing friends to cancer.  Diane‘s words really hit home for me:

We all will die from something, however, cancer seems to be one of those lingering, self-punishing deaths. It affects all those who know the individual in some way, whether it makes them rethink their own lives or encourages them to dance into the patient, no one gets to walk away unscathed.

Elsewhere in the blogosphere….

Belated, but nonetheless heartfelt birthday wishes to Elizabeth this week.

Nice post by Jackie on how getting organized helps her get closure on cancer.

Beautiful pictures shared by Philippa of her gorgeously exotic garden in Yangon.

Margaret shares an article on breast cancer and pregnancy.

Kylie writes about the liberation of going public without her wig, while Rebecca finds the courage to share her first naked (scalp) photo on her blog and Sarah offers tips for disguising naked eyebrows, while over at The Malignant Ginger blog, there’s something creative going on with more eyebrows.

Kate yearns for a break from cancer.

Lockey writes about the “someday” myth and as a companion piece read Debbie on breaking out of your comfort zone.

Chloe‘s account of exploring fertility options is a must-read for all young women  with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Lara writes about the death of Diem Brown and the cancer is a battle won or lost metaphor. As a companion piece read Lulu on this topic.

Good advice from Stacey Fuller on helping someone with depression.

For those of you who are invited to give talks about your cancer experience and may be feeling a little apprehensive about it, take inspiration from my friend Fiona.

A moving post by Audrey as her mother moves to a care home. I was struck by this quote:

Courage comes in many forms, keeping going through the hard times and also knowing when to accept help.

Catherine shares her latest adventures with her hubby.

Caroline wonders how many know that November is lung cancer awareness month? Or has the fact become lost in the pink haze of October?

And another Caroline, this time a UK-based blogger, has good advice on speaking (and writing) our truth.

Annemarie writes about the bittersweet friendships cancer has brought into her life.

In Pourquoi maman est malade? French blogger, Catherine shares a story by her daughter on the experience of having a mother diagnosed with breast cancer.

Kimberly‘s latest post on how her attitude to cancer and how she speaks of it has changed is well worth a read.

Excellent post by Sharon on the stereotype of the breast cancer survivor.

Christmas has come early in Tammy‘s world.

Delicious and nutritious recipe for rosemary pumpkin hummus on the Breast Investigators blog.

Moved by Lisey Bendy’s stunning photo blog of the legacy of cancer.

Finally this week, I leave you with a quote from Anna Craig which I think very beautiful in its simple, yet profound truth.

Its an honour that I don’t take lightly. The gift to share my life, my journey and my reality with others has been empowering. To have a voice and be accepted is immeasurable.

Until next week,

Yours with love

Marie xxx