Guest Post: Takin’ it Back
Today’s guest post comes from Jessica, author of the Life with Gertrude blog.
Gertrude is my port. Yep. I named my port. Figured that if it was going to sleep with me, see me naked and have an intimate relationship with me, it needed a name. Diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer at 28 took away everything from me and almost took my life. After laying in a hospital bed for eight weeks and having over 12 pounds of tumors removed from my abdomen, I decided that cancer was just gonna have to do things my way. During chemo, I saw other women falling victims to not only the cancer that engulfed them but to the thoughts and depression that developed as well. I showed up to every single chemo session wearing Chanel mascara, Betsey Johnson pumps and a designer scarf that I scored for five bucks online. I lovingly referred to those scarves as my “hurr” (hair) and I wanted other women to feel empowered about taking the life back that cancer stole. No one will ever hear the words “my cancer” come out of my lips. I bought a new bikini !
and wore it, despite the 14 inch scar down my abdomen. I would have worn one before the cancer, why would things be any different AFTER the cancer? Why show up to my appointments in my dumpy-dumps, looking like hell threw up on me? That is just letting the cancer control things and I’m just too stubborn to let anything other than me control my life.
I started my blog because I wanted people to know that it is okay to laugh at cancer and it is okay to completely disrespect cancer as well. Matter of fact, cancer SHOULD be disrespected. I mean, it didnt’ respect the survivor, now did it?
Jessica, I love your sassy kick-butt attitude!
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I love that you post such a variety of voices through the guest blog posts – it is great to read others’ stories like Jessica’s.
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Jessica, you go girl! I feel exactly the same way you do and had the same attitude. It works. Not saying that I have not spent time diving in the pitty pool however have managed to keep swimming to keep afloat and climbing out. I have never heard it put the way you have with the fact that we should disrespect the cancer because you are spot on it certainly has no respect for us! Thank you for your spirit!
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Jessica, Thanks for the down-to-earth description of how to make every thing be a little better. Humor is something that has gotten me through many of my life’s surprises. It is Always good to laugh the most at the thing that hurt the most! Good luck in all you do. Look forward to more of your writings.
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Jessica, I love love LOVE this post and Marie, thank you for sharing it!
I am 200 percent with you that we need to laugh at and disrespect cancer as much as we can. I love it that you named your port and wear it/your scars proudly.
Also love how you write–“looking like hell threw up on me” is going to stay with me a long time. I think I’m going to become a regular reader of your blog.
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Well now! It seems like Jessica’s sassy attitude has struck a cord with readers 🙂
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Great post Jessica and thanks for sharing Marie! Attitude is so important and sass has it place, especially when you are fighting for your life!
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I’ve read your blog posts Jessica, and I’m not surprised that you’re getting responses as positive as all these. You’re a huge inspiration for not only survivors, but family of survivors as well. I know I turn to your blog when I’m feeling worried about my mom. They are definitely fabulous!
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You go girl!
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You like me. You really truly like me. Hehehe
In all seriousness, I am ecstatic that my thoughts are so well received. Thank you all!! Keep doin what y’all be doin! Sending y’all bright light, positive energy, mojo juice and Elvis sightings!!
Hugs and sunny surf,
Jessica & Gertrude
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Love your style and spirit. Do have a read of my blog when you have time http://www.ovariancancersurvivor.wordpress.com
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