Wednesday, November 30, 2011

This week marks two years since I was diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax. It occurs when a small area in the lung ruptures and the air leaks into the space around the lung. I suffered for three weeks as the buildup of air put pressure on my lung and with every breath it felt as if I were suffocating. I remember this same feeling of fear and suffocation as my family and I dealt with the shock of my mother being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. This week also marks three years since her diagnosis, mastectomy and the beginning of her treatment. She was lucky enough to survive this disease; a battle which she fought with such incredible strength and courage.

5 comments :

  1. Love the photo. My mom's sister is newly diagnosed with breast cancer and just had a bilateral mastectomy. I, too, and so amazed by these women's courage. Hope you are doing well.
    - Ginny from Taiwan :)

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  2. Ginny! I am so sorry to hear the news about your aunt. I'm sure she has much support and love from you and your family. I often stop by your blog during my lunch breaks and love following your adventures around Europe! Best to you and James! Oh, and let me know when you're back in Japan, or South Africa :)

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  3. Hey! Just came across your response! My aunt is actually doing amazingly well. Thanks so much for your well wishes. We are home now (hence the blog hiatus) but I will be catching up soon! We'll definitely be planning a trip to South Africa - hopefully in the next couple of years. Let me know if you are ever in Texas! :)

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  4. Your photo somehow makes a saddening malady into something emboldening and beautiful. See you when I get back to Japan!

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  5. Arjun! Thank you so much. Thank you for looking.
    I look forward to our next rendezvous!

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