On October 3, 2006, I heard those dreaded words "You have breast cancer" - not a fun way to kick off breast cancer awareness month! I would have preferred attending a tea.
Cancer has been an unwelcome member of my family, so this was not a shock. My family has inspired me along this journey - including my mother and brother who both faced terminal cancers with great class and humor. Four aunts developed breast cancer. In thier 70s and 80s, nothing stopped these old girls from having a grand old time. In addition to me and my brother, six other cousins have had cancer. In my family, we eat dessert first!!!
The diagnosis was the beginning of a frightening and overwhelming period. After two surgeries, in December, I returned to have a mastectomy. By the grace of God, things went very well and recovery went smoothly.
This was also the beginning of an incredible journey of love. I can't begin to thank all of the people who came forward to help in this time of need. The outpouring of love and friendship has been overwhelming and humbling. Between my family, my co-workers, my friends and fellow dancers, someone was always here when I needed them.
Words can not express how much I appreciate the love and support from all of you. It was the best medicine ever!
I have been greatly inspired by Jadaya, my primary belly dance instructor, who had a double mastectomy over 30 years ago when she was a young dancer. When someone once commented on how well she could move her arms, she tapped herself on the forehead and said, "You're crippled up here." Her words inspired me through out my life and especially during my recovery.
30 plus years of belly dance has definitely contributed to my recovery. Within a month of the mastectomy, I was able to do snake arms, shoulder rolls, gentle shoulder shimmies, rib isolations as well as hip drops, shimmies and travel steps; including dancing with a cane. I knew I was feeling better when I put on music and danced around the living room. I lost a breast, but the rest of my body worked just fine. I was dancing within a few months after the mastectomy.
I chose to not have reconstruction. Maybe someday, but for now, I don't want more surgery. Socks stuffed in the bra work. When I was a young, slender small busted dancer, I stuffed my dance bra with socks to enhance my cleavage. Life goes full circle. I'm stuffing my dance bra once again!
I don't feel less of a woman without a breast and have redesigned costumes to fit my redesigned body.
We all know that good health and fitness is an asset to recovering from any illness or condition. Belly dancing is a unique and gentle way to exercise, get in shape and develop the woman on the inside.
Belly dancing has the power to soothe the emotions and heal the soul. It's the joy in our hearts and the fire in our souls that make us beautiful, not our age or the shape of our bodies!
It is important to take care of your breasts as well as the rest of your body and get your routine screenings. My breast cancer was caught early during a routine mammogram. I had no physical symptoms. No lumps, no pain, nothing. Had I waited a year or two, my story might have had a very different ending.
If just one woman reads this story and gets her mammogram and gets treated or finds comfort or courage or hope, then I have accomplished what I hope to do.
So, get fit, get your physicals and keep on dancing!
Elisheba (Elizabeth Yarnell) aka Betty the One Boob Belly Dancer
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....Life is about learning to dance in the rain.
July, 2007 - seven months post-mastectomy.
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For information on belly dance classes and events in the Harrisburg Captiol area | |
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