I wandered through a sea of women-nearly 700 of them, in fact. I didn't focus on their smiling faces, their cute post-chemo hair do's, or their spirited pink wardrobes. I was focused on one thing and one thing only...who is wearing purple beads? Where are the young survivors with purple beads? I started to feel panic rising in my chest. Am I the only one wearing purple? When they look at me are they just feeling sorry for me because of the color of my beads? I need to find other young women with the purple beads! Upon registering at the start of the Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer (C4YW), each attendee was instructed to don a strand of beads to signify certain categories. Pink beads for those that were 10+ year survivors, blue for healthcare professionals, green for diagnosed 1-5 years ago, and so on. Mike wore gold beads indicating he was attending the conference as a caregiver. I wore two necklaces all weekend - white beads indicating I was diagnosed less than one year ago, and the purple beads that no one wants to wear - the ones for "advanced stage" or metastatic disease. As I walked through the exhibition hall doors at the start of the conference, I felt like I was wearing a scarlet "A" across my chest. Although I know it wasn't true, it felt like everyone was staring at those purple beads. It felt like I was the only one in the room wearing them. After wandering aimlessly for a little bit with Mike, and chatting with a few wonderful women from my local Young Survival Coalition support group that also attended the conference, I spotted the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network table and made a b-line over to them. I met three lovely women at that table, each wearing their own set of purple beads - finally! Someone that knows the heavy burden that comes with this simple strand of purple jewels. I introduced myself and had a nice chat with the ladies for about 30 minutes. As I was talking to these women, who were all metastatic but were likely in their 50's, I saw another woman come up to the table. She started sharing her story with one of the ladies, while I continued to talk to the other two. I wrapped up my conversation and instead of walking away with Mike, I decided to step back and stalk (er, I mean wait for) the young woman that had come up to the table after me. She looked to be my age and I desperately wanted to connect with her - with someone that appeared to be like me. When she stepped away from the table, I tapped her on the shoulder, admitted I was lurking in the shadows waiting for her, and introduced myself. We ended up talking for over an hour as Mike also chatted with her mom. Although it saddens me so much to hear of a young mother, diagnosed in her very early 30's, with metastatic disease right off the bat - it also made me feel relieved that for the first time at the conference, I felt like there was someone that really understood what life was like for me. My new friend, Genevieve is optimistic, motivated and ready to do anything she can to kick this cancer's butt. We completely hit it off and had so much in common, and lots to talk about. We both believe that eating right, staying active, and having a positive outlook is just as important when fighting this disease as the medications and treatments prescribed by our medical teams. Mike and I hung out with Genevieve and her mom for much of the weekend - sitting together in breakout sessions (we even picked all of the same sessions to attend), and going out to dinner together on Saturday night. I am so grateful that we met and I know we will continue to cheer each other on and support each other from afar while our journeys continue. Saturday morning after breakfast and the opening remarks, we listened to a panel of women share their stories. I was so thankful that a few of them were dealing with metastatic disease as well. As soon as each of them spoke, I felt a sense of relief. They were speaking words from my heart - the fears, the struggles, the way we feel when early stage survivors look at us like their worst nightmare. I was so grateful that the conference didn't just highlight early stage survivors - they included women that continue to battle their disease - even though those stories don't always bring the cheers and and applause that the stories do when women can say, "I have been cancer free for 5 years!" Not only were some of the women dealing with mets, but one of them was a 10 year survivor. It gave me such hope! And you know I sought that woman out on Saturday night and introduced myself to her too! :) We chatted for awhile, exchanged contact info, and gave each other a big hug. Although her road hasn't been easy, she's been traveling it for a long time and I plan on doing the same! In addition to meeting many amazing women at the conference, from every stage of diagnosis, there were great vendors sharing their innovative ideas. The very first booth Mike and I stopped at was for Hope Scarves. We talked with Lara, the creator of Hope Scarves and hit it off immediately. We loved her idea of passing along scarves to newly diagnosed women. Hope Scarves is "a non-profit organization designed to share scarves and stories of hope with women who are experiencing hair loss to due to cancer, injury or illness". We chatted with Lara a few times throughout the weekend and we believe the work she is doing is not only meaningful and unique, but it comes from a place of so much love. If you have scarves you are willing to donate, or would like to send a scarf to someone as a gift, please visit her website for more details. The rest of the conference was a great experience. Mike attended a session just for men, while I went to one on meditation. The other breakout sessions we attended included; A Medical Update for Metastatic Breast Cancer, Integrative Medicine, and Living with Mets: What Young Women Need to Know. In addition to that, all attendees gathered together to hear from respected physicians as they discussed topics from sexuality to nutrition. I truly enjoyed the conference, and left feeling empowered, hopeful and optimistic! Mike and I also had a lot of time to explore New Orleans on our own outside of the conference. We spent all day Thursday, most of Friday, and Sunday roaming the streets of NOLA and checking out everything from Bourbon Street, the Garden District, the National World War II Museum and live jazz! We had so much fun! Mike is a huge history buff, (as well as teacher) so when we found out that the National World War II Museum is in New Orleans, we knew that we would have to check it out. We were thoroughly impressed and highly recommend it for anyone visiting New Orleans. We also enjoyed great meals - although being vegetarians was a little tricky in a city that is known for it's abundance of seafood and carnivorous cajun cooking. I treated myself to a rare glass of wine, and of course no trip to New Orleans would be complete without a trip to the historical Cafe Du Monde for a beignet. We wandered the streets and admired the French architecture, the talented street performers, and the craziness that is Bourbon Street. One of the huge highlights of our trip was attending a jazz performance at the historic Preservation Hall. Originally built in 1750 as a private residence, Preservation Hall eventually evolved into a "sanctuary to protect and honor New Orleans Jazz which had lost much of its popularity to modern jazz and rock n roll." Since 1961, many of the most famous jazz musicians have played in this venue and continue to do so today. It was the most incredible experience and a great way to end our time in New Orleans! I was able to snap a couple pics inside before they announced that photography isn't allowed. I was so bummed that I couldn't capture the band in action. I am so glad that we decided to take this trip. I am grateful that I was able to meet so many amazing women, listen to knowledgable speakers, and feel even more uplifted and supported. I am just as grateful that Mike and I were able to spend some real quality time together - not thinking about cancer. When we weren't within the walls of the conference, we weren't thinking about cancer, or talking about cancer, or worried about cancer. We were the old Meghan & Mike that love to explore new places, go out to dinner, and laugh together - without a care in the world. It was perfect.
Thanks again for all of your love and celebration as we received such great news last week. We are still smiling over here! Tomorrow I am heading to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for an early 30th bday gift from Mom and Doug. I will be meeting them in Mexico and will also be joined by two great friends - and I couldn't be more excited! Well, actually I would be even happier if Mike could come with me but he has to work and hold baseball tryouts. I am so relieved that I will be able to truly enjoy every moment of this vacation now that I received such great scan results. I am looking forward to relaxing and simply enjoying the sunshine, ocean views, and great company. See you next week! xoxo, Meg
16 Comments
3/7/2012 02:37:50 am
Meg, your blog is beautiful and this post was no exception. Thank you for sharing your stories. I'm glad that you finally felt you found a small community of people like us there. It's so important to know that we are not alone in this and that there is always hope.
Reply
Lori Justick
3/7/2012 03:24:19 am
Hi Meghan,
Reply
Niche
3/7/2012 03:32:30 am
I just love your pictures so much from this post, they are wonderful!! And my face/cheeks feel sore from that guy blowing on his horn!! haha!
Reply
Kiki
3/7/2012 01:39:47 pm
Thanks for sharing Meg, it sounds like the conference was such a great opportunity for you and Mike as well, I am so happy that you were able to attend, and enjoy a mini vacation together. The images are just incredible, definitely looks like a place that I need to go (the doors are amazing, you know how I love photographing doors!!). Have a great time in Mexico, enjoy some down time with some great peeps! (PS...it was almost 65 degrees here today, incredible!!). love you!
Reply
Julie Doman
3/8/2012 12:57:24 am
It is so great that you are so proactive and so involved...going to this conference and connecting with others. I'm so glad you're able to find people that you can relate with. The pictures of you and Mike are great. Thank goodness you have each other and that you were able to have such a great trip. Beautiful picture of you holding the glass of wine- I hope it tasted delicious :) Love you and hope you're having a great time in Mexico.
Reply
Meagan
3/8/2012 01:34:36 am
What a great post Meg! Like everything you do in life, you've gone in full force with this battle. I'm so happy to hear the details of how well this conference went. I hope you're enjoying your time in Mexico. Can't wait to see you when you get back :) xoxo
Reply
Marty and Keely
3/9/2012 01:11:10 pm
Wow Meghan....I hope you are having the best time in Mexico. You deserve this vacation. I am so excited for you and the great news that you received. I am also so happy to hear about your time in New Orleans. I will continue to send all the positive energy and prayers your way to keep you happy and healthy.
Reply
Janine
3/9/2012 03:55:13 pm
Love love love these pics!!! My Mike & I went to New Orleans 15 yrs ago and loved it too - the street performers are the best! ... And so glad you had a good conference with some fun couple time - that's what it's all about:)
Reply
Barb b
3/10/2012 03:04:31 pm
Im so excited to see that your trip was such a success!!! Your pictures are beautiful and truly evoke emotion. I really loved the pictures of the beads.
Reply
Deb & Bob Hart
3/11/2012 01:20:44 am
Sounds like such a great conference and all around trip experience. Enjoy Mexico and will continue sending positive thoughts and energy your way!
Reply
Danny Boy
3/11/2012 03:20:06 pm
I'm glad that you connected with another person around your age that is going through similar things.
Reply
Mary Boyle
3/13/2012 04:38:03 am
Sounds so awesome! Glad you were able to connect with so many strong women and caregivers--enjoy another type of recharge in Mexico!
Reply
Barb A
3/14/2012 09:42:57 am
WOO-HOO, Meghan about the scan results! That's really something to celebrate. I loved reading about your trip to New Orleans. What a wonderful experience for you and Mike. The pics are great--makes me want to go there!! I was so glad to hear you were joining your mom and Doug in Mexico. Well deserved for all of you!!
Reply
Carolyn & Mark
3/17/2012 11:46:21 am
I'm so glad that you & Mike had a great time at the converence and site seeing in New Orleans. Your pictures are amazing! Enjoy your wonderful Birthday present to Mexico from you Mom & Doug! Our prayers are always with you.
Reply
Leeny!
3/23/2012 09:38:38 am
Hi Shep! I'm so glad to hear the conference went well! Of course you made new friends and hit it off with strangers - that's what you do. And I LOVED the pictures you took; I definitely felt like I was back in NOLA after looking at them. I liked the one of the man in the white suit walking the little dog across the street. I was also wondering if Mike knows not to take a bite out of food until you've taken your pictures?
Reply
Brandi
10/11/2012 04:44:14 am
Hi Meghan,
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy blog to keep you all Archives
December 2021
Categories
All
|