Okay HER2+ certainly tapped me on the shoulder. Just after I finished a Master's degree from McMaster University, studying stress and women working in social services, I was soon to be diagnosed with HER2+. HMM not the career change I had imagined, as I enter my 45th year armed with an education I had dreamed about, and ready to leave my social service job of 22 years for brighter pastures.
Off for a year now the one being cared for rather then the social service worker who cared for others, I returned to my job only to find the slightest amount of emotional stress sent me spinning.
I spent 8 months working part time, praying none of my clients would tell me anything too horrific. I started a small business out of my home providing services to women who had undergone mastectomies and breast cancer. I was determined to use my research skills and public health skills to inform people of the environmental issues linked with cancer, especially breast cancer.
Then my husband and I took 6 weeks and backpacked around the the beaches of Greece to heal from my treatment, and just enjoy life.
Returning to my desk, at my social service job, I spent three days there... then thought no, no, no, I cannot take any emotional stress, I am no good to my clients, I am shaken inside.
So, here I sit as a highly educated bra fitter, I found a little space in a medical clinic, across the street from the hospital. I work with amazing women everyday our lives intersect because of their cancer diagnosis.
I love my job, it doesn't feel like a job, I love fitting women with the most balance, most comfortable bra and/or prothesis and helping them with their.
I love spreading the word about reducing our everyday toxic exposures from shampoo to food containers.
Did I ever in my wildest dreams think I would be a highly educated bra fitter, NO! When HER2+ knocked on my door, my life spun in a totally different direction. It is a love hate relationship I have with the diagnosis, i hate it that it could kill me off, and I would miss "that dance at my daughters weddings", and yet here I am working with amazing women, feeling good about what I do! |