Comments on: So You Think You Can Dance and the Breast Cancer Connection

By: Barbara Jacoby

Barbara Jacoby — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:14:31 +0000

Wasn’t that dance something else? I am so glad that you were able to relate to many of its elements. All went perfectly with the surgery, thank you for asking. In fact, since my work is a desk job, I actually returned yesterday and worked the full 10-hour day and felt just fine.

By: nauri

nauri — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:34:29 +0000

Mom is a two time breast cancer survivor – 1989 and 2007. I saw so many elements in that dance that portrayed her struggle and courage; so many that portrayed Dad’s strength and support.

It is now August 4th. I hope all went well for you on July 30th, Barbara!

By: Barbara Jacoby

Barbara Jacoby — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:31:04 +0000

Thank you so much for commenting and for sharing with your mother. You are right that we all do appreciate connecting with those who have gone through the fight as well as all of the most wonderful supporters like you who help us more than you will ever know.

By: Tina

Tina — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:21:16 +0000

I did not see this on tv, but I thank you for sharing such a beautiful dance with us. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and I pray regularly that she will not have a recurrence of the disease. I am sending a link of your blog to her as I believe that she would love to connect with others that have gone through or are going through the fight.

By: Barbara Jacoby

Barbara Jacoby — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:29:11 +0000

Thank you so much for providing your perspective on how survivors cope with the day to day of cancer. You really expressed it so very well. The more that people share their thoughts and stories in open arenas like this, the more help it is to those who are also working so hard to continue their personal fights. It is always helpful to know that there is support available from others who have gone through the same things and therefore understand things in a way that others cannot. It helps to not feel so alone. I really appreciate your sharing here.

By: Anna Shepard

Anna Shepard — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:03:37 +0000

Hello Barbara,

First off – My prayers are with you. If you feel the need (or want) to e-mail about it feel free. I’m not the brightest bulb in the box but I AM a pretty decent sounding board. And know of the recurrence – although each person is different.

I saw the dance and thought it was wonderful to get the message out there. While I don’t “get” interpretive dance I was amazed at Ade’s strength and the sheer beauty of the dance. I think it was the song that moved me most (“Woman’s Work” performed by Maxwell) and of course the judges comments had me crying like a baby. That song always moves me to tears and I have played it every day this year since starting my second bout with chemo. Somehow the tears cleanse the soul?!!

I think all survivors muster their strength from the depths of our souls just to get up every morning and blaze through each day as if nothing is wrong (even though we may be slower than we used to in some cases – myself) and do what we have to in order to survive. It isn’t easy but we do it all the same.
Others outside the arena don’t understand as much(some do). They think if you look OK you are OK – you just don’t have hair – so what’s the big deal. They don’t know the constant tornado of emotions that can take over without so much as a moments notice and every so often when you have a “moment” they wonder “what are you crying about?”

I’m getting off topic. Yes, it was a beautiful dance coupled with a very moving song and the judges comments were very heartfelt.
Thank you for putting it out here for everyone to see.
Take care my sister and keep us updated.
May God be with you on the 30th.
Anna

By: Barbara Jacoby

Barbara Jacoby — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:45:06 +0000

Thank you so very much for sharing. Yours is a story of great courage and strength and you are a true inspiration for others who are trying to make the best decisions for themselves. What a wonderful way to embrace life!

By: Donna Cobb

Donna Cobb — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:39:28 +0000

I recently found out during a routine mammogram i had breast cancer. Immediately even though they caught it early i opted to remove both boobs. Last month on the 3rd. My milking days are over and there is so much of life left to be celebrated and enjoyed. I’m a bit of a loner but i can attest to the fact that the love of ur family and friends during such difficult times can make all the difference in the world. Thank you for ur compassion allowed me to open up myself.

By: Barbara Jacoby

Barbara Jacoby — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:35:13 +0000

I thank you so much for sharing your perspective in such a clear and understanding way. You were so able to express what it is like for those who are the support system for every cancer fighter. I really believe that it is so much harder for the loved ones to deal with cancer than for the actual patient. The patient is getting all of the best medical care and treatments possible but the supporters have to supply the most important element in a person’s recovery and that is the love and the care that can only come from the heart. And because that love and caring can’t be measured, those love ones will never know what a difference that they make. I hope that you realize what a difference you made for your mother and your mother-in-law. You are one very special person and an inspiration to all of us.

By: Barbara Jacoby

Barbara Jacoby — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:25:49 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing your friend’s blog with us. I truly believe that as long as we are stick together and help each other, we can truly make a difference. Best wishes to Christina as she continues to be a survivor.