This post is actually one from two years ago which
I penned as I recovered from a mastectomy as a preventive
measure for breast cancer due to my BRCA2 genetic mutation.
Though pretty pictures of a boutique hotel I discovered
in Paris and cancer talk may seem impossibly disconnected,
to my open, one-off, and brokenish heart, the pairing brought
a certain mysterious measure of balance to my experience.
Today this pairing serves as a reminder of
my BRCA journey toward wholeness in the last coupleyears and as an encouragement to keep aiming high
with hope and peace in my heart even when things
around me are in pieces and in transition.
me, mom, and Jo...not just surviving breast cancer but thriving
God is doing a work in me right now, right where I am,
(still in gypsy limbo mode, still vulnerable from life's pains,
still saying YES to the invitation to be stretched)
and I am choosing to listen attentively, to allow
these love lessons to refine and redeem me.
our first trip to Paris just before mom's BC diagnosis and my BRCA2+ journey
Here is my post from two years back:
Thought I would update you on my BRCA2 journey
in a gorgeous setting far away...a fantasy destination
we stumbled on in Paris (must stay here someday).
my photo
In the heart of Le Marais, is the loveliest first-class hotel
my photo
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| Learn more about a suite I love at this place right here. | ||
Join me in the library for a chat, won't you?
Oh my, the elegance. Heavens, the discreet luxury!
Let's whisper here about victory.
I made it through the bilateral mastectomy
and reconstruction (NOT a cakewalk).
I do not resemble Angeline Jolie in any sense
except I can now join her in the great relief
of decimating the significant risk of cancer
which has tortured our mothers.
my photo of the autumn splendor climbing the hotel's walls
Slightly set back from the Place des Vosges.
Just around the corner from the
Place de la Bastille,
Hotels Particulieurs (my fav museums!),
and the shops of the rue des Francs-Bourgeois
(no shopping on the planet like the Marais!).
It's Sunday evening, and I feel pretty dang fierce.
My surgeries were early morning on Thursday.
I went for a walk around the block today.
my photo
(shortly after this photo was taken, i became very ill, and my weight would drop 15 pounds)
(shortly after this photo was taken, i became very ill, and my weight would drop 15 pounds)
Surgical chit chat on my Paris balcony...
Some high drama. Not enough Alloderm (cadaver skin)
for reconstruction, and in case you were wondering, you can't
ask your nurse to make a 7-11 run for a lil' mo skin for a petite fairy
in the middle of surgery. A small miracle...more skin secured.
We are hoping and praying all of my skin survives.
I am so grateful for my surgeons and medical team.
Post-op, I had intense hallucinations, steroidal rage, freeeeeky
side effects of anesthesia, and no sleep until Friday afternoon.
On the upside, my view of the Chicago skyline was rad.
I left the hospital Friday at noon.
There has been no pain (believe it!)
except for migraines from the evil anesthesia.
I am sure I'll be working out in no time.
Wouldn't this be a sweet space for cardio?
Didier Benderli (Kérylos Intérieurs) is the designer
of the interiors, combining aesthetics with innovation.
my photo
my photo
Ahhhhhhh, Pavillon de la Reine relaxes me.
The BRCA journey continues, but today was a
simple lovely day of rest and time with my family
after a challenging chapter...victorious is the mood du jour.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
(which is serving me quite well)
for all the loving comments and concern.
8 Place des Vosges, 75003 Paris
Telephone: + 33 (0)1 40 29 19 19
* * * * *
I think it's helpful to take diversions
from the mundane of the everyday
to reflect on how our stories are
shaping us and equipping us
to live richly full lives.
Thank you for reading with compassion and love.
Peace to you right where you are.
