“The things stage 2 B breast cancer taught me…”

Last year’s stage 2 B breast cancer taught me a new form of empathy for others.

There was the stage 4 cancer patient dressed to the nines at radiation each day who made the most of each treatment like she was going to the theater. She was hoping to live long enough to see her Boston family for Christmas.

My former student also negotiating breast cancer taught me to try to become a patient the doctors want to see. Use empathy to think of what it is like for them.

And yet the new form of empathy I did not expect is that I had a better understanding of Darth Vader – yup that one. 

I was touched the first time the evil protagonist smiled and shared his human side in “Return of the Jedi”. But no question but Luke’s father was a real jerk the majority of the time.

Darth Vader’s breathing reminded me of when I had an asthma attack as a kid. But it was Darth Vader being encapsulated in technology that I empathized with in preparing for chemo.

It was the plastic devices installed in and on me to deliver medicine and chemo treatments that made me identify with Darth Vader. 

The first plastic device flashed red and green lights and kept me up at night with the reflection of its lights. This device was supposed to make it convenient for me to not have to return to the office to get a shot the day after a chemo treatment. 

Thank goodness my chemo caretaker heard my plea and I was thrilled to return to the office less than two miles away to get the shots. That plastic device went away and shots replaced it. Major victory and I felt heard. All I could think of was that this plastic disk was designed by someone who had never worn it.

The second emerging technology installed in me was my port for delivering my chemo treatments. A bonus was that it allows my blood work to be taken without hunting for my deep veins. After 15 months with my port, I am ready for this technology to go away.

Am counting the days until this plastic technology big as a silver dollar is removed. My surgeon whom I adore asked, “Do you hate it?” My husband pointed to his nose and I searched for a stronger word than hate.

I do appreciate what my port made possible but I wish it well after the surgeon removes it. Can’t help but conclude that if Darth Vader did not have technology attached to and in his body that he would have been a nicer guy.

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“The Odds of Breast Cancer Diagnosis…”