I was moved to tears last night with an e-mail from my new friend Brooke who detailed her last chemo yesterday for me.  Her pathology is very similar to mine -- she had the lumpectomy surgery, the same 4 chemo treatments, and is now set to start radiation in a couple of weeks.  She is about a month and a half behind me, so we've e-mailed back and forth a LOT about what we've been going through with losing our hair, naming our wigs, having reactions to our chemo, etc.  What's quite different about us, though, is that Brooke's a young (early 30's) mom of 2 little girls.  She's had no option but to remain courageous for her family.  I'm just delighted that she's come through the toughest part of her treatment so well.  Here's a bit of what she had to say to me about what she's feeling today:

"This whole journey has been something I wouldn't wish on anyone, but I am at the point where I can really say that a lot of good has come out of this.  I try (and sometimes fail) to be a better mom and wife, I am more patient with others, and I have been very humbled by the love of family, friends and even others that we barely know.  A positive attitude and laughter has helped me--and a good cry is cleansing!"

I've never met Brooke.  I've never even spoken with her.  She is the daughter-in-law of my oldest brother's good friend, and we were put in touch with each other early on during our cancer journey.  Sharing such personal, frightening, and funny thoughts and situations really brings you close together, and I think of her as a sister.  Brooke, you go, Girl!  I'm proud of you!!

It's a scary time beginning today for my dear friend's sister who's having her lumpectomy this morning.  It's another person in my life with a very similar pathology to mine -- this just seems crazy!  The good thing is, this person will also have the same positive experiences that Brooke and I are having -- it just may take a while for her to realize it...