Today I made two decisions.
First was to forget about the bra. Mom and I went in search of health food stores on the high street, and I wore my loose and lovely blue dress. Because the dress has some strategic pleats I was able to walk around sans-false breast (sans bra altogether) and it felt divine: just me and the soft caress of cotton in the breeze. You know what, I think people didn’t even notice.
Today was a very good day for body image awesomeness. I also bought a shirt from H&M that has similar pleats. The neckline plunges considerably, but I figure why not? I’m only 28, and so what if I occasionally show a bit of scar? Once this wound heals it will lighten and become less alarming to the accidentally flashed, plus in general the design of this shirt means neither boob nor scar will be hanging out for the world to see.
🙂 Shopping. Oh I love it, even if I can only stand an hour before my side becomes overcome with pins and needles.
My second decision has also been made today. Zsolt and I will stay in England for the chemotherapy. While I’d love to be near my family, I also love being near my husband – and he needs to finish his thesis, which can best be done with access to the university and his colleagues. In the meantime I’ll start applications in case we decide to move after chemo is completed. At the moment that future decision to move is still in the air, but for now we’re staying put in jolly old England.
So there you go. Today I am feeling better, better than yesterday, for sure. To top off the good vibes my work colleagues stopped by for a visit (and brought presents, yay!). I’ll tell you what, the library is the loveliest place – from the people, to the environment, to the work. Shout out to Nick and Margaret! Thanks for coming round; it was great to chat a while.
So high and lows, as promised. Today has been a high. And thanks goodness for that.
PS – an extra shout out to the generous ladies who delivered a certain lunch/dinner this past afternoon. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated, and I think was a highlight in the day. It’s incredible how people can take care of one another. Wonderful too. 🙂
Bumpyboobs ~CatherineBrunelleWrites 
So happy that you had such a great day. And show off your plunging neckline! Why not? And you’re right, I bet no one noticed anything at all, except how lovely you looked in your summery dress. 🙂
Retail therapy is wonderful isn’t it?! Also, presents and friends and big decisions made-what a great, productive day! Enjoy these great days 🙂
So glad you discovered the freedom of going braless! I have been braless since my thirties due to neck and shoulder pain. Camisoles are a great alternative for those of us with small breast(s). Going braless is like swimming in the ocean naked… you don’t realize the sense of freedom it brings until you try it.
Love your smiling sun! She looks oh so feminine and very happy too.
🙂 Wonderful to hear. Keep up the great work. Lots of love and …
Catherine,
Your attitude and ability to express yourself so well throughout this blog has been a blessing to many. Your strenght is going to see you through this next journey. I am so glad that you have choosen to share your story publically.
I am Theresa’s daughter and was sadden to hear of your illness and also so happy at how you are handling it. I will be continuing to pray for you and Zsolts as you go forward. I am also very glad that your mom could come and be with you.
Carolyn
Thanks Carolyn!
Dear Catherine,
Thank you for sharing you thoughts and feelings with us. Reading your blog reminds me of how lovely and precious you and we all are.
Barbro
Thanks Barbro! I hope you are enjoying Sweden 🙂 – if you’re in Sweden…
I love this Catherine! I think you are amazing! And personally I like scars, they are markings on our body that tell the stories of what we have come through! Never ever be embarrassed or inhibited by it!
Much love
Francesca