Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Inner Person (09/09/10)
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TITLE: Passive Suicide | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terri Schroeder
09/13/10 -
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Apprehensively, I listen as the surgeon explains the findings. “There are two definite cancers--possibly three.” His finger points to the pertinent areas on the x-ray. “The cancer has already spread; the affected area is too large--you’re not a candidate for a lumpectomy. We’ll have to do a mastectomy.”
“No way!” I retort. This isn’t what I expected to hear. I’ve already looked on the Internet and seen photos of the hideous disfigurement from mastectomy. My breasts are symbolic of my womanhood, the very essence of my femininity. “I can’t lose my breast!” To me, death is preferable to a life without them--and I want both of them!
“There’s always reconstruction,” he suggests. “I can make it look very natural. Give yourself six months to recover after the surgery; then, we can begin the process of reconstruction.”
“No! Absolutely not! I’ll consent to a lumpectomy, but you’ll never remove my breast.”
Within days, the surgeon reluctantly performs the lumpectomy; he calls a week later with more biopsy results. “I’m sorry, we didn’t get it all. You still have breast cancer.”
“But how do you know? How can you be so sure?” I’m devastated.
“Because we didn’t get clear margins.” He explains exactly what that means; and with compassion, he adds, “I know how you feel about a mastectomy, but without it, the cancer will continue to spread, and you will die. It’s only a question of time.”
“I need to think about this…I’ll get back to you….” The room is spinning; I feel faint.
“Don’t wait too long,” he warns, somberly.
Ever since the cancer diagnosis, I’ve searched my heart and soul. I’m not afraid to die. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord--all my pain and suffering will be over. I’ll be whole. Yes, I determine, it’s better to die than live without my breast. I’ll allow the cancer to take my life--I’ll commit passive suicide.
An inner voice nudges my soul, ‘Do not lose heart; outwardly you are wasting away, inwardly you are being renewed day by day. Your inner being will be strengthened with power though his Spirit.’
I look down at the remains of my breast. So much tissue has already been removed--it’s half the normal size. Is my breast so important that I’ll give my life for it? Will I lose my life for vanity? Is this corruptible body the most important part of me?
‘No,’ my inner person screams. ‘I want to see my children marry; I want to see my grandchildren; I want to grow old with my husband. And--I want to live the life God has planned for me.’ I realize God has allowed this trial to happen to me for a purpose, and He has a work to do through me.
A week later the mastectomy is performed; and, after four weeks of recovery, I undergo chemotherapy. The surgeon has done a thorough job this time--I’m filleted down to my ribcage with only a thin layer of skin covering the bones. There’s a concave hollow instead of a breast mound, but this time the margins are clear.
I’m mutilated, bald, and too weak to stand; and in this moment of weakness, doubts creep into my soul. Will my husband be able to look at me with desire again? Will I ever feel like a woman?
My husband lies beside me; he wipes away my silent tears, and kisses my bald head. “You’ll always be beautiful to me, inside and out.” he assures me; I fall asleep in his embrace.
Six years has passed since my mastectomy. God has used this experience to strengthen my faith, and He has used me to help others. At His good and perfect timing, He will call me home. Until then, I will fight the good fight.
And, in case you’re wondering--no, I didn’t have reconstructive surgery. My outer shell is not important; it’s my inner person that counts.
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I really liked how you described the emotions that you battled. And truly, as you came to realize, there's not a choice when it comes to fighting for one's life.
Your ending was a surprise to me, but I really, really liked it. Not having the reconstructive surgery completely summed up what this cancer battle taught you - it's our inner selves that matter, not our outward shells.
Excellent writing - I hope to read more of your pieces!
This story should be a winner.
A tiny bit of red ink. Exclamation points should be used few and far between.
Thank you for sharing the inner struggle of allowing your inner beauty overrule the outer appearance. Great on topic story.