Reflections on Life, Loss, and Mortality

Oh Myrna I resonate with so much of this and appreciate your vulnerability in posting it. I’m 55 and having to face the realities of what a TNBC could mean for me coupled with my brother in law dying in his sleep unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart issue 3 months ago I’m thinking about death and dying a lot. It’s hard. On a positive note…35 tears of marriage!! Now that is something to celebrate ❤️

Yes...I'm 60 with TNBC...stage 4...One Day At Time...

Many thoughts of love and prayers to you. ❤️ I have two good friends that are survivors of TNBC. 10 plus years now and thriving.

Right there with you Myrna. My husband was seriously ill last year and hospitalized while I was going through 4 months of chemo. Visited him as often as I could. Even fractured my ankle while visiting him, in his hospital room. A few weeks later, I was told the cancer had spread to my femur. They did an intramedullary nailing where they put a titanium rod into my femur to prevent a broken hip or thigh. I was in the hospital for 5 weeks, using a wheelchair, staying with a friend. Less than 2 weeks later, my husband of 47 years passed away. I had a double mastectomy on April 1, a month later an infection and now I have a wound vac on 24/7. It’s been so emotionally draining. I know my husband is no longer in pain, but damn I miss him and wish he were here to help me through this. I can’t even speak about him without bursting into tears (I’m crying even as I type this). My birthday is 9/11, he passed on 9/21 and our anniversary would’ve been on 12/17. So much happened all at once and everyone keeps telling me how strong I am, but I sure don’t feel strong. I want to feel his hug. I want him to tell me I’ll get through this. I have a great support group yet I feel so alone. Does that make sense?

These profound life changes and losses naturally bring up deep questions about mortality and meaning. Facing cancer while celebrating new life, marking milestones, and grieving the loss of a dear friend creates such complex emotions that many in this community understand. The weariness that comes with processing so much at once is completely valid, and it sounds like there's wisdom in taking things one day at a time while actively choosing to notice the good around you.