Around Christmas time I began to notice that I no longer had any prayer shawls to give out. If you are not familiar with the prayer shawl, it is a spiritual practice of praying before beginning a shawl/ lap rob/ blanket and during and after for the person that will receive this gift. It is meant as a gift of love and support and passing of energy and care for whatever that person is dealing with at the time. These shawls are made to be given out unconditionally and NOT to be sold. Many different groups, churches, individuals contribute to this prayer shawl ministry. There are different sizes and shapes and even stitching rather by hand, or knitting or crocheting, it doesn't matter. There are in some circles that stitch a pattern in three to signify the holy trinity or the concept of Body/mind/spirit or even encouragement to live and act in faith/hope/ and charity. The colors may mean some significance as well, we all have seen the pink ribbons for breast cancer but pink can also mean friendship, compassion, soothing and nuturing. There is a myriad of information behind the shawls and I was one fortunate person to receive one of these shawls when I was diagnosed 5 years ago. This shawl came from a friend who said someone anonymously wanted me to have this shawl and know that they were praying for me and hoped that it would give me comfort and support during my difficult times. My shawl( which is yellow and that signifies: wisdom, learning, optimism, faith, friendship and energizing) remains on the back of my chair at work. It traveled with me to every appointment and cuddled me while I received treatment. I was humbled and appreciative to think that someone would care enough to make and do this for me, one person in so many battling cancer at that time.
It was now my turn to send out the call and I did, to friends, neighbors, relatives, and all different groups that I was involved in and slowly they started coming in, one by one and then sometimes a whole bag full of different works of art and love. I am so appreciative of the efforts put forth to support the patients that are in need here at the institute. Someone asked me how I choose who gets one and there is not a protocol that I follow. Today I see you sitting by yourself, lost in thought and struggling to get through one more treatment or one more day of who knows what lies ahead. I see it in your eyes and in your heart that you need a hug and one that will last longer than a minute and I talk to you and learn your story. Today I find a vibrant colorful afghan for a lady so full of life she is brimming but I also see and feel her struggles. I take her the shawl, pass on the story and she hugs it with all her might and both of us are there with tear drops in our eyes. The appreciation is palpable and I feel so honored to be able to deliver these articles of comfort. We have put up a display at the institute with a few of my treasures and the story that goes along with it. You are not alone and somewhere an angel here on earth is thinking of you and making God's love to wrap around you. Great day! S Remember that our patients need and appreciate this support all year long so next time you need a project, pick up your materials and sit down and see if you can also share a gift of love that I can pass on. SINCERELY, Sue I will soon have the opportunity of flying to Las Vegas for four days of packed information on breast cancer. I am excited and intimidated. This is a great opportunity to get new information and reinforce what I do know or need to know. I am anxious to learn more of all the resources for breast reconstruction as so very much is done now that was not even thought of 5 years ago. A friend of mine that is a plastic surgeon stated that very few women consult with a plastic surgeon before their mastectomy and a very small percentage of women get reconstruction after mastectomy either immediately or by a delayed procedure. I know that having gone through surgery with a lumpectomy that I was just glad to be alive and really had so much on my plate that it was hard to think of anything else at the time to make decisions on. I have always felt that information is the key component in any patient's care and the most important aspect of developing a plan that is patient centered. Healthcare is the buzz word of 2011 and where we go from here. What will be covered, how to get coverage, what to do next and the quagmire continues? Each patient comes with their own set of issues and concerns as well as medical background. Each year as I get older I realize my list of what has been done, what I am doing and what I am taking changes and gets bigger. It is impossible to think that your own private physician can keep track of all these details and so you must come prepared with your documents of information just as you would a resume for a job interview. Even past history with family can play a role such as did my mother have breast cancer and if so before the age 50? Was there any ovarian cancer in the family? There are studies and research ongoing and programs for patients as well as caregivers.
Having said all this, I look forward to learning about all the new and upcoming products, treatments and clinical changes and what is happening in the the legacy of breast cancer. I will be sure to share all that I can and this blog will be popping with resources and information. It won't be long now! I just hope that I don't get lost and can find all the programs I want to see and be involved in and that I can bring back news that you are waiting to hear. In the meantime, it is Friday and I am making it a great day! As always, the information included here is not affiliated with any medical institution and are my own thoughts. S No Padding– Just the Support
Sponsored by YOLANDA G.BARCO ONCOLOGY INSTITUTE-Meadville Medical Center 16792 Conneaut Lake Road Meadville, PA 16335 (814)373-2335 (To pre-register) This is a fun-filled, informational day for breast cancer patients and survivors to be held at the Iroquois Club on April 16th from 8am -3:30 pm. We are excited to have you join us! If you have never been to a retreat before, this one is for you. Continental Breakfast and Lunch included. We will be providing information, hands on experience and demonstrations. Door prizes will be awarded. Pre-registration is preferred and there will be a limited number of tickets available at the door. IROQUOIS FISHING AND BOATING CLUB 10733 Konneyaut Triangle Conneaut Lake, PA 16316 (814)382-3075 Pre-registration preferred to: Sue Kilburn (814)373-3381 by April 8th. Limited ticket sales at the door. Cost: $10 includes continental breakfast and lunch · Nutrition: Leslie Lawton · Complimentary Therapies: Dr. Nimit Sudan · Recurrence Fears: Dr. Kathy Berkey · Yoga: Christina Martinec · Massage: Jeff Baldwin · Fun/Sexuality: Dr. AnnaLiisa McGlinn Keynote speaker :Dr. Jason Brown-Debunking the Myths– Just the Facts Come join us for a new and enlightening day! Make it the day! Sue |
AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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