It may seem as though these blogs are going backwards, but now that chemo is done, there is much reflection going on....a tribute to Donna and others
The Little Pink Pillow
I am a woman, like so many other women (astounding how many) who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. When I reported to the hospital for my lumpectomy, I was visited by a wonderful woman named Donna Jones (she had called me prior to the hospital appointment to introduce herself as my advocate). She gave me a gift bag with various items in it, one of them being a soft, little pink pillow. She said it was designed to support my breast upon my release from the hospital so the seat belt wouldn’t hurt my poor, mangled boobie, and it was mangled and bruised, and sore with three incisions. For the first 48 hours of my recovery from the lumpectomy, I used that pink pillow when I walked, sat, stood up, and lay down, and it was equivalent to a little pink miracle. Donna told me that the pillows are hand made by a volunteer at the Cancer Center; and that she and this person had an arrangement that if Donna keeps buying the material, the volunteer would make them. I can’t begin to express how much relief and comfort that little pillow gave me, and my boobie….such a little thing that made such a big difference. So, if you are someone who has to go through what I did, I highly recommend that you use that little pillow. Needless to say, it’s the little things that make a difference when one is going through something so terrifying as this.
Donna was kind and compassionate, and when I introduced her to my wife of 22 years, she didn’t raise an eyebrow, or display that look that some of us who are gay get; that looks that says, I have to tolerate you because it’s my job, but I really don’t like or approve of who you are. Thanks to Donna, and to that woman who makes those little pink pillows; I suppose if I end up loosing my hair, there will be a little pink headscarf or something to match it. With people like Donna, and volunteers who care so much, I have no doubt that somewhere, someone, makes little pink scarves. Thank you doesn’t begin to express the difference this made to me.
After reading your reflection Denise, I want a little pink pillow! No, I haven't been afflicted by cancer, but your little pink pillow, well, makes me crave that little vice that one with ordinary circumstances wouldn't think twice about!!! I have family members that were afflicted with breast cancer, and I'm not quite sure that they received such a comforting gift, physically, maybe even emotionally, a gift such as yours! Thank God for Donna, for all she does, and that she's your advocate! My heart is with you, Denise. <3
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