Breast cancer survivor decides the "right" thing now, due to genetic testing results and family history, is a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstructions
BY Barbara Tako
PUBLISHED February 27, 2018
Barbara Tako is a breast cancer survivor (2010), melanoma survivor (2014) and author of Cancer Survivorship Coping Tools–We'll Get You Through This. She is a cancer coping advocate, speaker and published writer for television, radio and other venues across the country. She lives, survives, and thrives in Minnesota with her husband, children and dog. See more at www.cancersurvivorshipcopingtools.com or www.clutterclearingchoices.com.
I remember dealing with cancer and a difficult family situation when a very dear friend gently reminded me, "Barb, sometimes doing the right thing does not feel good." I needed that reminder then and while I wait for my prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction, I feel like I need that reminder again. What is right "right" implies a correctness or moral choice.
Every day, cancer survivors make the best decisions they can with their treatments and their lives. The outcomes of those choices are not always "happy." Sometimes I think our society seeks "happy" too often and too much. What about self-control and responsibilities? We are adults, after all.
The pursuit of happy does not always or immediately take us in the direction of happy. In addition, the choice for instant gratification does not always really make someone happy. I know my reconstruction will not be instant. It will be a process. There will be times for healing. There may be pitfalls or setbacks. There may be multiple surgeries and what we politely call "procedures." What a word. By all means, proceed. Yikes. And, yes, I am putting my family through "this" again. Again? No, this is not cancer, not this time. This is my personal choice. This is what I think is "right" for me at this moment in time with the limited knowledge available.
Every day, cancer survivors make the best decisions they can with their treatments and their lives. The outcomes of those choices are not always "happy." Sometimes I think our society seeks "happy" too often and too much. What about self-control and responsibilities? We are adults, after all.
The pursuit of happy does not always or immediately take us in the direction of happy. In addition, the choice for instant gratification does not always really make someone happy. I know my reconstruction will not be instant. It will be a process. There will be times for healing. There may be pitfalls or setbacks. There may be multiple surgeries and what we politely call "procedures." What a word. By all means, proceed. Yikes. And, yes, I am putting my family through "this" again. Again? No, this is not cancer, not this time. This is my personal choice. This is what I think is "right" for me at this moment in time with the limited knowledge available.
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