Pink Sisterhood

I knew there was a sisterhood of exceptional women who had faced and conquered cancer, but I never anticipated the immediate comfort of their outreach, openness in the retelling of their stories of survival and the undoubtable reassurance that life will go on. Their stories of battling cancer are heart aching, but their survival and passion for life is inspirational.

Here is an excerpt from one of these exceptional women who reached out to me:

"Fast forward to today. My hair is back. My love for life is full. My family is stronger than ever. I'm healthy. And I've got a huge (sadly) circle of young women who are so close to me  -- my silver linings out of all of this. The pink ladies I have made along the way have been a lifeline for me. We often meet for coffee or dinner to catch up, which usually includes a "show n tell" trip to the bathroom to inspect reconstructive surgeries, boobs, wigs and scars. But they are amazingly filled with laughter, sometimes tears, and undoubtedly always end with a big hug and a sense of connection -- one that is so rare. How you can have a stranger who barely knows your every day life turn in to someone at the other end of the "red phone"... I will never know why this is the case, but I can attest to the power of this sisterhood." 

The one line that has been the most overwhelming for me that I am grasping onto is, "Remember, you became a survivor the moment you were diagnosed." That is the mindset of these women that I proudly call my sisters now. This positive attitude and hopeful outlook is something I will hang on to and practice daily.

I am surrounding myself with my army of family, friends and newly found sisters to prepare for my battle. I am not going to sugar coat it. I'm scared. I’m scared out of my mind. I look in the mirror and use my hands to cover my hairline because I realize I will look different very soon. But I continue to tell myself “You have to do this to live. You have do this for Camilla.” I take a deep breath and then I am ok. I’m ready.

I cannot begin to describe how incredibly grateful I am for all the love, warm thoughts and prayers. I am truly blessed, despite being diagnosed with cancer. I guess life is just funny that way. I will never be able to say thank you enough. I am truly humbled.