I’m Robin and I’ve got a story to tell
I think it’s always good to begin at the beginning. Even though our lives aren’t necessarily linear – there is always a story staring in the middle of another. But for each line in our life’s story there is a point where something else begins, right?
This part of my story starts June 7th even though there was foreshadowing weeks before. After finding a lump in my breast at the end of April I’d gone through the prescribed steps: a visit to the gyno, the God-awful mammogram, a needle biopsy, and the days that stretched on like years that comprised my wait. I already knew before we got the results. I had a copy of the mammogram report and looked up every word in it that I didn’t understand.
Each word said cancer.
We were two days shy of quitting our jobs in anticipation of our move from DC to Florida. We had plans: to spend June and July in the city being fabulous, to treat the town – for once – like tourists without having to worry about work, to say good-bye to the struggle and hello to the new life we were dreaming up.
We had plans: a less stressful work life in the sunshine; throwing caution to the wind and trying to have another child; my husband working at building his business and me finally being able to live my life as a writer.
What we got was cancer and a lovely pamphlet compliments of the state of Maryland.
I was “lucky” though. The initial prognosis was good and I was smart enough to enlist the research and support skills of some good folks I quickly dubbed my “team.”
The summer might have been the worst I’ve ever had. Our landlord decided to fix the porch that he’d ignored for three years, our cars broke down, and we were far too depressed to say good-bye to the city properly. I spent two months feeling in a lot of ways like a prisoner in my own home. We managed, here and again, to get off our butts but we mainly stayed at home, slept a lot, and watched far too many paternity testing shows on Maury.
Somehow we managed to get out of DC with a little bit of grace and hit the road to Florida feeling a little optimistic. We didn’t realize then that we were sitting in the eye of the storm.
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10 opinions for I’m Robin and I’ve got a story to tell
Mendi
Mar 6, 2007 at 10:34 am
Thanks for starting the blog, Robin. I’ll be checking in.
Grrrlfriend Jess
Mar 6, 2007 at 12:07 pm
I am so glad to read your story here, this time from the beginning. Here’s to you and the power of putting voice to our most challenging and empowering stories.
Laurel Fay
Mar 6, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I’m looking forward to reading more from you, as always!
:) :)
Karin
Mar 7, 2007 at 1:33 am
Beginnings are always a good place to start. And I’m glad you have a new beginning with this site. You’re going to do a lot of good for people.
Abby
Mar 7, 2007 at 5:44 am
I’m looking forward to reading your posts. Happy to read that things are looking up for you and your family.
Anne Carle
Mar 7, 2007 at 9:51 am
Great information, great writing! Your voice is a valuable one … and i can’t wait to read more.
A Hearty Life » Breast Cancer Survivors Face Heart Failure
Mar 7, 2007 at 6:06 pm
[…] Read what else Dr. Moynihan says about the link between chemotherapy and heart disease. And for more about cancer, visit Cancer Commentary. Robin Dunn Bryant, who recently finished chemotherapy for breast cancer, joined the Cancer Commentary team this month. Her story begins here. […]
Michelle, Robert, & Nina
Mar 8, 2007 at 5:33 am
Robin, you write beautifully. Thank you for sharing your story. We love you and wish you well. Can’t wait to see you! Be well…
Claudine, Louis & Yahney-Marie
Mar 8, 2007 at 12:07 pm
We’re so proud of you Robin! You’re an amazingly positive woman and I know many will be uplifted and encouraged (as well as educated) by reading your blogs. Thanks for spreading your love to the masses…
Heather Rodriguez
Mar 8, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Dear Robin “I’ve Got A Story to Tell,”
Thanks for sharing your story. I have an aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer around the same time and the holidays were especially rough on our family. My hope is, that by reading your blog I will learn more about breast cancer treatments and survival strategies to become a better source of strength and knowledge for my family. It is a very courageous act of selflessness that you share your private struggle. I am very moved and thankful that I can read your blog and leave feeling full of hope. All the best and please keep writing.
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