TruemorsThis bald boxer was exhausted but still smiling. The photographer's energy (Kristi) kept me smiling!
Fighting Boxing Breast Cancer
Photo Properties
NP! ID: 1719190
Title: Fighting Boxing Breast Cancer
File Size: 333 × 500 – 140.66 KB
Created: Tue, 09/23/2008 - 4:45pm
Modified: Tue, 09/23/2008 - 4:45pm
File Type: image (jpeg)
Licence: None (All rights reserved)
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (20)
at 17:39 on September 23rd, 2008
With my pink patent leather Doc Martens, my most comfortable jeans and my big, bald head I had started a path of self-discovery. On this path, I learned so much about my family, my friends, acquaintances, strangers and especially children. I have had so many interesting stories that have occured during this bald time in my treatment. Overcoming a number of these physical challenges really gave me strength to move forward...move forward with fight even on those really crappy days.
It turns out that the photos really helped me more than I could have ever imagine. I reviewed them when I was really down and they reminded me of my strength and how far I had already come and how much I had learned thus far. I encourage others to really think about doing this type of photograpy. I feel like it may have helped at least a few people and certainly helped me, which I never imagined.
I look at "the hair" photos that were taken approximately 6-7 days right before I lost it all and just don't really know who she is. She feels so naive to me. I can hardly believe those photos are me.
I have accepted my "big bald head" and come to love it and the lessons I continue to learn. I plan to keep it awhile longer although it is driving my Mother and Sister nuts! It represents a visible strength and my acceptance to be vulnerable. I am a fighter! I hope these photos will help others to dig deep if they need to and pull that fighter out! Use her when you need to and learn to understand and accept vulnerability as a new strength that you have in your corner.
at 13:36 on October 1st, 2008
you have found the strength that I have always seen that at times you thought was lost. You have always been an amazing person that has a heart of gold. I look at these photos and read your words and see the real person I have been blessed to know, learn from, laugh with-alot and face challenges that seem hard to over come. You are an inspiration to so many and should be proud that you found away to share what you had learned that now will allow so many to pass it on. I am so proud of your fire and determination and that your little niece has an aunt like no other. Fight on my friend and show all the true being of living!
at 23:18 on October 1st, 2008
How did you find me?
at 00:01 on October 2nd, 2008
How the heck did you find me?
at 21:34 on October 10th, 2008
Thank you for your professional and personnel comments. They are precious to me.
at 06:17 on September 28th, 2008
Bald and Beautiful!!!
at 21:52 on October 10th, 2008
Hi Riela,
Being open to visibly and publicly being vulnerable and lifting that "veil" so to speak----nothing hidden outside or inside. It was and has been one of the biggest challenges for me to over come. I know it sounds superficial. But I could focus on the superficial and it gave me a distraction from the fear of what was unknown and possible. I had no idea of the prognosis at that time...my life took on a new boldness!
Thank you---Baldness has given a perspective I would have never thought I would ever have to go through. It has been a gift. It was not always seen that way.
at 10:25 on September 28th, 2008
You are amazing! I knew you were special the first time we met. Let me know what I can do to help spread the word.
at 23:21 on October 1st, 2008
Dixie, I knew you were special too! I am so glad that we are still in contact!
at 22:03 on October 10th, 2008
Hey Dixie, I knew you special too!!
Thus, I have passed this information along to you. Just remember how special you are and when your opportunities arise to share or give of yourself in your talented ways----well that is you Dixie. I wish you were selfishly still in Charlotte. I really felt good about our blooming friendship. Hey, I'll take what I can get...contag
at 15:49 on September 28th, 2008
You go girl! I am a friend of Lynn Taylor's and have two very dear friends who have
battled breast cancer. One has had a reoccurrence and the other has had other cancers pop up in other parts of her body. But both are very strong women and have been an inspiration to me. I love pink, it is my favorite color. How could there be any other color. I am so glad you are so supportive of psychotherapy. I am a therapist and I truly believe that you have to deal with what is inside as well as outside. Good luck on your journey. God bless. Anne
at 23:11 on October 1st, 2008
There is NO way that you can deal with the outside without help from the inside. It is just TOO BIG and everyone has a different situation. Some people (family, friends) and specific life situations are boiled to the top of your life...that may have never happened. Life changes. Confrontations are made. Risks are taken.
A therapist will help understand such emotions that are boiling to the top. A therapist can help you examine your thougths and help you keep from ruining your life as you know it. Change is difficult and that goes beyond words.
Get help. Don't be reactive. Take a step 2, 3, 4 backward and maybe give your response time---much longer than normal. Write it down. Work with your Dr.'s and RN's...get a good counsler..................
AND LET IT ALL RIP! This is their job! Flush it all out!
Just advice from a peanut gallery...do what is best for you! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
SMILINGSTRONG
Thank you Anne for your comments.
at 22:18 on October 10th, 2008
Hi Anne,
Your friends are sooo very lucky to know you and have you on their side. Be awhere---they may only want prayers from you.
I would encourage you to just give them the biggest breathing space you've ever given to anyone. Your support should/could be as small as a fortune teller cookie. They will brace up---make a way. She will need to and will find her time to get out of that family concoon. She will be very lucky to have you there to help her. Let her know you love her---no matter what.
Hey, If you want my advice, ask for it-------if not, just tell me what I can do to support you---------------
NO MATTER HOW CRAZY IT SOUNDS!
Both of your lives are forever changed---just be there and let her have her silence, tears, anger and just silently be there for her until she asks to be in anyway different.
Hey....I'm just a nobody---use your instincts. This person is YOU FRIEND and YOUR LOVED ONE!
Let them share with you in "their own time". You be there to love them. They will talk about it when they are ready. No amount of prying or conjoling will open any intimacy. In fact----it will close them off from you and possibly create a large division between the two of you. Let it go...breathe deeply...let it go!
DeeBee
at 16:37 on September 28th, 2008
Hey Girl! I love the photos. I knew the first time I saw them....you would be fine. What a journey, and it continues. Keep fighting........we're going to win. With all I've learned, I already feel like a winner. Without this trial I would've never imagined how strong I could be or how strong my faith would become. God is revealing so much to me as I know He is you. Allow Him to pull you close. Keeping you in my prayers! Love,Tamara
at 23:48 on October 1st, 2008
One of my biggest lessons is that of surrender...surrender...I can't even give words to describe.
Each of us finds our place. We just have to clear our heads of all the "loving care".....clear it all out and listen to our souls. All that noice from before can be translated into energy...love, care and whatever is needed. May God Bless you!
at 16:37 on September 28th, 2008
Hey girl! I've never seen anybody who has had to undergo so much !#$%! still give so much to everyone else. You are such a ray of sunshine to everyone you meet!
at 23:51 on October 1st, 2008
Oh Holt, everyday you are an example for me. You always have been since I first met you!
at 22:26 on October 10th, 2008
HOLT! I miss you so much and can't wait to speak with you soon----or darn it---even visit! :) Love you, DEE BEE
at 19:17 on September 30th, 2008
Sure it was her photos, on flickr, that caught my eye. Ok... a bald beautiful kickboxer..move on.....wait!! what's this??? cancer...No Way!!! I gotta read this story...I did not expect the shift that occured in me, that brought up those memories....all wrapped with beautiful bows, never to be opened again...My mother died of cancer in 1993.
SmilingStrongs story echos a thousands of tragic stories of cancer. But through the growing exposure of her world via photo uploading sites, she has given a face to honesty, strength, courage, and most of all hope, in the realm of uncertainty, fear, change and despair.
I don't mind so much now, rewrapping all those memories, this time with pink bows!
thanks DB
at 23:58 on October 1st, 2008
dharma_bum, thank you! We have had so many discussions about life! I can't tell you how much insight you have given me! This is not the forum. You are an amazing person! I thank you for allowing me the opportunity and reminding me of the voice I have and just forget. Thank you for reminding me to be strong and assertive in my beliefs which are not conventional.
Thank you!