blackemerald1
VIP Member
@Scarlet13 - this is bringing back all of my feelings and memories a patchwork of low lights and highlights... Many hugs - it (the cancer) must come out so steel yourself and raise your chin.
People will look and wonder. All will be relieved it's not them. You are so courageous and strong and you will survive this and be a beacon of hope for so many people around you - particularly as you work in a school.
I know you don't want to be in this situation and I truly wish you weren't too. But, if you have to be, be dignified about it all but also know that it is totally human to be triggered, worries and anxious about the surgery, time off work and reactions of others.
I got stared at relentlessly - I assume you will be heavily bandaged initially and then stiches then when they are removed gently bandaged again. It is a real trial and I so know what you are heading into.
Half of my face was heavily bandaged and at one point I was required to attend a staff meeting. I was driven into the office - personnel knew I was off on sick leave but not why. When they saw me jaws dropped. Trying to navigate a cup of tea to my mouth was a challenge lol.. I did get sick of people staring at me so when I noticed anyone doing it I stared right back. Like this wasn't cosmetic surgery you knob... ugh.. (Not that I judge people having cosmetic surgery but still.... if you get my meaning?)
I know you are just at the beginning, so deal with the beginning and so far so good. :hug:
And if you are trying to imagine the end result remember these doc's actually take a lot of pride in doing the best stiches and work.. and most important - you will be free of this insidious disease. But for now, well done on getting the how it is going to be done worked out and at least trying to communicate with your boss.
I get that kids can be harsh.. but you are a tough, level headed & strong woman. You are a lot stronger than they are. You are a lot stronger than you, yourself know at this time. You will see what I mean. :hug:
People will look and wonder. All will be relieved it's not them. You are so courageous and strong and you will survive this and be a beacon of hope for so many people around you - particularly as you work in a school.
I know you don't want to be in this situation and I truly wish you weren't too. But, if you have to be, be dignified about it all but also know that it is totally human to be triggered, worries and anxious about the surgery, time off work and reactions of others.
I got stared at relentlessly - I assume you will be heavily bandaged initially and then stiches then when they are removed gently bandaged again. It is a real trial and I so know what you are heading into.
Half of my face was heavily bandaged and at one point I was required to attend a staff meeting. I was driven into the office - personnel knew I was off on sick leave but not why. When they saw me jaws dropped. Trying to navigate a cup of tea to my mouth was a challenge lol.. I did get sick of people staring at me so when I noticed anyone doing it I stared right back. Like this wasn't cosmetic surgery you knob... ugh.. (Not that I judge people having cosmetic surgery but still.... if you get my meaning?)
I know you are just at the beginning, so deal with the beginning and so far so good. :hug:
And if you are trying to imagine the end result remember these doc's actually take a lot of pride in doing the best stiches and work.. and most important - you will be free of this insidious disease. But for now, well done on getting the how it is going to be done worked out and at least trying to communicate with your boss.
I get that kids can be harsh.. but you are a tough, level headed & strong woman. You are a lot stronger than they are. You are a lot stronger than you, yourself know at this time. You will see what I mean. :hug:
