Patricia Ann Kerr

I was diagnosed in December 2013. I have since completed 5 months of aggressive chemotherapy, a mastectomy and had 13 lymph nodes removed. I currently have 3 more weeks of radiation therapy, then hopefully, cancer free. It has been a long journey. I would like to share my poems about the experiences.

The Diagnosis

The mammogram results are on the screen,

I ask the radiologist, “Does this mean

that I have breast cancer?”

Just a nod is her answer.

There was no air, no breath,

all I sensed was impending Death!

Involuntary tears began to stream

and I stifled a scream.

Pulling tight my dressing gown

in a tearful haze, I moved slowly down

the hall, walking like the damned,

trapped with no escape at hand.

My fate is etched in stone

and I am feeling so alone.

I am filled with dread and fear,

of all the pain and danger.

The technician gives me a gift,

a pink ribbon scarf to lift

my spirits; a woman comes, takes my hand,

offers comfort, hope, and a well planned

Start of the long journey

of treatments leading to recovery

that will help me find

wellness and peace of mind.

From that day forth, I will never be

the woman who once was me.

I changed forever on that day

becoming the person I am today.

So many people I have met,

who I will never forget.

Thank you all for making me well.

I am so very grateful.

Cancer and Me

I thought that I could be

the woman who once was me

before the cancer did begin

but that me will never be again.

Hours spent in the depth of despair,

spouting tears, wondering where

and why did this invade my health

with such unexpected stealth?

How could this be?

Why is this happening to me?

But the choice is clear,

you must walk through the fear.

This insidious disease

brought me to my knees

infused me with powerful chemotherapy

followed by life-saving surgery.

Succumbing to the treatment strains

submitting to toxins in my veins

and radiation searing any remains

until every cancer cell wanes,

Stripping away the pain and malaise

of this treacherous disease.

Hope inspired by the kindness of heart

from my medical teams’ support.

The former me still lives inside

with new wisdom, strength, pride,

and gratitude to all who worked so that I could be

healthier, thriving and cancer-free.