Return to Real Life
Posted 10/3/2010
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We arrived home from Zimbabwe this afternoon, 33 hours after beginning the journey. It was a marvelous two weeks, and I am filled with memories and gratitude. It was particularly a treat to not think or talk much about breast cancer for 14 days. There were several opportunities, all conversations with other guests at the camps, that I let pass right by:
1. A woman who told me in unfortunate detail about the recent diagnosis and treatment of a friend. Her attitude seemed a combination of pity and relief that it was her friend and not herself.
2. A woman who works as a PT at a rehab facility in California who gave an impassioned lecture at dinner about evil drug companies who can produce Viagra and Rogaine but can't cure breast cancer. She seemed convinced that it is a male conspiracy.
3. Hearing a little about a woman's diagnosis and treatment some years ago. She is doing fine.
I did have a conversation with one of the guides, a Zimbabwe citizen, who was talking about the devastation caused in Africa by HIV/AIDS and then spoke of new efforts to educate women about breast cancer. He was vague and not so well informed, but he clearly was empathetic and supportive of anything that might help. I didn't say a word about my personal experience, but did admit that I work in the field.
But, back to reality. And, after a night's sleep, back to daily work here.
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