So many friends, family, students, colleges, and kind supporters contact me every day to encourage me and see how I am doing now that the word is out that I was diagnosed with breast cancer last February.
I was hoping to produce a blog to keep everyone updated, but the last several months I have spent most my days in a careful regime designed to ward off the potentially dangerous side effects of these chemo treatments and I have found it difficult to get down to my studio to get this done. I started the last 2 months of my intense chemo regime two weeks ago and I am recovering somewhat from the first set. This new set of treatments is not as damaging as the first set, so I have more energy and more stamina for sharing with all of you.
I never knew how much I really didn’t know about breast cancer until it was my turn. It has been an amazing journey thus far and I feel compelled to share it. I don’t know if I have anything special to offer or not, but I open my experience and my heart to my sisters on this planet hoping this will make some difference and spare someone else a difficult or tragic journey.
Too many of us will be effected by this disease and the numbers are rising. It is time to take preventative steps as well as proactive steps as patients to rid our lives of breast cancer. It is time to put to good use our collective feminine spirit and use our healing, nurturing energies to stop to this disease that is robbing children of their mothers, spouse of their sweethearts, grandchildren of their grandmothers, and women of their lifestyles and contributions. There is much to do to make this happen and I think education is the key - so I make this humble offering of information. It will be worth it if just one other woman benefits.
I’ve kept a journal of my experiences thus far which I am attempting to put together in a cohesive way to share now. Forgiving my lack of literary abilities and have patience as I try to explain my journey. I hope this will suffice as the update I owe so many people. Please keep calling, writing, praying and meditating on my behalf. I do feel it and I need the association. I just have too many people to contact and the task is a little impossible for me right now. I hope you understand.
Thanks for caring and I love every one of you!
Julia
To see all her post visit the News section on this site.
© Julia Andrus
10 Comments
Julia, I did not know that you had breast CA. I gotta tell ya GF…you do make bald BEAUTIFUL!!!! You look healthy and vibrant in this photo. I am an RN, and have dealt with more cancer patients than I care to admit. If I can give you 1 thing to help you along your journey…it’s the advise to always keep a positive attitude. Be stronger than you have ever been in your life!!!! This is truly a battle for your life. You are a warrior and have gone through the battle of chemo/radiation (not entirely sure of your treatment regime). Honor yourself for being a warrior!!! I truly believe in mind over matter. The patient’s that I care for that have and keep a positive, “I will beat this” attitude truly do have a better outcome!!! I wish you the best of luck and send whatever positive/healing energy that I can channel. Keep us posted…and, you really do look “mahvelous dahling”!!!! Hugs…and hisses, Rockin Robin
Dear Julia, I had no idea until I saw a note on Suze’s list. I’m so sorry I have not been there for you. Please know my heart is with you and I deeplly care about you.
YOu have the right attitude to get through this. You’re in my thoughts! xoox, Fran
Dearest Julia,
You inspire me! I think and pray for you everyday. I also wish I could be closer to you so we could giggle and talk about old times! I love you and want you to know your the BEST!!!!!
Aloha, Vicki
This is quite a shock, but I was compelled to read each entry of your story. “Bald is beautiful”, for you this is an understatement. I always thought you had a beautiful and striking face and without that gorgeous mane those features are a standout and more apparent. Very becoming. Also, that “I am going to overcome this” attitude is evident. You go girl! I hope you are going to be able to continue updating your blog to keep us informed of your progress.
Jules, what an incredible and scary journey you have been through. And having been lucky to have gotten to know you years ago, I know how valiant, faithful and disciplined you are in working through this. Even though miles separate us (I’m in Missouri by my mother!) I pray you will continue to fight this battle that face so many women. You are truly an inspiration and one of the most beautiful people I have met.
Love you, cyn
Julia,
When I learned that you were sick, I knew in my heart that if anyone can beat it you can! Your strength and positive attitude can outwit any obstacle that you come across. The beauty in your heart shines when you enter a room and you let us know your there with your laugh and beautiful smile that no one can ever take away. I miss chatting with you and thinking about crazy new ideas that aren’t crazy to us. Please be in touch, I miss you! Love to you and your family! Susan Sepaniak
Dear Julia,
There’s a Guardian Angel watching over you. I did not know about your breast cancer until today. Stay strong and you will be OK.
Take Care,
Charlene
Julia my dear, you look so beautiful in spite of the disease. You must be very strong to look this good.
My sister is a 19-year survivor of breast cancer. You too will beat this.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Someday, perhaps I can share with you about my disease. I have so many people praying for me, and because of that fact, my life is going along better than I’d expected. I’m hoping to qualify for a lung transplant within the next several months. I have 30 more pounds to lose before they will continue the testing.
Best wishes to a beautiful woman.
Hugs,
Donna Bruffey
Just know I am praying. Keep a positive outlook on life. Some of out journeys are longer than others. But remember it is how many lives you touch not the number of days you live. I am sure your life is much more meaningful and prescious to you and your family and friends. Keep on keeping on.
Hi Julia,
This is the first I went through your website and it is wonderful. Your videos are terrific. I am visual and need to see a process to really GET IT. You are in my prays, from your videos you seem like a wonderful person. I am sure God has big plans for your wonderful life here on earth!
Many hugs to you,
Lori