Oh, I so relate to this. All I can say, a year out, is that your fancy self will come back. I am typing this from my office, in crazily patterned Dries pants with a full face of makeup, back at my normal weight. I have, with a touch of superstitious hesitation, thrown out every pair of sweatpants that I wore for post-surgery and chemo. It takes time. You will get there. Wishing you light and happiness and opportunities to wear your gorgeous clothes.
I really appreciate the author sharing her thoughts and feelings. When I had cancer almost 5 years ago( cervical) I had a total abdominal hysterectomy and radiation. I did not have chemo because they did not find it in my lymph nodes. My biggest concern was feeling strong again. I worked so hard at building my strength that I ended up in the Emergency Department after a 2 mile walk in the heat. I asked my husband why he let me do that & he said he couldn’t stop me. Cancer really messes with your mind. I understand ,as probably most other cancer patients do ,what the Princess said about uncertainty. We all hope the cancer is gone forever & that we get to live a long time with our loved ones but there are no promises.
I wish the author, The Princess of Wales & all others who have gone through this well and many days ahead( including me).
Such a powerful and relatable piece. Thank you for sharing. When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in early 2020 I was surprised that my changing appearance and the loss of my "old self" was what I would grieve most. I was so afraid of looking sick. I cried most easily at the thought of losing my hair. Fashion has always been an important part of my life and while post-pandemic I throw on athletic wear more than I'd like to admit, just knowing I can style a nice outfit to express myself to the world is comforting. During treatment, I was so frustrated by the lack of decent-looking yet functional options for easy port access that I made myself a garment. In the few years that have past since I was in active treatment I have turned that garment into a business in hopes of helping someone else who's struggling to feel like themselves during their cancer experience. It's those little things, like a good outfit, that have some much power during an otherwise very difficult time.
Thank you Elizabeth, for providing such a thoughtful and caring space for this discussion, and thank you Miranda, for sharing your experience so generously and beautifully. Reading your perspective, I feel a combination of grief, awe, and comfort in the honesty and strength of your words. I wish you well—thank you again!
Miranda- thank you for this incredible essay and for sharing a deeply personal story and perspective. When you talked about how we pump ourselves up with a well planned outfit, I thought of the many days I was weary and in pain and how that outfit could lift my spirits. I do not have cancer- I have a long term and painful condition. I watched my beloved SIL go through cancer and clearly recall the two times she cried- when she had to make a decision about where to go to treatment and then when she opened the oven and singed the bangs on her new wig. She has beaten the odds and I hope that you do the same.
Oh, I so relate to this. All I can say, a year out, is that your fancy self will come back. I am typing this from my office, in crazily patterned Dries pants with a full face of makeup, back at my normal weight. I have, with a touch of superstitious hesitation, thrown out every pair of sweatpants that I wore for post-surgery and chemo. It takes time. You will get there. Wishing you light and happiness and opportunities to wear your gorgeous clothes.
This took my breath away. Thank you Miranda and Elizabeth for sharing.
That was so powerful and a beauty of message, sending prayers to anyone affected by cancer. ❤️
I really appreciate the author sharing her thoughts and feelings. When I had cancer almost 5 years ago( cervical) I had a total abdominal hysterectomy and radiation. I did not have chemo because they did not find it in my lymph nodes. My biggest concern was feeling strong again. I worked so hard at building my strength that I ended up in the Emergency Department after a 2 mile walk in the heat. I asked my husband why he let me do that & he said he couldn’t stop me. Cancer really messes with your mind. I understand ,as probably most other cancer patients do ,what the Princess said about uncertainty. We all hope the cancer is gone forever & that we get to live a long time with our loved ones but there are no promises.
I wish the author, The Princess of Wales & all others who have gone through this well and many days ahead( including me).
Life is so complex. Thank you for such a Beautifully written glimpse into your experience.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective.
What a beautiful reflection. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing, Miranda 💛
Such a powerful and relatable piece. Thank you for sharing. When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in early 2020 I was surprised that my changing appearance and the loss of my "old self" was what I would grieve most. I was so afraid of looking sick. I cried most easily at the thought of losing my hair. Fashion has always been an important part of my life and while post-pandemic I throw on athletic wear more than I'd like to admit, just knowing I can style a nice outfit to express myself to the world is comforting. During treatment, I was so frustrated by the lack of decent-looking yet functional options for easy port access that I made myself a garment. In the few years that have past since I was in active treatment I have turned that garment into a business in hopes of helping someone else who's struggling to feel like themselves during their cancer experience. It's those little things, like a good outfit, that have some much power during an otherwise very difficult time.
This essay was absolutely gorgeous. It will stay with me. Thank you, Miranda, and thank you, Elizabeth, for introducing us to Miranda & her work!
Thank you Elizabeth, for providing such a thoughtful and caring space for this discussion, and thank you Miranda, for sharing your experience so generously and beautifully. Reading your perspective, I feel a combination of grief, awe, and comfort in the honesty and strength of your words. I wish you well—thank you again!
Miranda- thank you for this incredible essay and for sharing a deeply personal story and perspective. When you talked about how we pump ourselves up with a well planned outfit, I thought of the many days I was weary and in pain and how that outfit could lift my spirits. I do not have cancer- I have a long term and painful condition. I watched my beloved SIL go through cancer and clearly recall the two times she cried- when she had to make a decision about where to go to treatment and then when she opened the oven and singed the bangs on her new wig. She has beaten the odds and I hope that you do the same.
Thank you for sharing.