Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Day 2

of chemo number 6. That is amazing in itself ; six chemos down, and two to go. Then I apparently have three/four weeks grace before going under the knife. Whether a mastectomy or a lumpectomy I don't know yet. That all depends on how much the tumour continues to shrink. It is beginning to plateau now but on the 31st of January, they are going to put a metal marker into the marker so that if it becomes too small to feel, they can still see where it was on ultrasound. Now wouldn't THAT be wonderful!

I also want to thank so many of you for giving me stories of hope after the last but one post. I do agree that most of the blogs still standing are those of women who didn't go on to new things after cancer, and maybe that is why there seems to be such a dearth of them. I am so heartened and warmed by your own messages of women who have gone on, after cancer to find love, fun and self-realisation in the rest of their lives...

So, day 2. Normal hiatus before tomorrow which is death warmed up day. I have managed to get up which is a result but not dressed. The dreaded saliva waves haven't come on yet, but the bowl is out ready and waiting for whatever deposits I wish to make... How elegant Minerva...*smile*

I am feeling a little disheartened on the writing front as I have been criticised for being too 'dramatic' in my writing - Read all the comments here and see if you agree...

I am also percolating ideas for the next three months without work in my life. This week I have marking to get through and then? Then the world is my oyster... So far, I am planning on walking the dog, writing an hour a day of my book and catching up on my woefully deficient visual vocabulary by watching all those films I haven't seen... Any other ideas and would any of you like to join me?

Minerva

22 comments:

Dan said...

Let them get cancer and maybe they might too get "dramatic". I wouldn't worry too much as they spend their time being critical and that is all. Not good for your head.

d Any Day Above Ground Is A Good One

Deadly Female said...

Minerva, petal, you know my thoughts on that xx

And if there was any way on this earth that I could get down there and watch some of those movies with you, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

Take care today, petal xx

Evil Minx said...

The comment i wanted to write was too long, so i've emailed it to you.

And you'd better write that book! I'm on shpilkes (Yiddish for tenterhooks) to find out what happens next!

Minxxxxxx

Rainypete said...

I'd say you write what you want. If every author was universally liked writing would be a far more popular career path. W Shakespeare isn't everyone's cup of tea, but that doesn't render his writing crap. The same holds true with many an author. You write what you feel and know. If others don't get it you have to ask who you're writing for. If it's you then they can get crammed. If you want to spend your life pleasing others then you can ask them what they feel you should be writing and spend the rest of your life trying to conform to their ideas.

Be yourself and damn the masses!

The Gnat's Trumpet said...

I think there is quite a disparity between the individuals who do the reviewing and the context in which they make their remarks. I think the real opinion (at least the one I agree with) about your site was the one expressed on December 3 (five smacks). The one in the comments the other day, I think, was just a quick one liner for effect, although that type of comment does seem to be the norm for the aptly named Bitter Bitch.

In any event, I, one of very many, enjoy your writing a great deal.

amanda said...

no worries, min, living a life filled with drama leads to one writing dramatically. I read the comments, and I really think B.B. was just trying to start some internet drama...

I think you are a wonderful writer for being able to write about such an ugly thing as cancer so beautifully.

Please don't take this to heart...

3rdtimesacharm( 3T ) said...

I have to agree with rainy pete Minerva. Please don't let a couple off the cuff comments inhibit your writing. To quote rainy pete, "Be yourself and damn the masses.!" And frankly it wasn't the masses, but a couple of women.
Prayers and hugs your way Minerva!

3T

Minerva said...

Thank you all so much for your support - I really appreciate it...I don't know why I let a couple of silly one-liners get to me but I guess the day of chemo is not a good time to try fighting battles!

Thank you all again... I really do value your opinions...

Minerva

Terri said...

Some might consider it "humor" but I wasn't impressed with their critiques.
I also think they're confused on the definition of "drama." What you write is "visceral." The kind of prose that touches the soul. At least it touches mine.
Wishing you a good week.

Holly said...

screw 'em!

i'm taking up the time i have before my next semester starts by taking yoga, learning to crochet, volunteering for army community services, reading, and watching endless dvd/videos with my toddler. i look forward to your book reviews!

KA said...

It's YOUR journal. There's nothing wrong with the way you write. I am a frequent visitor because I LIKE the way you write, and what you have to say. So don't let anyone change the way you write just to fit some mould. I'll reiterate: It's YOUR journal. If they think it's too dramatic, then they can go take a long walk off a short pier (cliché), or cease reading. That's what the X is for. Not everybody's going to like you, or your writing style. I've pretty much realized that after having been critiqued to high hell for everything from my writing style, my numerous lists, my disjointed posts, and my design. Just can't make everybody happy, so focus on yourself. Be selfish. :o)

pia said...

Minerva
I'm totally spaced today and couldn't find the comments

But I've been bashed so many times, on the Internet, I have learned the hard way--to ignore them---when I'm not asking people to like me ;-)

You're a fascinating writer with a great story

I thought about submitting my blog to them, then thought why? So they can be snarky about whatever?

They're just trying to make a name for themselves without doing anything challenging

I was a professional film reviewer;could review blogs but why? Hate hate hate the competetive part.

Love the community aspect. Please focus on that, and all the people who care about you. Please!!!!!!!!

Should visit your blog more. You're not dramatic; you have cancer. Hello.

I'm dramatic; make a big deal of having had five oral surgeries since Sept '04--but that's nothing compared to what you're going through

Be more dramatic please. You deserve that

I'm taking the rest of the week, I think, to recharge, see movies, andwalk because it's beautiful outside

If I think of any good ideas for you for the next three months will let you know!!!!!!!!!!

pia said...

And the weblog review was great. Try focusing on that--they're not snarky. Big difference in mindset

Thanks for the very very kind comment

Trish said...

All I can say is wtf! I've never thought of you as dramatic. 'Real' yes, dramatic, not even.
Trish

annie said...

I think you write beautifully, and most of all, you write from your heart.

Barbara said...

Minerva - You are a Best of the Blogs finalist! Congratulations!

Barbara said...

Minerva - Don't take the people at Chatty's seriously. They try real hard to find fault and like to cause controversy, that's how they drive traffic to their blog. I wouldn't look to them for validation. They try to out-mean each other.

pia said...

I wanted to be the first to tell you that you're a finalist ;-)

however...

Minerva said...

OH WOW!!
I don't believe it...
That is SO exciting!

Minerva

ME, myself, & I said...

yup, I'm with all the others. It's your blog, write however you want and whatever you want. It is your writing that attracted me to your blog in the first place...

Masked Mom said...

You are so not dramatic--I have a very low tolerance for schmaltz (I'm paranoid of accidentally writing it myself)and I've never once had to roll my eyes while reading your posts. Taking into consideration the huge life-altering stuff you've been going through makes the fact that you aren't a drama queen all the more remarkable.

chelsea girl said...

Hey Minerva,

Congrats on your inspirational BOBnom! You totally deserve it. Best of luck and I will be voting for you...