My Pink Journey in Black and White

A message from the Author

Life is just not fair, I thought, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 06, 2005. I had never been sick in my adult life, not even a severe cold.

I was in the middle of planning my wedding for July 02, 2005, which was suppose to be an exciting and joyous occasion, yet now the only thing I could think about was breast cancer and will I live or will I die. The life I had planned was now being shattered.

I knew nothing about breast cancer. The remote conversations I had engaged in were generally, limited, hushed and daunting. Therefore my diagnosis was governed by confusion, fear and anger which led to quick decision making with unfamiliar choices. There were many times I felt misunderstood. These feelings guided me to a place of loneliness and isolation, even when I was surrounded by those that loved me.

During this time of vexation, I returned back to my special place of consolation..."journaling." I began journaling as a teen and considered this to be my personal and private time. This was a time for me to write about special moments, and occurrences. I would frequently reflect on previous entries in my journal. Doing so enabled me to assess my mental growth and my overall development as a person. Journaling always served as a genuine self- evaluation tool.

During my breast cancer journey, journaling became my greatest support. I would write my feelings and thoughts and hide my deepest fears. Journaling gave me comfort in knowing my inner feelings would not be judged, or compared to others. Journaling taught me to be a better listener and also how to gently love myself back to a position that would enable me to reconcile with myself and sometimes even with God, that same God that I found myself at times questioning him about my predicament .

Now eight years later, I decided to compile the entries from my journal into the form of poetry, memoirs and short stories. These excerpts reveal moments of frustration, and fear that made me strong, as well as moments of confusion, that made me seek knowledge. This knowledge I use today, in communities, and with newly diagnosed cancer patients, to heighten their awareness about risk factors and breast health. These excerpts also help patients during those moments of doubt; when they ask questions such as... "Is it normal for me to feel this way, and does others feel the same way?"

remember... there is no right or wrong, everything is "Trial and Error" especially when you are in a place of despair.

A Breast Cancer Dictionary is a part of the book, to familiarize you with words and there definitions as you attempt to understand a breast cancer diagnosis.

About the author

Linda's choice of treatment during her journey was a modified radical mastectomy with delayed stacked DEIP Flap reconstruction. She participated in a five year clinical trial for node-negative breast cancer; she then proceeded with genetic testing.

Linda is deeply committed to Breast Cancer Awareness in the community. She serves as a volunteer with American Cancer Society, and serves on a number of ministries at New Psalmist Baptist Church, in Baltimore, Maryland. She is an active member with "Sister's Network Inc.'

In a masterful way she captures you with a wealth of information, in the form of poetry, short stories and memoirs, which will turn you from fear to fearlessness.

"A second opinion

Why do we think it is bad?

When in reality, it should

Always be had...."

A percentage of the profit from each book

wi