Keeping a sense of humor through bad times

A sense of humor is a wonderful trait to possess. Recently, I found mine had taken a leave of absence. I had heard those words every woman fears: “You have breast cancer.” At first, my body walked into a wall, a very strong wall, then my head started spinning. Before I could comprehend what I heard, there were tests to be done, surgeons to meet and appointments to make. How was I to tell my family? The words I hated to hear were the words I had to respect. I had no idea how quickly all of this would happen. I didn’t have time to say goodbye to a part of me that once came as a pair.

On Aug. 28, 2012, everything changed. I had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. The plastic surgeon used my midsection to reconstruct a new breast. I finally started welcoming my sense of humor back home. I not only had a new breast, but I also had a tummy tuck. Chemo will come later. Sometimes when I get hungry, I pat my new breast and say, “I must be hungry, my tummy is growling.” I know I’ll be fine with God, family, friends, and my humor will carry me through.

People say to take things with a grain of salt; I say take it with laughter. Salt is bad for you, ask your doctor.

Tami L. Haskell

Hanahan