Breasts and Autumn

Another trip around the sun and thirteen years since my diagnosis, six years of which lost in an intense ordeal to gain a healing. I wouldn't mind getting those six years back to extend the years

on our fragile planet in my golden time. I love that my birthday falls in the season of autumn... my favorite. Crisp air and crisp apples. It's also a preferred time for travel. Sadly, three years went by in a flash without travel and I'm yearning to be thousands of miles away from this country. I enjoy the brisk air rushing across my face. Crimson leaves, colorful sunsets, chilly nights and chilly mornings for a power walk, and if blessed, many rainy days for our parched earth.

Regardless of fall being the beginning of the holiday season to enjoy festivities, women continue to be diagnosed and it's never an ideal time. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women globally. It's an astounding statistic. The medical treatment, surgeries, and length of time varies in a woman's journey. Decisions are so personal and individual. From my own experience, showing compassion not judgement on whatever path a person chooses, is the kindest thing one can do. I was judged by strangers and from those who professed to be spiritually evolved and it was enormously hurtful, and unhelpful.

As millions of people risk losing their health insurance or face a 75% annual increase thanks to the current corrupt administration increasing the attack on working Americans while the orange creep has illegally increased his wealth by 40% in 8 months and the Oligarchs are richer by the day! If you're exceedingly wealthy, you're good. Cancer research has been cut and too many of our most

brilliant scientists and researchers have been cut from funding and seeking employment overseas. Please show up for all your annuals, tests, and check-ups before the year ends since we don't know what 2026 will bring. My social worker from the cancer center has warned me that holding on to my Cencal by next year will be a challenge generating many hurdles and bullshit bureaucracy. It's shocking and outrageous to think that someone like me and others with cancer history, sick children, or other diseases citizens endure and living on limited means has to worry about this.

I keep up with everything and all my doctors. I'm on my own and need to keep up to ensure my best health and quality of life. Thinking about losing insurance brings up PTSD, not to mention anger on how many of us are dealing with threats (waging war on the supposed enemy within) and at the same time, desiring to find peace and ease in life. There is something all cancer survivors have in common, which is that we live with the possibility of cancer reoccurring and that is also the trauma we carry. I've been an outsider my whole life beginning as a child. Women who've been through many trials, especially women of a certain age can feel invisible. I often do. Feeling invisible, especially without family and living on limited means, grows into a nagging nudge of an empty feeling. There are plenty of times when I simply retreat and take cover when it overtakes me and other times, I seek time with close friends and beauty in nature.

Soon there will be sweaters and blankets added to life. California living (especially the central and northern coast) requires dressing in layers. It's welcomed as I find a need to feel more and more protected in these times. All of America deserves protection and a warm place in winter, including our hard working immigrants whose lives have been ruined, their children violently separated from them and on their own. Please remember that near 75% of these people are NOT violent criminals. And they suffer illness as well. I hold hope that autumn will provide positive change as people start to wake up to the realistic danger of authoritarianism.

I will say this, it will be the power of women who will stand up against misogynistic tyranny who lie with impunity. I am strong in my integrity to know that all women must speak out loud against rapists and pedophiles flooding the white house and anywhere else for that matter. It's overdue for women to be holding the highest position of power to move this country forward in integrity and dignity with progressive policies to enrich humans, planet earth, and the rule of law.

Obviously, my values are everything to me. I know I am not alone in this sentiment. It's a deep

challenge to cope during a time of injustice, corruption, cruelty, and monstrous wars perpetrated by

monsters. Empathy, awareness, critical thinking, and factual information will continue to be what I seek. Aside from nature and the scarlet sunsets around the corner, gathering with like-minded people, my volunteer work in music

and the ballet, close friendships that give me a sense of peace, my tuxedo therapy cat, Lucia, continuing to hold hope for my dreams to manifest, and traveling to places of unique culture and beauty propels me forward. What do you find most important to stand for and how do you cope in troubling times?

I've been offering support to women with cancer as a vehicle for them to vent and feel supported. I offer advice and help when asked. Breast cancer awareness month spills out worldwide. Let us support one another and take care of our God-given breast health. I miss my breasts every day that I lost long ago at the beginning of my journey.

Power of the people and kudos to powerful and empowered women who will cut a path to democracy, equality, and freedom.

Keep on swimming through life,

Valerie Anne