There are a few things you don’t know about me. Things that happened before we met; things that happened before I started blogging.
I had cancer: breast cancer. It was discovered on a routine mammogram. That was an enormous, unexpected shock, especially since I had recently had an annual exam telling that everything was normal. One month it’s normal and two months later you’re diagnosed with cancer; how bizarre!
Out of this terrible experience a fascinating, effective technique evolved that I want to share with you.
You all know how much I love corresponding through our mutual blogs; I’ve been blogging for three years and feel friendship with people I will never know in person: my cyber-friends. I enjoy being involved with all of you. So being isolated was hard for me. I was so alone during the treatments and felt the need for someone to be next to me and reassure me. So I used a technique I learned called visualization. This amazing technique assured me I would always have a friend nearby. This friend would accompany me to my appointments and treatments. My visualization made it possible to always have this supportive being right by. It worked so well for me that I frequently talked about it. I shared my story with others who were suffering. They tried it too and told how much comfort they found in it. They encouraged me to write the story and share it.
And that’s what I have done. I wrote a book which was just published and is available on amazon.com. It’s called, “En Garde, My Battle With Breast Cancer.” It is available on amazon.com.
This story will educate people who know as little as I did about what was in store for them during the treatments. Being uninformed is more frightening than knowing what to expect and being prepared.
I know that this book will be of service to those who read it. Please try it, give it to someone you know who is facing a hard time, and please let me know if you thought it was helpful.
This is a Thanksgiving for which I have much to be thankful. I wish you all good health and loving presences nearby.
MorristownMemos 
Comments on: "En Garde" (43)
Wow, no idea. Glad you’re still with us!
Very well done on wanting to share your positive solution with others. It will apply equally well to other isolating experiences.
You are so right! A reduction in anxiety and a technique to do that is valuable in any stressful circumstance.
Congratulations, Ronnie. I just bought it with a simple “click” on Amazon Prime!
That’s good news, Lisa. People have been asking me how to order it. The problem might be that when they’re on the amazon.com website they may not enter the entire title. I’ve been told that there are many books called “En Garde,” but only one has the title, “En Garde, My Battle With Breast Cancer.”
Congratulations, Ronnie! It was very brave of you to share your experience. I’m sure other patients will appreciate your kindness and wisdom.
I really think I have something to share with anyone who is going through this, The fear and isolation are terrible to deal with. I used an effective visualization to make sure a loving presence was always with me.
Hey Kudos to you on so many levels. Will have to get John to sort it out so I can read. Cancer has attacked John’s side of the family. 😦
It is so sad and scary to hear that diagnosis. It’s probably one of the most dreaded word in the English language.
Oh My Goodness! So sorry that you went through all that! A BIG congratulations on this great book! I cannot wait to read about your journey. I just did a blog about mammograms and how, as “painful” as they are, it is critical that we all have them. http://swimmingtomy50s.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/yes-i-would-like-my-breasts-flattened-by-a-panini-press-please/
Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
I’ll be sure to read that blog. I discovered a technique that was invaluable to me in dealing with the terror of those treatments and being so alone.
Congratulations on the book!
Thank you, Fransi. I hope it helps lots of people.
I am sure it will 🙂
God bless you, Ronnie, for finding time and inspiration from your battle to write a book about cancer. I am sure it will be a gift to millions and will help sensitize the world about cancer. Congrats on the publication.
shared this on Twitter.
Thank you for your kind words and for posting my message on twitter, Uzo. I hope to help as many people as I can by telling my story.
Godspeed, my good friend.
What a moving and courageous story Ronnie. Wonderful that you are in the space you are, and able to help so many other people who need to hear what you have to say. Congratulations on your book.
It is so difficult to let people hear the message unless you hire a professional publicist. Until then, word of mouth is the best way to carry news and advice. Thank you for your good wishes.
Congrats!
Many thanks.
Best wishes on your book, Ronnie. I posted this on my Facebook page.
Thank you, Judy; for posting it on your Facebook page and for your good wishes.
I just ordered a copy. My sister is now undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. Obviously, it is a very different battle, but I think she’ll appreciate it very much. Thanks for letting your fans know!
It’s always terribly sad to hear of another person diagnosed with this terrible disease. I wish you sister well, and hope she gains strength from my book.
Thank you so much.
So glad you are well and bravo on writing a book about your experiences.
So much to be grateful for! Happy Thanksgiving!
I will have to say a special THANKS this year at the Thanksgiving table.
Congratulations on the book! How wonderful that you channeled what must have been a trying and painful experience into a book from which others could gain knowledge and strength.
Thanks, Carrie. I wish there were a magic way to share my story with those who are terrorized with fear.
That’s a true success story…fantastic
The best kind of success is getting back your health. Thanks for your comment, Roger.
I applaud your bravery and the strength you show in using your struggle to help others. I pray that your prognosis is clear — to 120.
Thank you, Joan. The wish for good health is the best wish anyone can hope for any of us.
That is tremendous news Ronnie… rushed over to amazon to see if I could get a look inside the book , but can’t… hope you have tremendous success with the book and that it helps thousands of women… I’ve often thought of doing a book about Linda’s three cancers and what she went through, as well as what I experienced as the partner… which many tend to think do not suffer or share in their partners suffering… just don’t know how to tackle it as I would have to write it with Linda’s help to explain exactly how she felt and what she experienced… and that is not easy to get that out of her…
She told me from day one when her Colon Cancer was diagnosed she experienced what she calls her “Jesus hug” which she says she has felt all they way through and it was due to this that she remained so calm about all her cancers… I’ve always felt this should be shared and she has written short bits of it on her blog… maybe one day I’ll tackle it when I’m finished my book…
Linda is a brave woman to get through all she’s had to manage. I wish her continued good health. You’re right about getting the feelings described. One woman who read my book told me that she’s had more surgeries than I have, but she can’t remember the details I wrote about or what she was feeling at the time.
I fully empathise with you here Ronnie, as my sister had Breast Cancer and major surgery age 36, she has since celebrated her 50th and is as Thankful as you..
So I am positive your story will help others, and Congratulations upon writing this book, and wishing you well in your continued good health and in the sales of your publication..
Hugs Sue xoxox
Thank you, Sue. I wish your sister and everyone else good health and the ability to enjoy life on life’s terms. I do hope those who need help will find it in my book.
Thank you, and I am sure they will find healing within your pages Ronnie 🙂 xxx
You are right, Sue. The mind is a powerful tool, and my visualization became so real to me that it was there with me all the time, throughout the whole ordeal.
That’s great that you’ve written this book. Going on my reading list.
Thank you, Andrew. I hope it helps you as it did me.