Everything Happens For A Reason – Letters From Friends
Often people express that they don’t understand why I posted videos of my body on YouTube. Not only is it obviously extremely personal to show your nude body to unknown people online, but some people think it’s even stranger behavior because of the condition of my body (side note here, I personally think I would be really freakish if I were showing a normal body, but that’s just my opinion).
Today I received a post on my YouTube page that expresses exactly why I did what I did, and will continue to do so. I am so sorry that this woman went through so much alone, but I’m so proud that I helped when I could. And it’s so powerful to hear her say “I am now cancer free”.
U have helped me more than u will ever know. I found out I had breast cancer n May of this yr. I was so scared. Let alone the fact they wanted 2 take my breast. I’m 31 & emotional roller coaster doesn’t even begin 2 describe how I felt. Then I came across your video on youtube. I watched all I could find about u & your journey. Your videos helped me so much. I went through with the surgery & I am now cancer free. I had my last expantion today. U r an amazing woman & truely my hero.
I believe that having the strength to step off the ledge and do the almost unthinkable of showing my scars and body on the internet is why this has happened to me, and that I was given the challenges I have had so that I could help others. It has not been easy, but I am so thankful for my path. And these women have touched my life so much more than I have touched theirs, they have made me a better person. I am thankful, no matter what.
I would like to echo what the YouTube poster said. My wife (44)goes in tomorrow morning for a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction. We watched the videos together and it was very helpful. It was nice that you not only shared your scars but you shared your feelings and emotions. Because of your courage, we now have a better understanding of the road ahead. Thanks for sharing. –Ryan
September 8, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I just wanted to say, I as well last Dec. 8th was told I too had BC. I had a lumpectomy on the 10th, and then was told on the 23rd of December I needed to have chemo treatments for 4 months, then told that I should have a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Your information is what has helped me stay strong, and has helped me more than you know. I thank you for all you do, and wish for you to continue to help us. Without courageous people like yourself, most of us would not know what to expect. So, again thank you for everything. God bless you and your family. xoxo Nathalie D.
September 8, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Ryan, I’m sure that you won’t see this tonight since you’re getting ready for tomorrow’s surgery. I remember very clearly everything that went through my heart and mind before surgery, and I don’t envy you or your wife the fear and pain that you have tonight as well as when she wakes up. Please let her know that she can contact me anytime, that she can ask anything and I’ll share anything. It means so much that you’ve found some help, and please let me know how she does when she wakes up. Take care Ryan, and good luck.
September 8, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Thank you so much Nathalie. Have you had your surgery yet? Are you doing okay now? Did your chemo go easily? You have a beautiful name, and it sounds like you have courage and strength of your own. I would love to hear how you are doing now. Thank you so much for your support and for writing. God bless you too. Thank you.
September 8, 2010 at 7:23 pm