I'm new to Substack, and also Memoirland. I used to write all my memories on a yellow legal pad, and then type them on a manual typewriter (not even an electric one), and now this! So pardon me, if it appears I don't know what I'm doing.
Ramona!! Amazing to see your writing here. Memoir Land of all places! Duly deserved. I happen to be a neighbor upstate who had the privilege of a historic tour and lunch with you. I’ve been rooting for you! You inspired me and my daughters, and still do. Brava on this braided essay that throws some punches and also heals the spirit. You’re a force!
Thank goodness. Please excuse my rigor, but I am so tired of all this pink bullshit of October. Thankful to have some more writing of yours to look forward to.
I loved the interplay… you with the roses and you with the doctors.. I wish the healthcare industry would treat humans the way you support your roses.. powerful piece.. keep on writing
Spot on! Fuck cancer indeed. 11 years ago I had early breast cancer diagnosis, shitty year of chemo, mastectomy etc. but NED. I know I am lucky compared to many. AND I love reading real, angry, funny anything women write about their cancer journeys. Thank you for your honest, beautiful writing!
Ramona, this is powerful, and for more than one reason. Obviously, I will never be able to understand your struggle. Reading this does help, however. Your prowess with words cannot be denied, and as a another person pointed out in the comments, this piece makes me, at once, happy and sad. Much love to you, my friend. ❤️🙏❤️
taking the bull by the horns, well done. Nobody, and I do mean nobody can predict our ice from moment to moment,,,no matter how many degrees they have behind their name. I never liked the phrase, "she fought valiantly, but..." every day is a balancing act, we can either enter a win/lose or a win/win. I'd say your gardening endeavor is clearly a win/win.
Ramona, this is so gorgeous. I was drawn to it because my grandmother's favorite flowers were roses, and I stayed for the language. The iambic rhythm of the last line! Heartbreaking, lovely. Thank you. And thank you, Sari, for sharing it.
I'm new to Substack, and also Memoirland. I used to write all my memories on a yellow legal pad, and then type them on a manual typewriter (not even an electric one), and now this! So pardon me, if it appears I don't know what I'm doing.
Ramona!! Amazing to see your writing here. Memoir Land of all places! Duly deserved. I happen to be a neighbor upstate who had the privilege of a historic tour and lunch with you. I’ve been rooting for you! You inspired me and my daughters, and still do. Brava on this braided essay that throws some punches and also heals the spirit. You’re a force!
I remember you! Thank you for the encouraging words.
Fuck. Yes. This is literally all I want to read… forever. More women getting real about cancer. Sister survivor, I stand with you in solidarity.
There will be more! And thanks for standing with me!
Thank goodness. Please excuse my rigor, but I am so tired of all this pink bullshit of October. Thankful to have some more writing of yours to look forward to.
I loved the interplay… you with the roses and you with the doctors.. I wish the healthcare industry would treat humans the way you support your roses.. powerful piece.. keep on writing
Achingly sad. Yet somehow, also full of hope and courage. Thank you for this.
Gorgeous and frightening and connecting us to the whole world. How like life.
Welcome to Substack, Ramona. What an achingly beautiful start.
A beautiful piece, suffused with truth and a dose of reality. Brava! xo
Spot on! Fuck cancer indeed. 11 years ago I had early breast cancer diagnosis, shitty year of chemo, mastectomy etc. but NED. I know I am lucky compared to many. AND I love reading real, angry, funny anything women write about their cancer journeys. Thank you for your honest, beautiful writing!
I had triple negative breast cancer and reacted to keytruda and wonder everyday if the cancer has really gone away.
Reacted? Good or bad? Did you continue with the keytruda or something else?
Beautiful piece, Ramona. You are an inspiration! Keep trimming your roses and teaching us all. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Ramona, this is powerful, and for more than one reason. Obviously, I will never be able to understand your struggle. Reading this does help, however. Your prowess with words cannot be denied, and as a another person pointed out in the comments, this piece makes me, at once, happy and sad. Much love to you, my friend. ❤️🙏❤️
You're the best Triple P. Talk to you end of week, I hope.
taking the bull by the horns, well done. Nobody, and I do mean nobody can predict our ice from moment to moment,,,no matter how many degrees they have behind their name. I never liked the phrase, "she fought valiantly, but..." every day is a balancing act, we can either enter a win/lose or a win/win. I'd say your gardening endeavor is clearly a win/win.
Very sad and moving to read and thank you for sharing this
My heart aches but your sheer grit and determination fill me with hope.
Ramona, this is so gorgeous. I was drawn to it because my grandmother's favorite flowers were roses, and I stayed for the language. The iambic rhythm of the last line! Heartbreaking, lovely. Thank you. And thank you, Sari, for sharing it.
This piece is so moving and smart. I'm soooo glad to see it here, Ramona and Sari!!!
I'm so happy to hear this. I hope I can learn to navigate this new land called Substack that everyone's been talking to me about for years.
Welcome, Ramona! xo
<3