Breastoration: The Breast of the Story: Destination: Breastoration

From the balcony of Muriel's - Jackson Square, New Orleans

As I jot notes for the premier (gulp) blog entry for the Breastoration Foundation, melting snow drips off the eaves of my home in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on this unseasonably warm winter day. Each drop catches the sunlight, creating a stunning, dynamic curtain. My little Yorkshire Terrier, Harald, surveys the outdoor scene while stationed by the window, hoping to catch sight of his arch nemesis -- the squirrel who has taken to hanging out in the oak tree just a few feet beyond the glass. I really should take Harald for a walk -- we may not see another above-freezing day for a very long time. I promise to reward both of us with a balmy stroll as soon as I complete a first draft.

Breastoration’s goals are to educate women about their breast reconstruction options after cancer and help women in financially challenging circumstances who desire breast reconstruction in the New Orleans area. My vision for this blog is to let you know how we’re doing with that and keep you up to date on Breastoration news and events. Also, we can explore some of the many issues and experiences women face on their breast reconstruction journeys during and after cancer. And I promise it’ll be more entertaining than it might sound…

Since New Orleans is the headquarters for the Foundation, and since it’s rather a Mecca for breast reconstruction, and since my “girls” (as some of us refer to our restored breasts) were born here, and also because I’ve fallen in love with the place, you can be sure you’ll be seeing as many references to this city as I can possibly fit in. It’s a natural, after all. New Orleans provides the metaphor and the mood, in so many ways: rebuilding after a storm, staying strong, persisting, surviving, celebrating life. For me, it’s a magical destination after a long journey -- metaphorically and literally -- perched as it is on the southern end of the Mississippi River.

Lake Itasca on left, beginning of Mississippi River on right

The source of that river is Lake Itasca, which happens to be a few hours north of my home. The Ojibwe people called the river “Misi-ziibi” or “Great River.” Its waters glide past, about a mile from here. The drops off my eaves will filter through surrounding wetlands, making their way to that river, which gains strength and depth on its journey south to New Orleans. Thirteen hundred miles away. But so close to my heart.