Breast Power!

The Warrior 

Deena Metzger is a novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, and counselor. After her mastectomy in 1977, and after many months of physical and spiritual healing, she had a tattoo drawn in the place of her missing breast, and writes about it. This is what she wrote about her decision in her journal:

"I am no longer afraid of mirrors where I see the sign of the amazon,the one who shoots arrows. There is a fine red line across my chest where a knife entered, but now a branch winds about the scar and travels from arm to heart. Green leaves cover the branch, grapes hang there and a bird appears.  

What grows in me now is vital and does not cause me harm. I think the bird is singing....I have relinquished some of the scars. I have designed my chest with the care given to an illuminated manuscript. I am no longer ashamed to make love. In the night, a hand caressed my chest and once again I cameto life. Love is a battle I can win. I have the body of a warrior who does not kill or wound. On the book of my body, I have permanently inscribed a tree."

Photo by Hella Hammid Deena Metzger after her breast-cancer mastectomy. She calls this "Tree." She had the image of a tree tattooed over her surgical scar.

"The photograph taken of me by Hella Hammid has become known as the Warrior. Our intention in turning it into a poster was to invite the world to look at a one-breasted woman and exult in the health and vitality she had not carried so powerfully before cancer. The illness I suffered was the means of profound spiritual transformation." 

Big Boobs Ain't So Hot

by Diann L. Neu 

Put a bowl of water and a few stones on a table. In Celtic mythology, stones have healing qualities. They activate the power of holy wells. 

Put a stone in the well and pray. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Put a stone in the water for every woman who hears the words: "You have cancer." 

Spirit of Life, give her strength to face the unknown, patience to go through the tests, and courage to make the decisions that are best for her.  

Let every woman hear:  

I am with you; you are not alone.    

Holy One on the Journey, give them strength to be with their loved ones.  

Early detection is the best protection. Put a stone in the water for all involved in cancer research whose life and work make early detection, careful diagnosis, and the hope of healing possible. 

God/dess of Many Names, guide their minds to discover the ways of cancer. 

The days of treatment are so long, the chemotherapy and radiation so scary, the face in the mirror is so strange. Put a stone in the water for all women who fight the exhaustion, the fear, the loss of hair and appetite; for women who fight back, who stay the course, and look fear in the face with courage and even with humor. 

Holy One of Courage and Laughter, be near. 

Let every woman hear:

I am with you; you are not alone.

Faith, prayer, and community are sources of help and healing. Put a stone in the water for all the prayers and visits, the phone calls and cards, the food and kind acts that bring comfort and healing. 

Holy One of Hospitality, surround us with community. 

Let every woman hear:  

I am with you; you are not alone.

There will be a cure; there must be a cure! Put a stone in the water for all who believe in and work toward the day when cancer does not take the lives of women. 

Divine Healer, send your healing spirit to bring a cure for cancer now.  

I am with you; you are not alone.  

© Diann L. Neu is co-founder and co-directior of WATER. This ritual is published in Seasons of Healing: Prayers for Women with Cancer, WATERworks Press.  

Hard Lessons

Surrender

Surrender, dear.

That's my advice. When the bad news comes

Breathe through your heart, settle into yourself,

Grab your grey sweats, pink blanket.

Draw the dog so close you can feel her sweet breath on your face.

Pull out J. S. Bach, Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Norah Jones.

Decide what's fundamental for survival and only that

Because for a while that has to be enough.

This will be the worst movie you've ever seen,

Absolute worst, maybe nightmares, hallucinations,

unexpected twists of fate, irony and comic relief.

But I want you to believe it has a happy ending.

And hey, you don't need your breasts to live.

(Did you ever consider what you can live without?)

But sunshine, green tea, long strong hugs, flowers,

Fresh baked bread, a little dark chocolate and a sip of wine,

Chicken soup, belly laughter, comforting words

Are all essential.

And those who love you will see that you have them

In abundance. Which is why I say,

Surrender.

Better days are coming,

just the other side of adversity.

Was it all a tragic mistake? Divine coincidence? Unsolicited Gift?

The mammogram of bad news, the unexpected diagnosis,

Mastectomy, axillary node dissection, chemo, radiation.

They came like a freight train, whistle screaming, clearing the tracks,

Hell bent on derailing a life already in high gear.

Not so quickly, not  so quickly. Digging in my heels of German stock,

Iron Will meets dreadful Courier of Death.

The timing was all wrong or was it exactly right?

Forces of spirit and goodness join powerful petitions storming the Heavens.

Surgeons, nurses, specialists, technicians, survivors, husband, mothers, children, neighbors, friends, strangers (so many strangers) raising voices, joining arms

lifting me up.

Was the Universe poised for the onslaught of prayers?

Ready to respond to love unleashed, the opening of so many hearts?

Was there a miracle waiting to happen?

How did the surgeons-of-my-dreams know I needed them

That morning, in that place? Death always wins, you say?

Not today.

Teresa L. Werth, NY 

The Queen's Court  

 The Queen's Court is a gathering of sovereign women of a certain age - our dear peers - who graciously offer information, guidance, inspiration and encouragement to each other.

We Queens know what we know. And we know a great deal. Our experience has made us wise. So, feel free to consult with our cyber council/counsel when you are need of sage advice or wish to explore a particular topic of interest.

The September issue of the Queen's Chronicles shared the lessons that I have learned and also not-so-learned from several accidents and injuries.

The following letters from Sister Queens are filled with the wisdom that they have gleaned from their own physical struggles and personal "Lessons of the Fall."

Please take in their lessons and do send in your own. This a a very timely discussion, because women seem to be falling like flies lately. Literally, falling to the ground. And also falling ill. We can help each other. That is what Queens do!

So sorry to hear about your fall and what an amazing recovery you are making from it. Some of us do get hit hard for our lessons. I was more fortunate. Having decided to go backpacking alone in Zion National Park, I found myself hurting, exhausted, scared of being without water, hot and facing another 1 ½ hours at least of up hill climb with a 30 lbs. pack. At which point I decided to turn around and go back to my campsite in the valley. It was a victory, ..listening to my body rather than pushing through.

- Monique, NY

I also just fell and my healing was that because I broke my hand and didn't drive, I stayed at home. But because of that, I stumbled across a person who told me something for my spiritual journey that literally changed my life. So my fall was "worth it". Of course the months of incapacitation and now Occupational Therapy and medical stuff is unspeakable but sometimes the price is the price.

- Linda, NY

I have had some experiences relating to injury that may interest you. I have heard of many wise women having injuries this past year, one being my chiropractor who also broke her wrist. I developed a debilitating hip injury that has taken three months to mend. Both my chiropractor and I had lost someone very near and dear to us recently, and as we related our experiences to each other while healing, we both reaffirmed just how much the universe has a part in all of this.

Not only did we sustain injuries, but we sustained them in the area that we most relied on. My chiropractor used her hands for healing and I teach a form of Middle Eastern dance so my hips were my sustenance in passion and divinity - the way I felt connected to Goddess, the mother, and other women in my community.

Last April my mom passed away and the nurturing, comforting icon I depended on was suddenly and physically gone. Then my hips wouldn't work and I grieved even more for the connection I was denied. Throughout my recovery my hips spoke to me about my grief and longing for her presence. I went with my intuition, and carried out private ceremony, chanted, played my native flute and drummed with feelings that were beyond words. When the tears came, they were ones of cleansing and healing. As my grief ebbed, so did my hip injury.

Sitting still was hard, I'm a mover and this was perhaps my greatest challenge, but it was necessary and gave me time to really think about what I was going through. There is definitely a connection with emotions and dealing with life, and what injuries might occur. It is a reminder that we sometimes need to slow down and take some "me" time. We focus so much on others that we can easily forget ourselves. In the classes I teach I always stress going inward and being in the moment.

We have all learned about stillness, the calming effect it can have and how it can fill the well of deep feelings when we feel empty. And nature is a given, being immersed in its beauty always leaves me feeling serene. It is when you are connected in this way that you truly are one with the universe, this planet, and each other.Blessings,

- Charlene, NY

Your words are an inspiration for me to mind my gut feelings, even when they don't fit Into "the plan of the day ."   I think it is hard for me to admit that my body, my spirit has it's own timetable. I am a slow learner, but once I catch on, watch out! Heal quickly and with love, 

- Elayne, PA

I would love to continue this thread of discussion. Please send your thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences on the topic of Lessons of the Fall.. Your letters will be printed in the next Queen's Chronicles.

Please send your questions or responses to  

Letters In Response to the OCTOBER 2013 Issue

Thank you all for the lovely messages of support and healing. For all the emails, greeting cards, distance reiki, prayers and offers and blessings of all sorts. Your support helped me immensely.

I am so sorry to hear of your shattered wrist! Know that I am sending you much love and healing light.

- Kathy. CO

Oh my! Many blessed thoughts your way Momma Donna, for a speedy recovery! 

- Georgette, NY

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. You are such a fragrant flower and bless the world with your presence. If I may, I'd like to send Reiki to you for your wrist.

- Nancy, NC

I have been following your major saga. Wow! Makes you appreciate the body so much! 

- Amy, TX

My deep sympathies about your Fall ... and I can SO relate to all your contemplations and lessons about it! Working with this body - Mama! Grace and ease ... and attention to our gut-knowing hey.

- Glenys, Australia

Thanks for the full story - what an ordeal! I love it that Poppy could be with you in the emergency room! You are one strong woman and an example for us all, going through with your drumming circle on the eve of your surgery - amazing! Just noticed a Sherli in CA in your Circle of Concerns -- could that be me? Thank you! You're a dear, Queen Donna. Long may you reign!

- Sherli, CA

Thank you for your wisdom. I hope that you and your wrist feel better soon. xoxo

- Wendi, CA

Best wishes for your healing.

- Francesca, PA

I receive your emailings and am also a fan on Facebook. You also gave me some advice in the past and I'd like to return the favor. If you're ever in RI or anyone else you know, don't hesitate to stop by and get a massage. I work out of Massage Therapy and Wellness of East Greenwich. I'd love to help you with your hand and wrist. Wishing you a fast recovery. Love and light, 

- Rebecca, RI

Bless you for you candor and deepest wishes for a speedy recovery. 

If you are on an iphone or ipad, you can easily dictate your words directly in by hitting the microphone button.  Go slow, to let it catch up to you. You can even tell it punctuation: like "period" or "new paragraph." Then, you can simply have someone copy and past that into whatever program you send these emails out through.  

Hope this helps. Love, 

- Basia, NJ

Thanks so much for your "Lessons of the Fall." ALL of your posts are always so completely fab, synchronistic and totally on target.

- Linda, NY

I wish you many blessings and a speedy recovery on your wrist. Thank you for all your marvelous newsletters, and may you heal with completeness and wisdom.Blessings,

- Charlene, NY

My friend forwarded me your Lessons of the Fall Newsletter and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for your wisdom. Could you add my to your mailing list or direct me how to do so? Thanks! Blessings,

- Bethany, ?

There is no greater gift you can give or receive  

than to honor your calling. It's why you were born.  

And how you become most truly alive.

- Oprah Winfrey

Allesandra Belloni. NJ; Marcy Gordon, NY; Maureen Gosling. CA;

Carol Tandava Henning, NY; Jehan Kamal, NY; Suzanne Lacy, CA; Arlee Leonard, NY; Linda Montano, NY; Serpentessa, NY, and  Diane Torr, Scotland; on their performances and/or performances of their work.

Joan Chittister, PA, The Sacred in-Between: Spiritual Wisdom for Life's Every Moment (Book); Monique Lang, NY, Meditations for Healing (CD); Pauline Oliveros, NY, Anthology Of Text Scores (Book); Deborah Oster Pannell, NY, and Lillian Ann Slugocki, NY, editors, One With All of Thee: Growing Your Sacred Connection (Book);Robin Quivers, NY, The Vegucation of Robin (Book); Elaine Silver, FL, Prayers (CD);on their new publications.

Eleanor Antin, CA; Helene Aylon, NY; Darla Bjork, NY; Mary Beth Edelson, NY; Susan Grabel, NY; Lorraine O'Grady, NY; Karen Shaw, NY; Athena Tacha, OH; and Mierle Laderman Ukeles, NY; on the exhibitions of their artwork.

Marilyn Wood, NM, on being honoree of the American Dance Guild.

Heidi Maclure, NY, on the opening oh her new healing center, the Spirit Freedom Mahditation Cooperative.

Virginia McAllister, PA, on her new home.

Josephine Withers, CA, on her move cross-country.

Please send your good news, achievements, accomplishments, successes and celebrations so that our international circle of sovereign sisters can send you blessings and accolades. 

VIRGINIA

Dear People:

Our press is soliciting submissions for Cancer Tribe 101: Awakening the Hero Within. This is an anthology about the life-altering events people experience dealing with cancer. Cancer Tribe 101 is a book for the whole cancer tribe, those facing cancer now, those who are cancer warriors, and the loved ones who stand by our sides. The focus of the anthology is on what we are learning on the journey, and what we have since learned from our recovery.

From the introduction:

"I have encountered cancer twice in my life. I would not refer to myself as a hero, nor would anyone of the people whose stories are included here. As we find our way through a health crisis of such magnitude we need heroes, and equally we need to not feel we are alone.  

My friend Dee Yoh inspired me to write my story, which is included in this book. Dee's story and her husband's story, are both included in this anthology. Dee was my hero because she faced her fears, kept working with the lessons that appeared, and she was brutally honest about her process. Since then there have been many people who have inspired me and touched me with their stories of heroism. No one facing this illness, or the grief of losing a loved one, needs to face cancer alone. We are a tribe, and until this plague is curtailed, we will strew bread crumbs for others of our tribe to find and follow."

Personally, I had Uterine Cancer, seven years ago. Today I am healthy. University of Virginia's Medical Center's Oncology Department are still my heroes, for diagnosing and treating the cancer. I learned so much both during my journey and since about myself, life, and my own bravery. I am also a professional writer, life coach, and have been involved in the book industry for over fifteen years.

- Mari Selby, VA  

Please Submit Your Royal Reports

Tell us about your Self and/or your Queen Group:  

who, what, where, when, why?

What Queenly topics do you explore?  

What projects do you engage in?

Describe some golden regal moments.

Send pictures!