Today I received a get well soon card in the post. It was from someone I'd never met, and contained a $100 gift voucher to a lingerie shop that specialises in fitting post-surgery women such as myself. I was so touched! It was an incredibly thoughtful and sensitive gift, as well as being very generous.She did identify that she worked at the same organisation as my husband. I would have been completely flummoxed otherwise! I rang my him to find out more. Turns out she's on maternity leave! Damn impressive to find the mental space and time to organise a gift like this for anyone, let alone someone you've never met, when you're juggling a newborn and a toddler. I asked if she'd been touched by breast cancer in some way but he didn't know.Today's the last day I have to wear the compression top and binder. I sloped round the cheap shops today and picked up a basic grey non-underwire bra as something to wear next. How lovely to think I can get properly fitted and buy something pretty!I would love to hear if anyone else been surprised by the kindness of strangers. K xox

That is so sweet @kmakm - there are good people in the world :). When I went into hospital for my final surgery a couple of girls at my husbands work for me a little care package. They found me vegan biccies, a book, a gift voucher and a nice blankie I could take with me - and I have only ever met one of them very briefly years ago.

Yesterday I was stressing about moving my car a couple of blocks to all day parking because I didn't know how long i was going to be in the slammer and ED was a madhouse and I felt like shit. The brother of someone on the other side of the curtain overheard the conversation I was having with the nurse, as you do, popped his head through and said "I'll do it,"And he did. Brought me back a hand drawn map of where he had parked it and made no comment about the state of the cardrobe. There itiwas this afternoon. Bless.

we had moved to a rural property just a few months prior to my diagnosis .... our only near neighbours came and brought in a load of wood for our fuel combustion stove and the wife brought over a few meals when unbeknownst to me she had asked my daughter how things were going... my girlfriend on my diagnosis took me out to buy me nice fresh feminine Pjs as I was on Carer's pension and that was a luxury that didn't happen in general for me.... those things really cocooned me in love and support as I went through the roller coaster ride.

@kmakm wow that is so lovely, I hope you find something really nice. last year when my sister from NZ came to visit me (only 2 months after diagnosis) a girl from her work sent over a beautiful book, hand & face cream for me. I was blown away by such kindness as had not meet this lovely lady and sent a thank you card back with my sister.

Kinda reminds me of this.https://youtu.be/aJxrX42WcjQMy eye surgery results came in this morning and were not successful so am up for more surgery .Later in the day my eye specialist rang to see how I was and to reassure me it would be alright it but just take more time than expected , my gynaecologist is similar- there are good people in this world even in the medical profession. A phone call can mean a lot or your hand held as you go into surgery.Its little things when others recognise your humanity that matter so much.

The Kindness of Strangers | BCNA Online Network

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@j9k What a gorgeous idea! And such a generous community you have. It warms my heart to hear stories like that, which is one of the reasons why I started this discussion. I'm so glad you're enjoying it! K xox
j9k
Member
7 years ago
It is a wonderful feeling to experience the care and support of others. I was unable to work during chemo and the wonderful teachers and staff at the school where I worked as a special needs teacher aide, put a washing basket in the staffroom for people to place items in - food items, washing liquid, treats, magazines etc. Someone would bring it to my home each week. It was a help financially and gave me things i wouldn't normally buy for myself as I was a single mum with a son with special needs. It meant the world to me. It was like getting a giant lucky dip each week! It restores my faith in people to hear the kindness that has been extended to others.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
What kind and thoughtful neighbours @SoldierCrab. I bet that made a big difference in those early days. K xox
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
PS meant to say love the new lingerie Kmakm
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
we had moved to a rural property just a few months prior to my diagnosis .... our only near neighbours came and brought in a load of wood for our fuel combustion stove and the wife brought over a few meals when unbeknownst to me she had asked my daughter how things were going... my girlfriend on my diagnosis took me out to buy me nice fresh feminine Pjs as I was on Carer's pension and that was a luxury that didn't happen in general for me.... those things really cocooned me in love and support as I went through the roller coaster ride.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @Romla. Makes me feel more normal.
Romla
Member
7 years ago
Must be nice to feel pampered and pretty again @kmakm. The bras look lovely!
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@"Kiwi Angel" Thank you :)
Kiwi_Angel
Member
7 years ago
Yah - looking good @kmakm.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @arpie :)