Auckland woman Pat Donovan has written a collection of poems about her experience with breast cancer, from diagnosis to post surgery. Some reflect the seriousness and intense emotion of her situation but most display a wonderful sense of hope and humour about those things many of us have experienced. We have featured one here for you to enjoy.

Mammogram
There are many different ways
That one can suffer theft!
My loss came from diagnosis
Cancer meant I'd lose a breast.

Each year I had my Mammogram
Breasts flattened for inspection.
I am so glad I went along
For me early detection.

Maybe if I'd not attended
Obediently each year,
It could have been too late
Cancer would have spread I fear.

So one breast has to leave me,
But I've opted for the two
They came to me together
And together they must go.

I'm fearful of this happening
But know it's for the best,
For I'd rather live a longer life
Than die and keep my breasts.

© Patricia Donovan

(Posted October 2009)
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