Willa’s Story

Site created on November 24, 2020

Wednesday, November 11, 2020 is a day my family will never forget, the day I was officially diagnosed with breast cancer.  

Newest Update

Journal entry by Willa Woodard Ervin

So, the results from my first bone density scan showed absolutely no bone loss...it is true, I have bones like lead; thick, heavy, and super strong (except for a pinky toe, I’ve never had a broken bone).  The hysterectomy went perfectly, as expected, no damage to my bladder at all and they were able to do the whole thing laparoscopic and vaginally, no cutting at my previous c-section scar.  I am so blessed and thankful to have had a woman from the community whom I respect deeply perform my surgery, someone I already had a kind of relationship with, and she (along with a papa from RBC being a surg-tech nurse) gave me peace.  They honored my requests of taking pictures of my lady parts and were even able to send us home with a small piece from my uterus.  I had wanted to bring the entirety of my organs home, but with the cancer risks and pathology needing to be sure nothing was hiding and growing down there, my most sacred parts were not able to leave with us.  So, healing continues at our house and I am again slowed down and reminded to heal myself before anything else.  

Results were back this morning from pathology, and we were so relieved to hear that no cancer was found!!!  Some cysts and fibroids, but my lady parts were totally cancer free.  This is what most people expect automatically, but I would be lying if I didn’t divulge that I was ready to hear that cancer had been found.  I hung up the phone and immediately started bawling, like ugly crying bawling...a huge burden lifted and so thankful my family didn’t have to watch another round of treatment so soon after finishing the last.  

A Crone, that is me now.  I will wear and honor this longest part of my life with pride and wisdom, love and respect for all that have come and gone before me...walk along all the other Wise Crones I know and love.  We will be honoring this phase, the longest of a woman’s life, with a Sacred Croning Ceremony, feast, burying of my uterus (or at least the part I was able to bring home) under a cherry tree, and gratitude.  My sacred parts grew so much life, my uterus held, nurtured, and brought forth my most amazing accomplishments in this world...and while they are done growing life inside of me, part of me will continue growing life on our fruit trees forever, long after I am gone from this earth...

For now, I will continue to Be Brave, and like my dearest Gina-Sister says, Give no Shits and Take no Fucks about cancer.  I got this...W
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