What makes a woman?

I have been pondering this post for quite a few weeks now... as the chemo seems to bash me around a bit... mostly fatigue - not so much nausea after the first week or so... the fog keeps me wandering off track, and wondering how I got where I am... not so much deer in the headlights, which is how I felt at the start of the whole process, but just tired...

I have already wandered off my train of thought....

I guess the question of what makes a woman a woman has been going through my head, losing a breast does that I guess. They had been so much a part of my being.... larger than life, and at times had a life of their own.... now the team has been torn apart... does that make me less of a woman?
During my second meeting with the breast surgeon (wow feels so long ago now) he mentioned the possibility of removing both breasts... as well as ovaries and uterus... hmmmmm... would that take away what it means to be a woman? make me less of a woman?
My hair is now gone.... my lovely mane I thought I was prepared to lose .... feels more surreal and when I look in the mirror... I realise I am indeed sick.

Wandering thoughts again.... wondering if I will ever actually finish this post and make any sense...

Hair, curves, child bearing... do these things alone make us women? There are of course many amazing women who have no curves, have short or no hair, have not had, or chose not to have children... those things don't make them any less women....they are just physical attributes... not what is important inside..

Guess this is just me getting out the thoughts in my head, and trying to make sense... which is what this blog is all about....
Am I still a strong woman... regardless of the physical bits I have, or don't have?? I hope so... like so many other women of all shapes and choices around the world... I hope I can find my strength and get through this challenge... it's easier to put on a brave face and not face the fear factor of the whole thing... but hopefully I can be as strong as my brave face.

Did you know... the ancient amazonian women of legend are believed to have cut off their right breast, in order to improve their archery accuracy... so that puts me in some very strong company.

Things that make a woman..... loving, nurturing, strong, persistent...... and much much more