Putting My Best Face Forward
Every month I get to sit down and write about something so exciting… travel, inspirations, perhaps a magnificent new find… the words always flow so easily as I enthusiastically type away.
My August entry is not exactly the same. While I would love to post pictures of the most beautiful holiday or fantastic new jewel, I can’t. My summer was not about fun in the sun – actually most of the trips that I have taken since June have been to Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan. I found out on June 13th that I had a malignant melanoma on my right cheek. It was a tiny freckle that had been biopsied a week before. Well, that freckle turned out to be CANCER. Many scans and tests later, it was determined that a one inch area would need to be removed from the right side of my face. The tests ultimately proved that the cancer had not spread – that was great news.
Rocking my new look, silicon strips cover, protect and help to heal the scars.
When I woke up after surgery, my face was so bruised and cut up and I did not know if the surgeon had successfully removed all of the cancer cells. I can’t begin to explain the range of emotions that I had experienced. The fear that I would have to go back under the knife was compounded by the fear of what my face would look like. Over the past few weeks, I learned from a dear friend of mine, that my beauty is not about my face and that my true inner beauty comes from my heart and my soul. I know now that I am so much more than my face and cancer is real and that anyone is susceptible. I will preach all day long to wear sunscreen and a hat and that everyone reading this needs to get a melanoma checkup if you have not had one in the past 12 months.
When I go back on-air on Saturday, August 18th it will be four weeks since my surgery. I am definitely a little nervous. I have not taken off the silicon strips that I wear every day (to heal and to hide my scars). I will wear make-up for the first time in a month and I will take comfort with the knowledge that my summer was about the trip that I took inside myself. The souvenirs that I collected are the beautiful lessons I learned from my journey within.
You will see a lot of jewelry inspired by the summer of 2012 and it will all be about discovering the magnificent jewels we hold most dear to us… our loved ones, our hearts, our family and our friends. My parents came with me to every doctor’s appointment – and there were so many of them – and I will forever understand what it means to be unconditionally loved the way only a parent can love a child. My support system – family, friends, children, doctors and new friends who have survived cancer — inspire many of my new collections. Angel wings, butterflies, hearts, evil eyes, peacock feathers and more… all talismans that I have always loved and treasure now more than ever!
I look forward to seeing you this Saturday and I know how blessed I am to have all of my HSN colleagues and Rarities girls (and guys too) support me as I bravely put my best face forward and let my heart shine through. Hope to see you for Rarities Fine Jewelry on Saturday, August 18th from 3 – 5pm!
With unconditional love,
Carol
I AM A COLLECTOR OF YOUR JEWELRY. I WAS SURPRISED WHEN THE BLACK SPINEL AND CARNELIAN NECKLACE AND BRACELET CAME HOME. I THOUGHT THE CARNELIAN WAS A VIBRANT RED AS SHOWN ON THE WEBSITE. THE ORANGE STONE WAS DULL. CAN YOU MAKE THIS SET USING A RED AGATE OR JUST A STONE MORE RED AND MORE VIVID? I WISH YOU LOVE AND LUCK. JANET NADLER
Hi Carol, I am sitting here watching you on HSN now, and you look amazing! I’m also healing from melanoma surgery on my lip. Like you, I was terrified of the cancer and what I would look like :o) Happily I had a good surgeon. I ordered many things tonight! I wish you good health and happiness!
Thank you for connecting with me and sharing your story. You are right it has been terrifying! Work has been the best medicine! Stay healthy and please join me for my TS day on 2/25. See you soon! xo
Hi Carol,
I want you to know that you are the only reason why I started watching HSN. I love your jewelry designs, they are so unique and I ALWAYS get compliments when I wear one of your exquisite pieces. Thank you for sharing your talent and making it affordable for the avarage girl. I am happy to hear you are doing well and the surgery was a success, I know the journey to heal is a long and slow one but you will come through it as beautiful and classy as you have always been.
Love you! Thank you! See you on 2/25 for TS day! xo
Hi Carol,
Saw you on your latest show, you looked beautiful, was very uplifting while sharing your journey with us. Love your jewelry, very unique, a true representation of how beautiful your spirit really is. Have your drop earrings in many different stones but missed out on the Malachite/Tsavorite drop earrings (was out of town a few months on business), can you bring those back and will you be making it in other stones like amethyst, citrine, etc? Many blessings and keep up the great work!
Thank you for your kind words. I am always so humbled by my Rarities girls! Did you see the red corundum version (item#206-480)? They are one of my favorites. I am sure you will love them too! Please tune in on 2/25 for my newest TS! xo
carol pretty lady you must have noticed the small spot was different than just a normal face spot that most have. glad you did as you are quite a special woman with rare exquisite taste in life and jewels. god bless you pretty lady!!
Thank you! It was not at all different-that is why it was such a shock to my doctors and me. I love your kindness and support. Please join me on TS day February 25th. xo
HI GORGEOUS! Learned today about your summer…prompted me to write this, my first “blog.” You wrote about the trip you took inside yourself & the souvenirs you collected were the beautiful lessons you learned from your journey within. That’s what I’ve experienced since my husband died. Friends chastise me for not traveling now–your message made me realize exploring my strengths & vulnerabilities has been more challenging, exciting & scary (!) than any vacation could be! You go girl! Carole
Thanks for sharing your experience with me. I am very sorry about your loss. Somehow, no matter how hard life hits us, if we are brave enough to face our challenges and explore the pain, there is a more meaningful and happier transition to come. I am transitioning… I hope you are too! xxxx
Carol, May God and His holy Mother continue to take care of you. Thanks for sharing your “journey” w/us. I am a 3 time cancer survivor and your jewelry has helped me feel BEAUTIFUL on days that I do not feel well. What a blessing to have your parents w/you-what a wonderful gift and ONWARD!
Three time cancer survivor? Wow! Thanks for sharing and for allowing Rarities to add some beauty and sparkle to your days. I am humbled and grateful. Sending love and light, Carol
Carol, I thank God you are going to be healed. Your talente is to profound. I have the long and short crown sping turquoise as well as two of your rings. Could you get me some earring to complete the suite? PLEASE???? Stay well! Rachel Slate (raeslate@aol.com) a long time HSN customer
Thank you Rachel for writing and for your kind words. I have some insane crown spring coming in early 2013. We are collecting the gems and the procurement is a timely process. Have a beautiful few weeks and I will see you on October 11th – 13th when I am back on HSN. xo
Hi Carol, Your story touched me deeply, and your recovery will do the same. You are a brave, beautiful woman and nothing could ever take that away. I am so happy that you caught the cancer early and am grateful to God that it did not spread.
May God’s Love and Blessings surround you always.
Your message is so heartfelt and I am beyond grateful. The recovery has been great, but I wish the scars would fade a bit faster. It takes a whole lot of make-up to conceal the line down my cheek. But I am cancer free so I won life’s biggest lottery. Thank you for your beautiful sentiments. xxoo
Carol – thank you for inspiring us all with your beautiful creations. I am soon returning home and will only be here in the States for another three months. But before I leave, which will make it almost impossible for me to order your beautiful jewelry, I have two request, that you experience speed recovery and return back to good health. The other is, I hope to inspire you to create more Victorian Vintage jewelry. I have two pics of rings that I hope will help encourage you in your creations.
Dear Carol,It is so great to hear such a nice&inspirational story. Thank you for sharing your story, giving us some hope.As my wife is dying from 2 neuromuscular diseases as well as many others. We lost our insurance 2 days prior to her PET scan to locate her cancer in body. She is dying at the age of 35 since we lost our insurance&has very rare disease. We had a huge support system until things got really bad, then people just disapeared.Thank you for helping others with your story.God Bless.
I am so incredibly sorry for you and your wife. She is so young… my heartfelt wishes and love are coming your way. May I call her and say hello? If so, kindly send me your number to info@carolbrodiestyle.com — I wish you only love and light. xox
Carol, I may be last to blog, but certainly not the last. You are so dear to my heart and to hear the news thank GOD, has had such an aupicious outcome. I am so HAPPY for you. Your parents, kids, family & freinds were there to help you with your recovery. It’s so important to get plenty of sleep, simply because when you sleep you heal. I LOVE YOUR PICTURE! Even with no make-up and bandages you STILL LOOK BEAUTIFUL! LUCKY GIRL YOU…..
XOC-MAUH
From one cancer survivor to another, you are a rare gem. You have been with me on this journey as you have suffered through your own. I treasure you in a million ways. xox
Hearing your story on HSN really moved me and I cried more than you did on the show. I too have a sister that is a cancer surviver and understand how important it is to have a strong support system. You have such a beautiful soul and beautiful jewelry! Thank you for being yourself!
Your sister and so many of us are so lucky. Lucky to have beat cancer and lucky to have people to love and support us. On behalf of all survivors… thank you! xx
Carol, I am so glad that you caught your melanoma and I pray that the surgery was successful for you! I am a Monster proponent in the fight to Stop Melanoma and Skin Cancer. I have a series of Pinterest quotes that I regularly ask people to REPIN to remind others about the dangers of Skin Cancer and Tanning beds. Big cyberhugs to you and I applaud your willingness to go public with this!
Carol-
Cancer is scarry scarry stuff but you will get through this and you are still beautiful as always. I have also been recovering from an early detection cancer diagnosis as well…you do still rock! And so do I! Peace Love Luck and Rarities by Carol Brodie.
Carol, years ago my gorgeous mother had skin cancer that spread all over her face. After 5 hrs of surgery/reconstruction, her entire face was nothing but small square patches of graphed skin. She was devastated by the loss of her once gorgeous face. The good news: After 2 yrs her face looked pretty much like it did before the surgery. Ten yrs later, you would never know she ever had surgery. Her beautiful face “returned”. Don’t worry, your scars will go away in 1-2 yrs.
XOXO…much love!
Hi Carol!
Thank you for your beautiful jewelry. I have collecting your things for some time, and treasure every one. Please bring back you olive quartz necklace, I just missed it and hope you can repeat it. I get
compliments not only from women but from men,about your lovely jewelry.
I am sorry for your scare with cancer and I am sure your recovery will be 150% successful.
Carol, I love your Angel Wing Ring,Please consider doing a whole suite,I really would love to see a bracelet,necklace,& earrings to match. Thank-you, Diane
All you fans have so eloquently said everything I would like to say…..you are a Rarity and have always been so heart felt on the air. I knew you were very special from the first time I watched you. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us all that we need those check ups and to protect ourselves and family from sun damage. And you will always be a very beautiful lady and it comes from your heart !!! See you this weekend, can’t wait !!!
Carol,
Thank you!!!
Carol, God bless you and love you through this journey. I took a similar one 15 years ago and lost half of my nose. Thanks to an excellent surgeon, I was “put back together”. It forever altered my love for other people and myself. I know that God will use you and your beautiful jewelry to encourage and lift up the women in your life (including me!). You are a beatiful spirit and gift to us. With blessings, Lisa F
Carol,
Thank you for sharing your story with all of your rarity girls. I’m positive you will save lives because of it. I wish you a speedy recovery and my prayers are with you. I can’t wait to watch you tomorrow and your still as gorgeous as ever – no makeup needed! :) God bless you and your family
Melissa
Carol, bless your heart for being so true and expressing your fears. We will all be watching you tomorrow and rooting for you.
Thank God you went in to have it checked and didn’t delay. I will be making my yearly appt. with the dermatologist Tuesday for a skin checkup. Very critical especially living in Florida. My sister in law would get so dark you didn’t recognized her and now she has been all cut up on her face, neck, back, chest, arms and legs. All because she wouldn’t listen to the doctors about the sun. You are the same beauty now and by you sharing your story may help someone get to the doctor for a checkup.
Dear Carol:
I hope you remember me…I wrote to you about the Butterfly Holocaust Project. I just read your blog and want to say a prayer for your speedy and full recovery. Your honesty and courage in letting all your fans know of your cancer may spur someone else into a checkup which may save their life. In our Torah it says, “If you save a life, you save the whole world.”
You are and remain a physically beautiful woman, but more importantly, you exude a beautiful spirit and sole. Be well