Tuesday is Valentine's Day! Don't miss these excellent French terms of endearment. Be sure to scribble one of them into a card or, better yet, whisper one of these into someone's oreille! Photo "Waiting for some Sweethearts" taken in Paris.
bosse (bohce) noun, feminine
: bump
J'ai découvert une bosse sur la tête. I found a bump on my head.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
(A review of the past four weeks…)
Sometime last month I began waking early each morning with a strong sense of apprehension.
"It has to come off," the dermatologist had said, confirming my worst fears. Dommage you didn't come in three years ago, it would have been a matter of a few stitches then…
After the surgery on my forehead, last fall, in which a lesion about the same size as the one of my nose was removed, I was afraid to go back under the knife. Given how much they took off for the similar-sized growth, might I lose my nose? (I remembered all those Google images for "basal cell carcinoma", and all my feverish internet searching which yielded horror image after horror image–including amputated noses!)
My middle-of-the night sweats continued. Then, something mind-altering happened. I discovered a bump on my head…
Fast as that I forgot about my nose. I turned all of my attention to the pea-size growth on the side of my head, une bosse as hard as a rock.
I wondered, was I being paranoid? Had the bump always been there?
At the Clinique de Provence the lab technician called me in a second time. "We need to take another X-ray…" I stepped back onto the machine, resting my back on its cold metal wall for balance. Following the technician's example, I put the tip of my finger on my head, indicating the bump's location, and stood so still I dared not breathe. As the X-ray began, the floor beneath my feet moved from side to side, like a fairground ride, only much slower. It was my mind that raced, in a marathon prayer.
Notre père qui est aux cieux.
Que ton nom soit sanctifié….
And then, briefly:
PleaseJesuspleaseJesuspleaseJesus!
"OK, you can wait in the salle d'attente…" The technician showed me out of the room.
The third time the technician returned, she informed me that the doctor wanted to do an échographie. More information was needed.
As I waited for the ultrasound exam, the woman beside me complained about her test results which indicated a sprained wrist. How would she cope? she wondered aloud.
I left the distraught woman, and was led into another room where I lay down on a table, letting the doctor smear a cold gel onto the side of my head. I watched the computer screen as the doctor ran a kind of large rollerpen over the bump.
"When did you first notice it?" he questioned, his accent as heavy as my own. Iran? Pakistan?
"A few months ago."
The ultrasound screen showed my scull, which looked like the surface of the moon. A little farther along this smooth surface, we saw the bump. The doctor paused to measure it: 7.2 mm
"Have you seen other patients with these kind of bumps on their heads?" I wanted to know.
"Ne vous inquiètez pas," he assured me. The bump was hard and not soft. I took that to be a good sign, guessing that tumors were soft. "But you will need to have a brain scan…" he added.
The doctor was kind enough to make the appointment for me at the hospital in Orange. The downside, I would need to wait one week until I could have the necessary test.
During the one-week attente, I rarely thought about my upcoming operation for the removal of the lesion on my nose. It seemed absurd, now, to worry about a patch of skin, one that could easily be removed. But how would a bump on the side of my head be removed? Should it be removed? And then it occured to me: if there was a problem with my head, then maybe there would not be an operation on my nose afterall…
In the following days I thought about the many undones in my life. I would need to burn my diaries! Also, would there be time to make another book? I would want to save these blog stories for my kids to enjoy one day… as a way for them to know their mom better–she is not the overserious maman that they mistake her for. …Please, dear God, make it so that this bump is benign–it is my kids who need their mother, my husband who needs his wife, my mom who needs her daughter, my family, friends who need…
On January 12th, my friend Phyllis accompanied me to the hospital, where I had a brain scan. An hour later, when the doctor called me into her office, we had not sat down before she announced: c'est bénin.
I repeated the foreign words enough times for them to register, before throwing my arms around the conservative doctor, and babbling the news to Phyllis, who I could have KISSED! And maybe I did.
Ten days ago I had that second lesion on my face removed. Wide awake this time, I can tell you that the operation went beautifully and I am the proud wearer of 17 rock star stitches that travel down my nose like a backward "L"…
During that interminable week of waiting for the brain scan, I had tried to decide just what was the most important thing in life–or what would be the most meaningful way to live out the rest of one's days, whether that be one month or one decade. I am honored to have the answer stitched down the side on my nose, beginning in one great "L". Love–loving everyone who we come in contact with: the lovely ones and even the grumpy ones. Especially the grumpy ones!
I get my stitches out on Wednesday. I often look in the mirror, just to check them, and to remember to say thanks. And I am thankful for this bump on the side of my head (my husband calls it my corne, or "horn", indeed, I am a Capricorn! And this boney bump–though it may not be as grand as the mythic goat's–is a great reminder to live strongly, fortified by love.
I appreciate your comments! To respond to this story, click here.
French Vocabulary
dommage = too bad
une bosse = bump
Notre père qui est aux cieux. Que ton nom soit sanctifié…. = Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed by Thy name
la salle d'attente = waiting room
une échographie = ultrasound
ne vous inquiètez pas = do not worry
une attente = wait
c'est bénin = it's benign
Tip: Check out our "What to do in Paris?" page, and see all the great tips that readers have sent in!
Meantime, here one more tip: Visit the American Libary: this week Robert Camuto is speaking. He is part of a three person wine/cheese/perfume panel! Check it out here.
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Dear Kristin
Huge hugs and legions of love coming to you.
You are a true inspiration – I wish you nothing but good health and happiness.
Julie from a grey day in Edinburgh Scotland
Hi Kristin – Very happy for you and glad you are OK!! Wishing you bonne chance in the future, I’ll be lighting a candle for you in a toulouse church this week!
-Krista Sharp
Kristi –
I can only imagine what life has been like for you and your family throughout this adventure. Like everyone else here, I am so relieved and so glad that everything turned out for the best. I hope that everyone there has been able to take a deep breath and allow life to return to normal.
You strive to share love with everyone you come into contact with, and you get it back tenfold from the people in this community that has formed around you. Coincidence? Je pense que non.
But could you do us all one small favor? Please, please, stop growing bumps!
Kristi, I’m so sorry that you had to suffer through fear and “what ifs” while waiting for these test results. I know you’ll wear the stitches well and I thank you for using your story to remind us all to “live strongly, fortified by love.” A timely reminder as Valentine’s Day approaches and we celebrate our blessings with those we love.
–from Deb, in the mountains of Maine
Kristin – so very glad that you are okay, and thanks once again for sharing your life and reminding all of your readers about what is important! I have a friend who has had a similar experience very recently and did not get very good news (diagnosed with rare cancer just 3 days before he started his long planned retirement) and all of these reminders of what is important in life are so meaningful!
Wishing you the best in health and life. I love reading your blog!
All the best,
Denise
I am so thankful you received good news and that it was carefully checked. The “after effect” you describe as “Love” is what we all need. Enjoy your day! I know you are thankful for it and those to come.
AMEN! Those of us who don’t take anything for granted, who live life to the fullest each day, who treasure the so called “little things” or “small moments”…..we are the happiest! I have been thinking about you and your forehead, and your nose. I am so happy to see this post. Thanks for the reminder that life is, indeed, short, and we should be thankful for every second and every person who has come, is here and has gone!
Bisous,
Amber
Dear Kristin and all others who have had to endure these same kind of fears: I am so sorry that you and your families had to cross into that time of life that consumes you with worry.
Live, Love, Laugh – these are all such powerfully healing words and I’m so happy to read this post today that tells us your path has turned back to those L words.
So fill up those empty chairs in your beautiful photos and get out into Life again – with or without a Valentine!
Yea you! Love hugs and resounding “Cheers!” to you and family this Valentine’s.
Merci for sharing with us your difficult experiences of the past few months. You have been in my prayers and remain there.
Merci for reminding me to renew my efforts to memorize “Notre Pere” in French. I had been doing it and then let it slide away. No more. Back it comes to the forefront. Merci beaucoup.
Blessings,
Mary
Kristin! I am so relieved to know that you are fine and in good health! Have a fun and laughter filled Valentine’s Day with your Sweetheart, children and friends! I will be back in Paris in the following months and am looking forward to adventuring around France!
Hi Kristin, Very glad that everything came out fine. If you remember I had several things removed from my nose, temple, head,etc. I now go for check-ups eveery three months so if something looks suspicious it can be tested and treated without surgery. Those day-long procedures were really bothering me. Matt(from the wine-tasting last Oct)
I never thought that I would say this…PRAYERS WORK!
such good news! thank you for sharing so candidly. It is amazing to me, how often we need these reminders of what is really most important in life!
Kristin! Merci mon Dieu! You are ‘good to go’…. and may I say as a breast cancer survivor…. you are a daily inspiration to all of us who love you…. Love, family, friends and faith are all the ammunition we need in life to win the battles that come our way… God bless you and yours… Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
What a relief for you !!! I expect many of us have had to endure the ‘wait’ .I once had a scare re a boob lump & had to wait for a week before i knew that it was benign . That was in the U.K . Here they do the ectogram immediately at the X-ray clinic & you see the consultant at the same time .
You have such a positive attitude which must help.
I fervently hope that this is the last scare for you Kristin. NO MORE LUMPS &BUMPS eh ??!
Take care . You are too special .
Your story is really inspiring and a lot of lesson to learn. This was a great reminder to all to live strongly and always have faith.
Joanne Polner, NJ, USA
Mon cœur a battu trois fois plus fort ce matin, lisant tes mots de la peur; de la confiance aux médecins; des choix–qui est le mieux en souffrir; de la sourire et de toute la joie avec les bonnes nouvelles. La vie est poussée de long en large par le Destin. There are many twists and turns all the way to the end. Look for them, let them happen, dance to the music, whatever is playing. Bientôt, chaque expérience devienne un souvenir qu’on puisse abandonner. The relinquished memories are taken away by memory spirits who splinter them up into brilliant shards of hope and energy, of reason and romance, of right actions and kind considerations, and then they release these splinters into the universe so they can come back in the next generations. They are little valentine kisses on sparks of appreciation and wishes for life to go on and on. These kisses have now come to you from the past, to carry your heart to the future, ici et maintenant, sur la Terre.
GLAD it’s behind you, Kristin. I admire your courage and your optimism….
xxxxxxx
Amen! Tout simplement!
There are so many wonderful comments here, I feel I hardly need post anything at all! Everyone has expressed here so beautifully so many thoughts and wishes. I am so happy and relieved for you that your news is good. Continue to take good care of yourself and enjoy your life surrounded by those who love you.
Happy Valentines Day to you and your family!
A big bear hug to you,
Julie
Dear Kristin,
From someone who has been poked and prodded; suffered squashed breats during mammography just to be told I would have to have ultrasounds and biopsies; and been sliced and diced for melanoma and basal cell (including one basal cell last week and another pre-melonona to be removed from by forehead this week): I FEEL YOUR PAIN – and your relief – that I dodged the bullet again. Yet some of us are not so fortunate. I long for the grace and patience and courage I see shining in others who suffer much more desperate lives, in order that I might meet each cahllenge this double-minded world hands me. If my family is well and happy, I think I can suffer anything.
Peace, my virtual friend-my prayer for you is that you know that “Peace” which passeth all understanding. Peace be yours.
Diane, from Tallahassee
Kristin,
I am so glad that the waiting is over and all seems to be going your way now. I have just gone through a week of “waiting” and I know how dreadful it can be. I think all is well at my end also. You are such an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your feeling and observations with us.
AJR
Kristin,
I cannot add anything to the comments that have preceded this one, but I do wish to add my voice to the chorus cheering you on, honoring you for the grace with which you are facing your seemingly endless trials, and wishing only the best for you and your family.
Jeri
Kristin,
Your post for me is very timely as I am having basel cell surgery on my nose in a week.
Your positive attitude is a wonderful healer. I am eighty four (looks better spelled out) years old and have had many reminders of how precious life is. With your courage, you will enjoy many more sunsets.
Dear Kristin.
THANK GOD
The L =love everyone even the grumpy ones-especially the grumpy ones.
I love the way you look at life. You are part of all of our families too.
Georgia
HI KRISTI DARLING –
I am sure all of this wonderful love you are receiving from your friends above is lifting your spirits and healing your poor little head.
I have a feeling Jean-Marc has whisked you away for a special Valentines Day, how lucky you are to have a real FRENCHMAN to show you the meaning of LOVE on this special day.
I am so grateful you have so many REAL FRIENDS that have been holding your hand and sending up prayers as you traveled down this road – to discover how brave and strong you really are…I am your biggest fan. I love you Honey – rest, relax and enjoy every moment of your journey … don’t forget to buy yourself a beautiful dress.
XOXO
MOM
So glad you are okay! You and my husband have matching “L’s”. I will have to tell him your story and what the “L” represents!
Dearest Kristin,
Thank God you are going to be fine, I was frightened. I love the message of the “L” scar – so special! And i found it amazing that the bump on the head scare made the nose surgery seem like a walk in the park – God works in strange ways, n’est ce pas?
Are you doing okay in your healing process? I hope and pray you are.
Get well soon dear one.
Kristin,
Great news. I am so relieved for you. You and your family must be dancing for joy!
Dear Kristin,
When I read the words, “I found a bump on my head”, my heart skipped a beat — immediately (as you did) fearing the worst. What a wonderful relief to hear that it is benign — and also that the surgery on your nose went well. I know the agony of waiting for medical tests and the results of those tests. They do have a way of putting things into perspective and helping us to realize what is really important in life. Each day is a gift — and I wish you many, many healthy, happy days with your beautiful family.
Cassie Alexandrou
Dallas, Texas
I’m glad for your good medical outcome. I’m sure the conservative doctor privately enjoyed the hug. While I’m at it, let me say that I enjoy this painless way of dabbling in the beautiful French language. The personal touches give me a cordial sense of visiting friends in France.
Dear Kristin,
Yes, we don’t know what we have until we don’t have it or almost lost it. You are in my daily prayers for recovery.
Your blog brings together a large group of people who pray for you. Know that we value you highly.
Love,
Anne
So glad to get your update. I’ve been waiting to hear.
Kristin:
Now you can really celebrate la jour de Saint Valentine! I’m so glad to hear that your second operation went well.
I took your new book to my French conversation group and they enjoyed looking at it. I hope some of the folks in the group will visit your site. We are all retired and meet once a week for an hour, attempting to parle to one another. We have fun and learn a bit about the language and each other.
Take care,
Edie from Savannah
Dear Kristin,
What a relief! As I read your post, memories of my feelings of helplessness as I waited for medical examination results flooded my mind. I believe we can all empathize with you. I believe, too, that the “L” you can see today definitely stands for love… and life..
From your writings I can tell that you are a beautiful person – scars notwithstanding! Stay well.
Kristin,
I have read your blog for perhaps 3 years now and never responded but wanted to let you know how this posting touched me. Having been through several breast biopsies, I too know the fear and thankfully the joy of the word benign. Thank you for the reminder of what is important in life. Keep up the good work and thanks for being positive and sharing that gift with us all.
Juli from snowy Colorado
Chere Kristin –
Comment dit-on en francais, “WHEW!” Nancy and I are thinking of you with love and huge relief!
Linda
What a scarey time you have had and such a LOVELY outlook. Thank you for this. I will think of it whenever I need to improve my attitude. I am so glad you are ok.
Thank God Kristin. What a frightful time you must have gone through. All is well that end’s well. I loved your positive thinking. stay healthy & strong.
I was so relieved to read this report. I had been thinking about your upcoming procedure on you nose and when we didn’t get a report I thought there were complications or something. I’m so glad that all the results were positive. Perhaps this summer we can compare scars. Hope the rest of this year just dances along for you.
Your post took me to a favorite quote “There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed. Done with.” (Harry Crews)
Today will be a different day after I read this FWAD.
Dear Kristin,
From the multitude of letters and notes from your readers, you can see how truly concerned we have been. I was so glad to read the good news in today’s posting. You have been through a very stressful time! Your reminder that love is the most important thing in life will be very evident tomorrow….Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family.
Benign, such a beautiful word in any language. And I am so glad that was the diagnosis for the bosse en tete! Trois besous!
You think you have something to worry about and then along comes a greater worry to minimize the first one and make it more bearable. Such is the irony of this journey we call life! As my niece’s doctor once told her when she was concerned about a possible outcome “Why waste a good worry?”. More easily said than done, n-est-ce pas? Maybe we sometimes need the worries to more deeply appreciate our good fortune. I’m thrilled that both worries are now behind you (and those who love you). Sending you a huge heart-felt Valentine from the wintry front range of Colorado!
So glad to hear you’re OK, Kristin. You’ve been on a real roller coaster these past weeks.
Here’s hoping you have less “excitement” of this sort going forward!
All the best,
Christine
JULES, I find your letters to Kristin to be filled with a mother’s love and concern;they make me want to be a better mother. “Buy yourself a beautiful dress” is a sweet example. Best wishes to you in Puerto Vallarta, Cynthia
Joy! Good news! Let’s celebrate each day as it comes.
Your life is far too full and beautiful to dwell on “what might have been”.
A renewed subscriber and fan.
So glad to hear your good news Kristin! Worry is like a life-draining vampire; try not to give in to it. La vie est belle, et toi aussi.