My name is Judy Schwartz Haley and CoffeeJitters is my personal blog.
I live in Seattle with my husband of 6 years and our little girl, Gem.
This blog started as an opportunity for me to brush up and gain some confidence in my writing and photography skills. But it has become something much more meaningful as the blog grew and a sense of community developed.
My husband and I are both full time college students, and we’re both in our mid-30s (ok, 40 is leering at me, but my husband is still in his mid-30s). Shortly after our daughter was born, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Ouch. I’m taking a little break from school as I work my way through the treatment plan and focus my remaining energy on our daughter. Check your boobies friends – every month.
The Husband is working toward a Masters Degree in Near Eastern Language and Culture with a focus on Post-Constitutional Revolutionary Iran. My official major is currently communications, but every quarter I want to change. Not because I don’t like Communications – it’s more like I want to major in everything. I want to major in Philosophy, Anthropology, Comparative Religion, American History, Early Childhood Education, Law, Web Design, Art, Creative Writing, and International Business. But if you ask me again next week, I might give you an entirely different list. Picking something feels like excluding everything else. When will I grow up?
I’m obsessed with food and cooking, but I won’t cook if the kitchen’s a mess. We eat out more than we can afford. My favorite foods are middle eastern, particularly Persian. I learned to cook an array of Persian dishes as a fun way to support my husband’s study of the Persian language and culture. Shish Kebab is probably the most universally recognized Persian dish, but my favorite is fesenjan, chicken stewed in a gravy of pomegranates and ground walnuts.
I am interested in photography but I know very little about how it works. I very seldom leave the house without my camera which is the primary reason I’m occasionally able to get some pretty cool shots. Sheer volume increases the odds. Thank goodness for digital cameras, I’d never be able to afford this hobby if I actually had to pay for film and development. I don’t know how people did it a generation ago.
Hi,
My name is Nick Hare, and I am the Public Awareness Director for PleuralMesothelioma.com. While I was browsing through a number of health and cancer sites, I came across your website and was very impressed by the information you have listed.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the lungs. It is almost solely caused by exposure to asbestos, which was used in everything in children’s toys, house-hold insulation, and naval carriers. Our website has the most up to date and comprehensive information about Pleural Mesothelioma on the web today. We are HON code certified with information ranging from a complete list of symptoms, to treatment options, and steps to take after a diagnosis.
I noticed that you already had some other related resources listed on your resources page at coffeejitters.net/blog/cancer-resources/ and figured you might be interested in including a link to our site as well. Please let me know if you are interested – I’m available by e-mail at nhare(@)pleuralmesothelioma.com. With your help, we can educate the public about the dangers of asbestos and hopefully save some lives. Thanks again!
Best Regards,
Nick Hare
Public Awareness Director
PleuralMesothelioma.com
[Reply]
Congratulations on making it though. 35 years ago I was a nurse on a cancer ward and went on to work in insurance on cancer claims. I spent a year reviewing medical records and writing letters to insurance companies until one finally gave in and started covering reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. I feel that is probably one of the most important accomplishments in my life.
[Reply]
Judy Schwartz Haley Reply:
March 19th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Thank you so much for all your hard work Sharon. It really makes a difference.
I remember going to a support group meeting right after I was diagnosed, and the women were talking about the different types of reconstruction, and their battles with insurance companies regarding their reconstructions, etc… and it hit me: There IS life after breast cancer.
[Reply]