not just surviving but thriving
One Word: Hope
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Reverb 10 – Day 1 / Prompt Author: Gwen Bell) I didn’t have to think very long or very hard to assign […]
Cancer and Marriage
A marriage takes a lot of work; so does keeping a day job (or going to school), maintaining a home, and raising children. When you have cancer, there are times when the fight for your life takes more work than all of the above combined. Since my diagnosis, I have been reaching out to women […]
Twenty years is not enough
People say some interesting things to me when they find out I have cancer. I understand that, for the most part, they mean well, but sometimes the things that come out of their mouths may not have the desired effect. There is a time and place to tell me about all the people you know […]
The Promise
“Will you still love me if I get breast cancer and they cut off my boobs and my hair falls out?” I should have known better than to ask the question, but I was insecure in our young relationship, and I craved the constant reassurance. Of course he put my fears to rest, along with […]
Young Survival Coalition
The doctors are working to save my body, my friends at the Young Survival Coalition have helped save my sanity.
Walkthrough of chemo day for a cancer patient
Ever wondered what a day of chemotherapy was like for a cancer patient? I thought I’d bring you along today, and give you a snapshot of what cancer treatment looks like. I hope its helpful to the newly diagnosed. Obvious disclaimer: of course, every patient’s treatment is different, and each cancer treatment center is different. […]
Thank you
It was oh, so early this morning when I dragged my reluctant family out of bed. Not one of us are morning people, even my 14 month old daughter knows better than to wake up before 9. This morning we were all grumpy and befuddled as we attempted to remind ourselves why we volunteered to […]
Race for the Cure
I’ve done a lousy job of promoting this, but next Sunday my team of walkers will join thousand of others in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Seattle. Our team is called Pretty in Pink – Judy Haley and if you are in the Seattle area and care to join us, there […]
Pondering the Reconstruction Era
I started the morning posing for topless photos in the harsh clinical light of the plastic surgeon’s office. I hadn’t given much thought to what the ambiance might be like should I ever pose topless, but doctors in lab coats with a changing curtain for a backdrop never crossed my mind. If you told me […]