It’s been a few years since I’ve talked about my boobs so I thought I would spend my time with you today revisiting that topic.
In May of 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on my 40th birthday. No signs or symptoms, it was found during a routine annual exam. (We interrupt this story for a public service announcement: Women, ... Read More
So a funny thing happened after I had breast cancer. My daughter’s little “Let’s help Mom” sewing project exploded into something that none of us could have ever asked for or imagined.
Let’s recap.
May 2015: Diagnosed with Stage 2 Lobular Invasive Carcinoma (breast cancer).
July 2015: Single mastectomy.
August 2015: Doctor declares me “Cancer free”; Puts me on Tamoxifen for ten years ... Read More
2018. That’s the date (or at least year) set in my mind for the release of my new breast cancer book. This is the book that shows what the process of reconstruction looks like on a real woman’s body — my body.
But I am only one. One voice, one body, one choice of the many reconstruction options. That’s why I ... Read More
The funny thing about cancer drugs is that they seem to spit out side-effects cyclically.
I don’t always get hot flashes. They come in waves. Every few weeks I wake up hot and sweaty and know that for a few days I’m going to have some uncomfortable nights. Then just when I think I can’t stand it anymore, the hot flashes ... Read More
The woman beside me was a cancer survivor, too. We were diagnosed within weeks of each other. Her treatment plan was a lot more intense, but here she was, looking beautiful, with soft wisps of ebony hair shining beneath a diamond studded headband.
We were at a fancy ball, celebrating our journeys.
After asking about her diagnosis, I asked if she had ... Read More
The evening’s emcee stood on the stage and said the unthinkable. “The women I’ve talked to say they’re glad they were diagnosed with breast cancer. That it was one of the best things that ever happened to them.”
Jordan and I were invited to speak at the Pink Tie Ball in Indianapolis this weekend. It was a beautiful mother-daughter getaway complete ... Read More
Once again breast cancer is giving me the opportunity to experience something I never really knew I needed to experience. This time, I’m researching tattoo parlors.
Are they even called “parlors” anymore? I have clearly watched too many movies, because when I think of a place that does tattoos, I think of a dimly lit, smoke filled back room and ... Read More
I’d like to blame my morning fainting spell on low blood sugar, but I think it has more to do with my new nipple.
Tuesday’s surgery went really well. I was awake the whole time, the nurse pumped my favorite Christian music into the room, the procedure was fast and I didn’t feel a thing. Pretty perfect in my book!
At the ... Read More
Some days seem to count more than others when it comes to cancer. May 14th? The day I found out I had breast cancer. July 14th? The day I had my mastectomy. April 26th? My reconstruction surgery.
Before my eyes even bothered to blink open this morning, I knew what day it was. August 19th. The day I found out the ... Read More
Ugh. I did it again. Twice.
Yesterday was the first day of school. My daughter started 7th grade, which in Athens, means going to the middle school. My boys are in 5th and 1st, still at the elementary.
Two schools means two separate drop off times. Two chances to get back-to-school pictures of at least one of my kids.
Or not.
Jordan had shut ... Read More
