2019 Word Of The Year: CHANGE: To make or become different. I didn't know the Word Of The Year, AKA WOTY, was a thing until a couple of years ago. In the past, I couldn't choose one word. This year, I'm all about changing EVERYTHING. Change says a lot about where I am in life. It... Continue Reading →
Five Years Cancer Free!
Whew! Talk about a breast cancer marathon. From the shocking diagnosis to my double boobectomies, the implants of my bionic boobs and subsequent challenges of taking estrogen-suppressing and depressing pills, I've finally crossed the five-year finish line. Hang on while I catch my breath. I couldn't have done it without you, my readers, my family,... Continue Reading →
What Not to Say to a Cancer Survivor
I'm almost five years cancer-free and have survived all kinds of off-hand comments. Everyone wants to say the right thing to a cancer survivor, but sometimes not saying anything would have been better. Some were well-intentioned while others seemed like heat-seeking missiles. When that would happen, I would go to a very dark place. A... Continue Reading →
Boob Report – Anxiety and the Fantastic Five-Year Finish Line
When scheduling my six-month cancer checkup, I made the mistake of booking a flight to California right afterward. Talk about anxiety. Nothing like racing against the ticking clock before a blood pressure test. These appointments are stressful enough! I planned to talk to my oncologist about the exact date when I could stop taking the... Continue Reading →
The Boob Report – The Sun Rises After Cancer Drugs
h Shy of three weeks into 2017, I thought I'd check in and let you know how The Year of the Big Chill is going. It's all about working hard, but playing harder. Little did I know these lifestyle changes would affect me in a different way. It banished a horrible side effect of my anti-cancer... Continue Reading →
The Boob Report – Three Years Cancer-Free
The first Sunday in June is National Cancer Survivor Day. I first heard about it through Facebook when Lynn Kelley posted a photo from a get-together in California. August McLaughlin “embellished” this photo when I had a double boobectomy (mastectomies) in 2013. Lynn Kelley, me, Debra Eve, August McLaughlin, and Debra Kristi. Four thoughts hit me... Continue Reading →
The Boob Report – A Comedy of Terrors
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, all doctor appointments become a big deal especially since the drugs I’ve been on have side effects. It can be terrifying. Last week, I went to an OB/GYN appointment and a wrist and knee follow-up. I worried they all could go south, like in the Deep South of hell... Continue Reading →
The Boob Report – The Dirty Little Secret about Alcohol
Don't shoot! I am about to deliver a dirty little secret kept by doctors. Why? I don’t think anyone wants to know. I've held this post for a year while waiting to get up the nerve. My hand shook while pressing publish. I had only heard rumblings about it and that was long ago, after... Continue Reading →
An Open Letter From My Boobs
Dear Susie Lindau, For thirteen months, we’ve hung out in our new residence behind your pectoral muscles. It has taken us a while to get used to the cramped quarters, but we are adjusting. We understand you are trying to make us feel at home. Although, we totally appreciate the effort, sometimes, you freak us... Continue Reading →
An Open Letter to My Boobs
Dear Bionic Boobs, I know you've been adjusting to your new digs since the reconstruction surgery seven months ago. I've protected you from wild elbows, supported you with a bra, and exercised you by smooshing you girls together. (Doctor's orders.) You seem happy enough and pretty perky. I do have some concerns. One night, I... Continue Reading →