Radiation therapy may be used during cancer treatment to shrink the tumor and kill the bad cells. In some cases (like mine), radiation has been shown to reduce the rate of the cancer returning or spreading. When I went for my consultation with my radiation oncologist, I received a packet of information with guidelines. For […]
I used to be the girl who was a little too comfortable parading around topless in the gym locker room. Now, I’m the girl who changes in the shower stall as quickly as she can. I used to be the girl who loved her real, full breasts. Now I’m the girl who tries to not […]
In less than a month, three friends have contacted me because an immediate relative was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. With the disclaimer that I’m not a medical professional and every person’s case and experience are unique, here are my thoughts for these women: Make sure that you surround yourself with a team of doctors […]
Educate | Advocate | Titillate In June 2010, Stef was diagnosed with triple-positive, stage one breast cancer. Since her aggressive cancer was thankfully caught early, she’s vowed to do whatever she can to educate others and raise money for the cause. To that end, she: * Speaks and writes about breast cancer prevention, surgery, chemotherapy, […]
Print | Video | Web Print “Of Me We Sing.” Article by Adrienne Frank, American Magazine, April 2018. “Election Will Soon Be Over, Memes Never Die.” Article by Kyrie O’Connor, Houston Chronicle, November 5, 2016. “Single and Sick: A Guide for Caregivers.” Article by Theresa Sullivan Barger, Cure Magazine, March 1, 2016. “There Are No […]
There was a time when I embraced the pink of breast cancer. I know better now. Pink epitomizes all that is sweet and feminine. A pink ribbon is small and aesthetically pleasing. Breast cancer is anything but pink and pretty. The reality of battling the disease is enormous and ugly. Pink ribbons are gender-stereotyped accessories […]
Back in October, I called my internist to ask if he thought I could safely carry to term. (He's cared for me for more than 13 years, and I value his expert opinion.) Dr. P. guessed that my health would improve during pregnancy, but dip after I gave birth. The only question was just what […]
A friend recently asked me a question about what happens after a cancer patient is done with treatment. “My cousin finished radiation in the spring and is in remission, but she’s been having a tough time. Most of the family doesn’t want to talk about her cancer anymore; they’re just ready for things to go […]
I’ve received quite a few questions from friends related to my double mastectomy and delayed reconstruction (also known as the expansion process). Since clear information for non-patients is surprisingly lacking in this arena, I thought I’d do my part to remedy that. 1. Since your surgery was in April, you’re feeling stronger with each day, […]
“So, Doctor, how long should I expect to recoup after my mastectomies?” “One month.” I stare at my breast surgeon and give a slight nod of my head with a disconnected expression in my eyes. “You should prepare to just putter around the house for a month and only leave to see the doctor.” “How […]