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A Practical, Uncensored Conversation About Breast Cancer


After Cancer

"When you see broken beyond repair, I see healing beyond belief."

- Matthew West, All Things New


After Cancer is a different animal than During Cancer. During Cancer is a whirlwind of Everything. It is a can't-catch-your-breath feeling.

Then suddenly, one day, they unhook you or turn off a machine or close a file and say, "Okay. You're done."

Your first instinct is HELL YEAH, I'M DONE and you ride that wave until about the time you drive out of the parking lot. The world is suddenly wide open.

And you have no idea where to go.

Click on the following images to articles on how to navigate this whole after-cancer business.
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Lumpectomy Low Down

  "Because nobody goes through life without a scar." - Carol Burnett Statistics show that there is minimal survival/recurrence differences between lumpectomy and mastectomy. One big fact that doesn’t seem to be public knowledge – cancer can come back if you have your breast (or breasts) completely removed.  A mastectomy does not guarantee cancer will not return. Lumpectomy, or partial mastectomy, involves only taking out the tumor and some surrounding tissue. I had a lumpectomy so I can speak with first-hand knowledge of that, while I have information that I have gathered from women with a mastectomy.  There are pros and cons to both. Lumpectomy Pro Save sensation to nipple and breast Natural feeling Shorter surgery Shorter recovery time Lumpectomy Con Breast could be a different size than its mate Radiation is often required Mammograms are still required There is “worry” about recurrence Occasionally I have heard of women who had both breasts removed (cancer was located ...
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Ways to Ask For Support

"Surround yourself with people who support you. Find champions." Sarah Gavron When faced with a cancer diagnosis, people often ask, "How can I help?"   Finding the right response quickly can be challenging, so here are some suggestions to help you get started: Transportation: Driving to appointments, treatments or errands Appointments: Have moral support and have them take notes Household chores: Clean, cook, laundry, lawn care Meals: Have meals prepared or delivered, or accept a a meal-sharing service. Childcare or pet care: Get a break from responsibilities. Errands: Have groceries, prescriptions, or other necessities picked up or ordered Help with information: Research treatment options or support groups. Offer a distraction: Other people can suggest activities like watching movies, playing games, or going for walks. Finances: Assistance with bills, insurance, or financial paperwork. A listening ear: Request a non-judgmental space to share thoughts and feelings....
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A Day At Chemotherapy

"We have two options, medically and emotionally: give in or fight like hell."  ~Lance Armstrong The prospect of chemotherapy can be daunting. We've seen so many movies of chemo patients who are bald, pasty gray, emaciated and throwing up. Chemo of today does not have to be that way.   For me and my Stage II Triple Positive treatment, I had none of these. I cold capped and kept my hair, managed to keep most of my color, didn't lose weight, and never once threw up. It doesn't have to be frightening. I had a four different chemotherapies during my day which already made for a long day. Coupled with that was the fact that I cold capped, it made the day about eight hours at the infusion center.  This is a play by play of how my chemo day went:  Lidocaine over port One to two hours before the appointment, I smear lidocaine cream on the port site. I was told to put it on this way: like frosting, not like lotion. It had to be a huge blob of white completely covering my ...
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