breast cancer

Cheers to 8 years Cancer-Free!

8 years cancer free and counting! Maybe my body is finally realizing that we’re in this together and it should stop failing me. It feels like both a lifetime and a blink of an eye all at once since I heard those dreaded words “I’m afraid it’s cancer”. It was a wild ride, and not the good…

Cancer Survivor – 6 year ‘cancerversary’ reflections

For most of you April 29th is just another day. For me, this day is a reminder of when my life changed forever. April 29th 2015 was the day I had both breasts and 13 lymph nodes removed, and breast cancer was evicted from my body. I am a 6 year cancer survivor.
Hearing those dreaded words, “I’m afraid you have cancer…

Five Year Breast Cancer Survivor – What that means

I’m here!!!! Recurrence is THE worst fear for those who’ve battled breast cancer, and five years is an important milestone.  I was completely caught off guard when I heard those dreaded words, ‘you have stage 2 breast cancer.’ When you’re given a cancer diagnosis, the immediate goal is to remove the cancer, and complete treatments to reduce…

Open Post to Blue Shield of California HealthCare

I’m quite sure I’m not the Blue Shield of California ‘member of the month.’ Since I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, the surgeries, medications, tests and doctor visits since then must have reached millions of dollars.
In the US we’re extremely lucky to have access to some of the best health care in…

Breast Cancer is an analogy for the Malibu Triathlon

I competed in the 2016 Malibu Triathlon. I was asked to be part of a relay team by my fantastic reconstructive surgeon, who sponsored a team.  Each year her office has dedicated this event to the strong women their practice has been privileged to care for – all breast cancer survivors. These survivors inspire others with their courage, perseverance, and ability to remain … Read on…

7 Things To Never Say To Someone With Breast Cancer

When you first receive that paralyzing breast cancer diagnosis, you are vulnerable, scared, and you literally and figuratively are brought to your knees.  As the news soaks in and you begin to share, it’s just a matter of time before the advice starts rolling in.  People make well-meaning comments that often come from a place of sadness, discomfort, and fear. There isn…

Cancer Recurrence: The 5 and 10 year waiting game!

The most scary word for anyone who has been through any sort of cancer is: recurrence.
It’s funny, I didn’t use this word frequently before 2015.  Now it’s used in every single appointment, cancer conversation, and frequently in my private thoughts.   As time passes, my breast cancer experience moves a little further away from me, yet at times it…