Coping with Women's Cancers
Once again this year, I am celebrating two lives on the back-to-back dates of July 17 & July 18. On this special numerological date of 7-17-17, I wish to acknowledge the passing of my son’s father three years ago today from lung cancer, and also my son’s 33rd birthday tomorrow. This onetime nuclear family gave my life… Continue reading Repost: For My Son’s Birthday – Reflections on Losing a Womb, and a Co-Parent, to Cancer
Acknowledging the Sad Passing of Someone Who Had Time Enough to Live Her Dream: Cindy Stowell, “Jeopardy!” Champion Update – December 21, 2016: Last Friday, it was announced that “Jeopardy!” champion Cindy Stowell died at age 41 of Stage 4 colon cancer on December 5, 2016, about a week before her episodes aired. She had… Continue reading Living Her Life in “Jeopardy” Before Colon Cancer Claimed Her
Yesterday, I posted a brief announcement that I remain cancer-free on the three-year anniversary of my total robotic hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer on December 13, 2013 (a lucky Friday). I said I would provide the full scoop today, and I have provided more information below. But this will need to be just a quick update as… Continue reading Quick Update – My Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer Story: Three Peach Roses on My Three-Year Anniversary
In the December 6, 2016 post, I described having my first 3D mammogram this week. It showed that I have “sunshine breasts”—no clouds in my imaged fields. This makes me one of the lucky ones. My official report came in today’s mail confirming that my mammogram was normal (benign) and that my breast tissue is primarily… Continue reading Update: My First 3D Mammogram – And an Important Note about Breast Density
Yesterday I had my first 3D mammogram. The technologist said I have “sunshine breasts”–not a cloud in the imaged field. I’m one of the lucky ones. See the updated post on December 9, 2016: Update: My First 3D Mammogram – And an Important Note about Breast Density On December 5, 2016, I went for my routine… Continue reading My First 3D Mammogram – I Have “Sunshine Breasts”
In Part 1—Chemotherapy, we entered Diane’s story as she was undergoing pre-operative chemotherapy for lobular breast cancer. In this post, we will take a close look at how Diane’s journey began a year ago last month and how she is currently preparing for surgery by getting second opinions while her body recuperates from chemo. This is a cautionary tale… Continue reading Diane’s Story – Breast Cancer: Part 2–Diagnosis
Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer Awareness Please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the risk factors for breast cancer, the most common malignancy in women after skin cancer. Although this disease predominantly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts that of the 246,660 American women who develop new cases of invasive breast cancer in… Continue reading Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Ladies (and Gents), Please Read
In proud acknowledgment of my son, who turns 32 today, and the happy use I once made of the womb I no longer have, I am reposting a two-part story from last year: Reflecting on Childbirth after Losing a Womb to Cancer: Part 1 – Birth and Reflecting on Childbirth after Losing a Womb to Cancer: Part 2 – After-Birth.… Continue reading On My Son’s Birthday: Reflections on Losing a Womb and Also a Co-Parent
Mammary gland at 40x under lab microscope (Accessed July 2016) © MicroscopeWorld 2015 Beginning with this post, we will be following the progress of my friend Diane, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has generously agreed to tell her story. Along the way, we will provide reliable information and resources to help others… Continue reading Diane’s Story – Breast Cancer: Part 1–Chemotherapy
Still Life: Basket of Peaches by Raphaelle, Peale, 1816 Display Peach for Uterine Cancer Yesterday, June 14, 2016, I saw my regular gynecologist at the 30-month mark post-hysterectomy for uterine (endometrial) cancer. I thought the “no-Pap policy” discussion had been lain to rest . . . but not quite. You Can Say Anything If You Smile Since… Continue reading My Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer Story: Two-and-a-Half-Year Checkup–Pap or No Pap?
The Patient Path 