This time of year is always one of reflection to me. My husband Mike and I took a nice long walk this weekend and discussed what an amazing year 2011 was for us. Molly MacDonald, founder of the Pink Fund that provides financial aid to Michigan residents undergoing treatment, asked me to blog about it for [...]
I remember a curmudgeonly man I used to know who would like to say, “Life is a s*&t sandwich.” I certainly don’t believe that, but for cancer survivors who have kids and aging parents, it’s like a triple-decker sandwich. Not only are you caring for your own family and parents, but you’re also trying to [...]
Have you ever noticed how you much more you appreciate a sunny day after a week of rainy weather? Or a warm shower after a “roughing it” camping trip? Cancer is like that, I believe. For me, I’ve found I’m so grateful for things I used to take for granted before I was diagnosed. My [...]
I just read a heart-breaking post by my friend Ashley, a fellow metastatic breast cancer survivor, on her wonderful blog called Ashley Warrior Mom. Ashley is going through full brain radiation and is again losing her hair. This is hard on her little daughter because it reminds her that her mommy has cancer. You’ll have [...]
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, my daughter was just three years old. One of my biggest concerns was how she would react to my losing my hair. Luckily when Chrissy first saw me with a bald head, she laughed and told me I looked like Calliou. When I had a recurrence [...]
Tomorrow is my “little” girl’s birthday. She will be 11, sniff, sniff! She always enjoys the time leading up to her birthday when I tell her stories of my pregnancy and labor. “At this time, 11 years ago, we were waiting for you to make your debut, but you weren’t ready yet. (she was five [...]
I have been enjoying spending time with my daughter these past two weeks during her school break. Yesterday we were at the art museum when I felt her soft little hand in mine. There were lots of hugs too. Ahh, such a gift! Of course, after a while she got bored and the whining began. [...]
Just as my holidays and book writing are gearing up, I think I’m getting a message from God to slow down. Yesterday I visited “my old friend”, our eliptical machine, for a workout. After showering, I walked down the steps when I felt a sudden sharp pain shooting from my hamstring to my calf. I could barely [...]
It was really cute: My daughter’s school had Cancer Awareness Day today, and she was all dressed in pink. As I dropped her off, I saw her proudly pointing out her pink ribbon to the principal. Wow, even kids are being exposed to cancer these days. I’m not sure I knew much about it when [...]
