Radio, radio: spreading hope via the airwaves

This week I’ve had the honor and privilege to be on two wonderful radio programs: Conscious Talk Radio, based in Seattle, and Hope for the Journey a Blog Talk Radio program.
Both shows were hosted by cancer survivors. Conscious Talk stars Brenda Michaels, whose story is featured in From Incurable to Incredible, and her husband Rob Spears, [...]



Living with cancer: my husband’s perspective

My husband Mike keeps our family blog going now that I’m focusing more on this one. He’s a wonderful writer, and sometimes his posts are so good, I have to share. I was talking with Mike the other day about someone who is really discouraged about her stage IV cancer diagnosis and what I could [...]



Rockin’ Robin: another miracle survivor

Robin Farley contacted me on this blog to tell me she was six years out from a stage IV breast cancer diagnosis. Due to the craziness of my life, her story sat in a folder for about a month. It just so happens that when I finally got back to her, she just had the [...]



The path of least resistance: making treatment decisions

I was thinking about my topic today and came up with this: Sometimes its best to go on the path of least resistance. In hindsight, it seems clear to me regarding past love relationships. They say you need to work at relationships, but when you’re working all the time, it’s not meant to be. For [...]



Breast in Show: entertainment with a big purpose

A while back I answered a query looking for breast cancer survivors to share their stories for a unique theatrical and musical production called Breast in Show. The show’s producer, Eileen Mitchard, told me snippets of stories would be read by actors, so mine would remain anonymous. So I let it all go, sharing with [...]



From Incurable to Incredible Book Signing Bash wrap-up

I want to sincerely thank everyone who attended the book signing. It was a wonderful evening that surpassed my expectations.
The party included so many people who have supported us along the way and several people who came because they saw me on TV. My husband Mike, of course, was my biggest assistance. As usual, he [...]



TV and how From Incurable to Incredible is saving my life

I just returned from my interview on Cincinnati’s Channel 19. I found that the most stressful thing was not being on TV, but trying to find the place! I am extremely fortunate to have a husband Mike, a talented public relations professional who has landed me much of my publicity. He has been so supportive every step [...]



Image Reborn retreat: bonding and pampering in the mountains

I promised to report about the Image Reborn retreat, so here it is.  It was beyond my wildest dreams. I knew it was going to be special as we wound up a mile-high mountain past huge mountain homes until we reached our mansion. We’re talking 10 bathrooms, a breathtaking view, special massage room, hot tub, [...]



SIRT: Take that, liver tumors!

When I started writing From Incurable to Incredible, I had two goals: to help others…and myself, to be honest!  Well it certainly has helped me in so many ways.
Nancy Hamm is one of the stories I shared in the book and on this site. Nancy’s doctor called her on her 59th birthday with news she [...]



Party!! If you’re in the area, you’re invited.

Do you live near or in the Cincinnati area? If so, you’re invited to attend our Book Signing Bash on Saturday, July 31!  The party begins at 7 p.m. at the Sycamore Senior Center, 4455 Carver Woods Drive; Blue Ash, OH 45242.
To RSVP, go to this link to our Evite.



Ahhh, massage! The benefits of oncology massage

I have always loved a good massage. When I was single, I’d get one every month. Once I got married and had my daughter, they became a luxury I’d receive as birthday and holiday presents.
Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve been a bit nervous about a well-meaning practitioner “rubbing me the wrong way,” (excuse the [...]



Finally, book winner announced.. and other hopeful news

Sorry everyone; I know I promised I’d announce the winner of a signed copy of From Incurable to Incredible yesterday. Well, as they say, better late than never.
Just so you know, the process of drawing names is very scientific. My daughter wrote the names down, cut them out and mix them up in my handy dandy Susan [...]



Spread some hope; win a book!

I’ve been itching to get From Incurable to Incredible to press. But every time I’d review it, it seemed I found more thing to edit.
Well, yesterday I finally approved the final proof. My goal is to have books in hand by June 12, when I’ll be speaking at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life [...]



Michelle’s story: inflammatory breast cancer

 
I met Michelle Diekmeyer through a mutual friend and decided to have lunch last week. We had a really nice conversation and found we share much in common, in addition to the “C” word.
In 2004, Michelle noticed her breast was red and painful. She was treated with antibiotics until the pain was so bad she was on heavy [...]



Encounter with an angel? You decide.

My friend Nevine, a fellow breast cancer survivor with whom I share a special affinity for all things spiritual, shared this lovely story on her blog a while back. I have finally gotten around to sharing it with all of you. Enjoy!
My patience was again tested that afternoon as I took my house remodeling plans [...]



Rx for scanxiety: staying in the moment

I always try to keep my posts upbeat. After all, the tagline of this blog is “information and inspiration for cancer thrivers.”  However, I find there is healing power in relating shared experiences, especially difficult ones.
I just discovered a blog today called BeingOptimistic.blogspot.com, by a fellow cancer survivor in Canada. She was talking about getting [...]



Special guest blogger: Chrissy

I had a great time last night talking to a group of young women and faculty members at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. My lovely 11-year-old daughter Chrissy accompanied me. Chrissy begged me to bring the laptop, and I relented, suggesting she could blog about the event.
I think she has a bit of her father’s (a former newspaper reporter) instincts. [...]



Feel your boobs.

Tomorrow I have the opportunity to speak at Miami University for the Annual Susan G. Komen fundraising banquet, hosted by the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority chapter.
I’m telling them what I’m telling you now: no matter what your age, please do regular monthly breast self-exams. It is especially important for young women to “get to know their girls” [...]



Dreams do come true

Call it the power of intention, the law of attraction or simply blessings…whatever it is, I’m sure reaping the benefits of it.
A year and half ago when I was toying with the idea of doing a book, I doubted I was even worthy of considering it. Now it’s months away from becoming a reality. Each step of the way, [...]



Calling all angels: Imerman Angels

As I was saying in my previous post, I had a great time at the Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer conference this past weekend in Atlanta. I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere with so many women in one place.
So imagine my surprise when I boarded the  hotel shuttle and the first person I [...]