The Tit Offensive

Instant Hot Flash Relief

2010-09-13T13:26:00.000-04:00

Thank you French door refrigerator!

Onward

2010-07-27T11:47:00.001-04:00

Chemo is over! I am still pulling confetti out of my purse and it was over two weeks ago. It was certainly a long road, but I'm feeling great and ready to move on to the next step -- radiation! I had my first zap yesterday. It breezed by with no incident. It's kind of weird -- this is the first time in my second cancer journey that I'm receiving treatment I haven't had before. I'm told the side effects are tolerable, just fatigue and skin irritation. Here's hoping it's not bad and whizzes by!

For a Minute There I Lost Myself

2010-07-01T12:34:00.001-04:00

Whew -- since my last update (real update, I mean) much has happened. I sailed through my first cocktail of chemo drugs called AC. It wasn't fun by any stretch, but it was amazing how much easier this experience was compared to my last one. If anti-nausea drugs can improve so greatly in five years, just think of what other medical advances are right around the corner. I started another drug, Taxol, in April and was scheduled to finished on June 18th. Until....

You may remember me mentioning my art bra for the GRAPHIC IV event for the BCRC. I was very lucky (no really, really lucky) to be chosen as a model for the big runway show to show off my handiwork. I was having a great time chatting with friends, getting prettied and practicing my walk. I felt as normal as I could with having chemo the day before. I remember the event pretty well until the point when we had to line up for the show. Then, I awoke in ICU at Seton Medical Center. Huh? WTF? What happened?

Apparently, a lot, I'm told. During my runway debut, I took a seat on the runway and passed out. Then, my heart stopped working normally. Lucky for me, this happened in front of my doctors. CPR, a couple of shocks to the heart (oooh....would "Shot to the Heart" been a better title/song reference for this post?), an ambulance ride and some time in the ER later, I came back from the brink. I am so very thankful that I don't remember anything.

I spent a couple of days in the hospital. After tests and many visits from doctors (Many of them found my husband's new iPad more interesting than my case...initially, at least.), no one is really sure why this happened. My heart is normal by all accounts. It just seems that there is something wrong with the electrical system that was perhaps set off by a bunch of factors that were going on that evening. But we will never know for sure why this happened, which is extremely frustrating. So, I had an internal cardiac defibrillator put in under my pec muscle near my collar bone. If my heart starts misbehaving, it will get a little shock to get to back to normal.

So now not only am I a two-time breast cancer survivor, I'm a sudden cardiac arrest survivor too. Hmmmm...I'm not sure how I feel about this exactly. But, one this is for sure, I feel extremely lucky and blessed to be here right now. Things could have been worse.

I've been contemplating gratitude a lot lately. And while I will save those thoughts for another post, I do want to say how grateful I am to all the people that helped that night. Thank you just doesn't seem adequate.

Here are a couple of articles about the event.

http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/are-you-doing-what-you-truly-love/

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/charity/entries/2010/05/24/graphic_iv_model_stable_expect.html

My Support System

2010-04-15T11:14:00.001-04:00

Cross-post from Pretty Bird Press:

Finally! I have finished my art bra for this year's GRAPHIC IV. I think that it turned out really well. The title is "My Support System." So, here's the story behind this bra. In my former life, I was a book artist. I thought that a book would be the perfect thing to make into a bra for this event. After my second breast cancer diagnosis, I received many cards from friends, family and even strangers (thank you, all!). I kept every card and used them to create the book part of the bra. Since I had to have my implant removed, I'm flat on my right side. The book in this bra creates a breast shape. The rest of the bra is made of paper. I hope you like it. I do!

Hat Tree

2010-02-11T09:51:00.001-05:00

My necklace tree has become my hat tree.

And You Will Know Me by the Trail of Hair

2010-02-08T08:00:00.003-05:00

I try not to dwell on this beautiful mane of hair that I had last month. Instead, I'm focusing on killing microscopic cancer cells and the new, cute curly hair I'll have in a couple of months. There's a point a couple of weeks after your first chemotherapy treatment when you think, "Maybe I won't lose my hair after all. Maybe I will be one of those chosen few who gets to keep their hair." Alas, as soon as you let this thought enter your mind, you begin shedding. At first, it's mild and not too bad. Then, a trail of dead hair follows you wherever you go. I wanted to keep my hair for a meeting that I had coming up at work. So, I carefully tended to it and managed the trail as best I could. I was really worried there for a moment when gusty winds moved into Austin just days before my meeting. Thankfully, it didn't do much damage. I held on to my hair for as long as I could, and when I returned to Austin from my meeting in Fort Davis, Matt took the clippers and did what good husbands do -- made me bald. Well, I'm not technically bald. I have a fine layer of soft fuzz that one co-worker likened to her baby's head. So, now I'm sporting hats. I'm not much of a wig person.

In other news, I had my second chemotherapy treatment a week ago. I'm finally starting to feel somewhat normal again. I look forward to another week and half of this feeling until I have to go in again. I will be finished with this chemo cocktail nicknamed "AC" on March 11th. It will be a good day! AC is the worst chemo that I will do and the next round called Taxol is not bad at all. I've heard from several people that people on this particular regimen (12 weekly infusions) start growing their hair back! This is an exciting prospect indeed!

Hello old friend. So we meet again.

2010-01-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm about to head to my first of 16 chemotherapy sessions. Needless to say, I am not looking forward to it. Actually, the infusion part isn't bad at all. It's about an hour after you get home that all the fun begins. I decided while back that I will not have any expectations on how this will go based on my previous experience. I am hopeful that it won't be as bad, but I am prepared for an evening full of restlessness and puking. I'm lucky to have my dear husband and my sweet mother to care for me in addition to my fuzzy medical team: Hurley, Frances, Iris and Orzo. After all my surgeries, Hurley was so attentive to me that he earned the new nickname, Nurse Puppy. I look forward to his snugs.

I have a mix of emotions right now. I think that they can be best expressed in this classic viral video, David After the Dentist. There's something about all those existential questions that I can really relate to. Please enjoy:

As we venture over to the oncology office, I will be listening to my "let's get fired up about chemo" song courtesy of Of Montreal. Please enjoy this too and maybe do a little dance.

http://popup.lala.com/popup/360569462355264734

Tweeting Titties

2010-01-05T12:01:00.000-05:00

Hmm...I'm sure this will end up in some spam filter or something. Anyways, I've created a Twitter account for The Tit Offensive. I thought it might be fun to live blog/complain/make jokes whilst in the chemo chair. So, please follow the Tit O on Twitter.

Kids on ice - oh, so nice!

2009-12-29T13:48:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems that it's been quite a while since my last post and a lot has happened since then. We are the proud parents of five kidsicles!! That is, five frozen embryos for future use.

Ok, so here's the back story. For most women, estrogen is a great thing. It is, at it's core, what makes us women, right? However, for me and many other women with breast cancer, estrogen is trying to kill me. While I enjoy the benefits of estrogen such as soft skin and healthy bones, I'm pretty sure I'd rather be alive with dry skin and brittle bones. So, my doctor has decided that what's best for me is to remove my ovaries tubes at some point during this process. That means that my ability to procreate naturally isn't an option. So, we decided to go forward with in-vitro fertilization so that we have the option to have biological children one day. Lucky for us, we received a scholarship from Fertile Hope to help with the costs. Thank you, LAF!

The IVF process wasn't bad at all. I'm not sure if it's because what I've already been through or if it was just easy for me. Those stories of massive bloating, uncontrollable mood swings and painful injections were mere legends to me. The most annoying part was having to get up every day at 7:30 AM to inject myself with drugs not the injecting part itself. The needles were so thin that the shots were nearly painless. The actual procedure involved sedatives so it was quite fun.

I was a little bummed at first that I couldn't use my birth and pregnancy story to guilt my future children, but after all the annoyances of needles, vaginal sonograms (oops, is that TMI?), the financial burdens and all this cancer business, I'm pretty sure I have plenty of ammo to guilt our children into making their beds and doing their homework.

Next stop...chemotherapy!

Cancer 2.0

2009-11-21T20:21:00.002-05:00

Well, FUCK (the only appropriate word really). So, I certainly never wanted to have to write this post, but here I am, over five years after my initial breast cancer diagnosis, with a second diagnosis. Back in September, I noticed a lump on top of my reconstructed breast. After many tests and a surgical biopsy, I learned that I had breast cancer....AGAIN! It's unclear at this point whether or not this is a recurrence of the old cancer or a brand new one. Either way, it sucks....really, really hard.

The past month has been full of tests, scans and doctor visits. I am happy to say that there is no evidence of cancer anywhere in my body and three surgeries resulted in clear margins and the removal of all the cancer in my breast (along with the implant -- I'm totally uniboobing it right now. It's pretty effing awesome).

I really considered not blogging about cancer this time around, but I thought that it would be cathartic and a great way to keep people in the loop of my treatments and musings on stuff. So in the coming days I plan to share my treatment plan and other fun things like injecting myself every single day for the next three weeks in the hope to create some kidsicles. So, come by often or subscribe to my feed. And, if you'd like to read about more fun stuff like crafting or puppies and kitties, be sure to check out the Pretty Bird Press.

Much love,
Sarah

My New Blog

2007-05-02T00:54:00.000-04:00

Hi, friends. I wanted to let you know that I have a new blog called the Pretty Bird Press. Since I don't have much to say about cancer these days, I decided to start a different blog that covers my crafty pursuits and other bits of my life. I may occasionally post here, so continue to check back. In the meantime, mosey on down to the Pretty Bird Press.

What happened to the Tit O?

2006-06-11T14:23:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, this blog was a victim of Satan's wrath. No really, the server in which the style sheet was on shut down on 6/6/06 and the design for the blog was lost forever, sigh. So, I am going to take some time to think about what I should do with this blog. On one hand, I'd like to keep it going because I think that it can help other young ladies. On the other hand, I'd like to put all this cancer stuff behind me. I am thinking of starting another blog just about me and what I'm up to and continue to update the Tit O with news and other cancer-related items. Input? Ideas?

In other news, the term is over essentially. I have two papers and an exam remaining. I also got some really great news last week: I received a full-year assistantship next year. What does that mean exactly? Well, I don't have to pay tuition and will receive a monthly stipend and health insurance (you can never have too much of that).

Monday, June 19th I leave for Barcelona, Spain for a week before heading to an abandon Northern Italian village for four weeks. I'm super excited. I am going to try to post pictures, so check back. After the program is over, my friend Erica and I have a week to explore before we head back to the states. We're thinking about going to Croatia. Anyone been there?

And, once I return, I will have only one month to wrap up the remaining wedding details! I can't believe it is so close.

Must...Continue....Writing....

2006-03-18T21:10:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh! I've never written so much in my life! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I am trying to complete a 15 page research paper that is due Monday. Hopefully, I will still be able to write by then so that I can update you on the following: Young Survival Coalition conference in Denver, Spring Break in New Orleans, and Italy this summer.

Back to typing my fingers to the bone,
Sarah

An Experiment

2006-02-19T21:19:00.000-05:00

So, as many of you know, I have a pervert problem. I guess I should have expected a problem such as this running a site about boobies. However, it's just gotten out of hand. I don't know that anyone who visits this site anymore is looking for information on breast cancer or updates about me, for that matter. So, I have removed the image that is getting all the perverted hits. Hopefully, I can limit this problem. Currently, I average about 50-60 hits a day. Now that I've removed the image of desire, I am curious how the volume will change. I will keep a note in the comments of this post if you're curious.

If you're actually here to because you have question about breast cancer, if you're checking on me or if you're a not pervert, drop me a comment. I'd love to hear from you! And, what the hell, if you're a pervert drop me a note too!

Sarah

Matt and I are famous!

2005-12-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Well, not really. But, we were on TV! See if you can spot us in a sea of orange and black (we're the ones in the red and black). It was a fun game and great to see some Bulldogs...but we lost.

Did you find us?

What died on your head?

2005-11-15T23:51:00.000-05:00

I know what you're thinking: That hideous monster has to be a wig. Sadly, it is my real hair.

Now, we all know the perils of breast cancer: excruciating treatment, body-altering surgeries and constant fear of recurrence. But, no one ever talks about the hair. I know it's horrible to talk about, much less witness on a daily basis (poor Matt). However, we must talk about this! When your hair grows back after chemo, it comes back CURLY. I don't mean cute, Sarah Jessica Parker curly. No, more like Napoleon Dynamite curly!

What else must I endure? When will my life (and my hair) it go back to normal?

Check your boobies...with your friends!

2005-10-21T23:47:00.000-04:00

Last night I was watching a local (well, it was Seattle) news special about breast cancer. They featured a woman who created an organization called "Check your Boobies." She is a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for BSEs (Breast Self Examinations). Additionally, she organizes Boobie Parties! What could be more fun than a boobie party?! I encourage you to check out her web site (FYI, this site does have a bare boobie on it...just in case you're at work) to learn more about this organization and, perhaps, get some tips on organizing your own boobie party. They even have a monthly BSE reminder email that you can sign up for. I encourage all you ladies that still have your boobies to sign up for this email service. It might just save your life!

2005-10-17T23:48:00.000-04:00

Here's an interesting article about the excess of breast cancer products. Note: you may have to watch a commercial to view the article but it's totally worth it. Thanks to Matt for sending it my way.

Heaven's pools are.......Empty?

2005-10-07T15:48:00.000-04:00

I don't know if any of you recall my "Life's Joys" post from last year regarding cheese dip. I naively made the assumption that cheese dip is a staple in every Mexican restaurant from coast to coast. Unfortunately, I learned that I was horribly wrong! Matt and I have been to countless Mexican restaurants in Oregon, and we have yet to visit one that offers cheese dip on the menu. What's more, none of my new friends (they are from all over the country, but not the South) have never heard of cheese dip. They think that I am talking about the pump cheese you find at the movies. And they also think that I am quite crazy to be obsessing about liquid white cheese. So, if anyone out there lives in the Pacific Northwest and knows where I can find some cheese dip, PLEASE let me know. I am going through withdrawals here!

On a side note, I was happy to learn that I am not the only person obsessed with cheese dip. I found this very informative web site regarding the subject. Enjoy!

2005-10-06T21:46:00.000-04:00

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) there is a deluge of everything breast cancer. Personally, I find the breast cancer awareness toilet tissue a bit excessive. I mean, if toilet tissue is going to raise cancer awareness, shouldn't it be for colon cancer? Just a thought. Anyways, there's a lot of merchandise out there. If you decide to do some purchasing, please do your homework to ensure your hard-earned money is being used appropriately.

However, one great thing about BCAM is the stories that run in the national magazines. I have received two in particular that are quite moving in their own ways.

The first is a photo essay about one women's journey with BC, particularly with her mastectomies and reconstruction. If any of you have ever wondered what that was really like, this essay will give you some good insights.

Secondly, if you'd like to bear all for breast cancer, consider contributing a photograph to the 4th Annual Blogger Boobie-Thon. Everyone can participate, even the fellas (see below).

Thanks to Melinda and Matt for the links!

Enjoy BCAM and check your girls, girls!

Update

2005-09-27T01:27:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends!

Since I cannot think of any clever breast cancer related posts at the moment, I thought that I'd give everyone an update.

The field school that I went to last week was great! I learned a lot and got my mind off of everything breast cancer for a change. As soon as I get pics I will post them.

I am starting school for serious tomorrow! Wish me luck. I hope that the writing skills that I have fine tuned over the past year here will allow me to be an exceptional graduate student and stellar research paper writer :) I am also leaving for Portland, OR after class tomorrow for the National Trust for Historic Preservation conference.

My hair is insanely curly and somewhat long. I promise that a picture, along with one of the girls, is forthcoming.

I hope that everyone is doing well. I miss all you Georgians and still rely on everyone's wonderful comments to keep me going (so, keep 'em coming). I have found that the post treatment period of cancer is the hardest....more on that later.

Love,
Sarah

Back to School

2005-09-10T22:42:00.000-04:00

Well, sort of. Tomorrow, I am off to Historic Preservation Summer Camp...weeeee! Actually, it's better known at the Pacific Northwest Field School. I am so excited and a bit nervous about going back to school. Wish me luck!

Remember this guy?

2005-08-21T15:17:00.000-04:00

I do, unfortunately. A year ago, I was struggling with my first chemotherapy treatment...Damn dragon! Feel like reminiscing? Check out the original post.

Buzzy Booberson

2005-08-16T14:01:00.000-04:00

While searching for information on a BC support group called Boobees, I found this hilarious website. Apparently, these ladies like to make prints of their breasts and create artwork for coffee mugs, t-shirts and magnets. 50% of the profits go to BC research. However, if you're feeling creative, you can create your own! I wonder what a print of my girls would look like seeing that I have no nippies...Hmmmm, maybe something like this:

Kristina, this post is for you!

Young Women Sought for Study

2005-08-15T15:00:00.000-04:00

I read about this study about a month ago and decided to participate. It's the least that I can do for young women who might be affected by this disease. If you or someone you know is a young breast cancer survivor, I encourage you or her to participate. It might just spare our daughters from this disease.

A call for proposals

2005-08-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

So folks, it appears that my journey with breast cancer is over. (Well, I still need some nippies, but they can wait.) I need to know what I should do with The Tit Offensive. I would like your thoughts. Should I close down the site? Try to get other girls to contribute? What?

Happy Birthday!

2005-07-08T23:39:00.000-04:00

That's right, folks! Wednesday I welcomed new and improved boobies into the world. They still have that "newborn" look, but I am certain that they will get a lot cuter as they get older. Thanks for your thoughts and comments!

Pictures coming soon! (I'm sure that you're wondering if I'm serious or not. I guess you have to check back and see.)

Good-bye Bionic Boob Girl!

2005-07-05T09:10:00.000-04:00

Sad but true. Bionic Boob Girl will retire tomorrow around 12:45 PM as I'm off for my FINAL surgery (that's a total of 6 in a year)! Basically, I'm getting your standard boob job with nipple reconstruction. Isn't that exciting?! My plastic surgeon decided against the silicone implants, so I'm going with saline. She will also construct new nipples! Apparently, I will always be cold. Not such a bad thing according to the Sex and the City girls.

Wish me luck!

Tune in to the boob-tube tonight

2005-06-24T13:19:00.000-04:00

Tune in to Dateline NBC on Friday evening, June 24, to see scenes from the 5th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, hosted last February by YSC and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC). The segment follows a young breast cancer survivor as she battles several recurrences and copes with issues of body image and self-image.

Check your local listings for exact time.

via The Young Survival Coalition

Whatcha think?

2005-06-23T22:15:00.000-04:00

How do you like the new site? Let me know what you think! A special thanks goes to my FH for the redesign.

2005-06-19T13:43:00.000-04:00

Second-Hand Smoke Linked to Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women

Researchers from the Public Health Agency of Canada, reported in the May 31, 2005 online issue of the International Journal of Cancer that long-term exposure to second-hand smoke may increase the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. In an analysis of data from 20 published studies examining the relationship of passive smoking to breast cancer, investigators found a 27% increase in breast cancer risk among non-smoking women who experienced long-term exposure to second-hand smoke, for all studies combined. While several factors differentiated the study outcomes, the quality of the second-hand smoke measures accounted for the greatest variation between studies, with studies that collected quantitative long-term information finding the strongest link between passive smoking and breast cancer. The authors found that, in the five studies with the most complete exposure measures, the breast cancer risk increased by 90%. (Medical News Today, 6/3/05) Via the Young Survival Coalition.

Where the hell are you, Sarah?

2005-06-14T14:19:00.000-04:00

This is probably what you've been wondering, right? I'm here, but busy!!

Matt is busily putting the final touches on a new and improved Tit Offensive website. I am very excited about it so keep checking back!

As far as I'm concerned, my final reconstruction surgery is on July 6th, four days and a year after they told me I had breast cancer. What a year it's been!

More posts soon...promise!!

Dear Pervert,

2005-06-11T08:14:00.000-04:00

Note: I am reposting this since Matt referenced it today on thedayjobs.com.

This is a website about BREAST CANCER. You won't find any "Young Tits" or "Growing Boobs" on this site. But, since you're here, please tell all the women in your life to check their girls, no matter how old they are because, as you may learn on this site, breast cancer can affect even the youngest of women (but, maybe not quite as young as the women you're looking for). Chances are, you probably aren't very close to any women since you're searching for "Girls going through puberty" + "Tits," but if by some miraculous event you are, they can learn how to do a BSE here.

Love,
Sarah

PS - If you're not a pervert and one of my gracious supporters, let me explain. At the bottom of this webpage, you will find a little icon entitled "site meter." The sit

e meter monitors this website to let me know how many hits it receives and how people are referred to the site. More often than not, people are referred here by searching for the most interesting items. Below are some recent examples.

Cup H Boobs
Site Meter report

Pre-teen Boobs
Site Meter report

HIT THE ROAD, LADIES

2005-05-25T13:10:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my dad for forwarding this article. Here's another good reason to start exercising.

2005-05-20T14:17:00.000-04:00

There has been a whole host of newsworthy stories this week related to breast cancer and treatment. Most of the news is very promising. Read on...

Turns out, chemo was worth it.

New technology on detecting lumpies.

Not so good news, but good to know.

Good luck, Kylie! Hang in there!

Another reason to give up the cream in my coffee.

Scary stuff!

I AM BIONIC BOOB GIRL

2005-04-28T20:06:00.000-04:00

I know that you remember the "fembots" from Austin Powers. They had super powered boobs and, now, so do I! These expanders are so hard that they seem invincible.

If bionic boob girl were a super hero, what would her super powers be?

In other news, I had another expanding session on Tuesday. I am now sporting a C cup and, I must say, it's a bit obscene. Next week, we're on to a D!

AN OPEN LETTER TO MY PERIOD

2005-04-28T08:43:00.000-04:00

Dear Period:

I've been missing you lately. I know that in the past I haven't been the kindest to you, cursing your presence and wishing for menopause. I am sure that all those crazy chemo drugs scared you and made you leave and go far, far away. But, it's over now, and I want you back! I promise that things will be different this time. I will learn to appreciate you and all you stand for. Please come back, Period!

With love,
Sarah

PUMP CLAP ME UP!

2005-04-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

How funny would it be if my plastic surgeon was an Austrian bodybuilder?

I am off to my third round of pumping *clap* up! Today, I will go from an A cup to a B! It's amazing. I would have given anything for these kind of speedy results in middle school:)

It's amazing that women can go through all of this crazy stuff. That's why girly-men don't get breast cancer...they can't handle it! :)

Post Script: Yes, I know that men can also get breast cancer. It happened to Shaft. I was just trying to be funny and incorporate the term "girly man." Learn more about male breast cancer.

Oh, and thank you Charlie for giving me the Hans and Franz idea.

LONG LOST FRIEND: "OMIGOD, YOU CUT YOUR HAIR!"

2005-04-14T08:37:00.000-04:00

Sarah: "Actually, it fell out because I had to through chemo for breast cancer."

My hair is getting to the point where it looks like I just decided to cut it. Lately, I've run into people who I haven't seen in long time and they always say something like, "Sarah! I didn't recognize you. You cut your hair! It looks great!" How am I to respond these people? Should I say something like "Yeah, it was getting too hot," or "I really needed an extra 15 minutes of sleep in the morning," or "My flat iron broke so I buzzed it in frustration"?

What a quandary!

BOOBS IN THE NEWS

2005-04-11T14:04:00.000-04:00

Be sure to follow the current hearings in Washington, DC over the use of silicone breast implants. Currently, "sillies" (as I like to call them) are only available to a limited population for research. Luckily for me (or not, depending which side of the issue you are on), I am a member that limited population. After my pump-ups are complete, my plastic surgeon plans to use "sillies" to reconstruct the girls.

In other news, my pump up went very well last Tuesday. I'm at 160 cc's, and I expect to fill the expanders up to 500 cc's total.

ROUND TWO

2005-04-05T12:50:00.000-04:00

I'm off to my second pump up today. Weeee...

LET'S CELEBRATE BOOBIES, ATHENS!

2005-03-29T15:23:00.000-05:00

Breastfest is here!

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 2nd. Breastfest will be held at Nuci's Space in Athens. Local music favorites, Heidi Hensley, Audition with Max Reinhart, The Packway Handle Band, Squat and many more will perform. Additionally, Breastfest will also feature a breast health workshop, wall of hope, raffles, kidsfest, music and a drag queen show. Complete event information can be found online.

BreastFest began in 1999 as a tribute to Tyanna O’Brien, a New Jersey mother who lost her life to breast cancer at the age of forty-eight. Her five daughters carry on her legacy through a commitment to awareness and prevention of the disease.

This local fundraising initiative developed to increase breast cancer awareness, health and wellness through music and sport. All proceeds benefit the Athens Regional Breast Health Center and the Tyanna Barre O’Brien Breast Cancer Foundation. BreastFest invites everyone to Celebrate and Remember—celebrate life, celebrate survivors, and remember those who have died.

The Flagpole features a great article about Breastfest this week. You should definitely check it out. No, ...you should really check it out. You won't be sorry :)

I'VE GOT 'SKEETER BITES!

2005-03-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

Not literally, but my third attempt at expanding proved to be successful! It didn't hurt a bit and it was not uncomfortable at all. I hope the rest go as well.

Now, I have wee boobies. Hooray!

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU, DAD

2005-03-20T21:34:00.000-05:00

No, that's not my senior picture. It's just me hamming it up for the camera. I thought that I'd give ya'll a peak at what my hair has been doing. It's growing like crazy. Every Monday morning my co-workers come by my desk and tell me that my hair has grown over the weekend. I long for a ponytail! Speaking of ponytails, I want to share the dream that I had the other night. It was one of those dreams that are so real and so great that you awake from it extremely disappointed and depressed. You know the ones.

In my dream, I was in the bathroom brushing my long, silky blonde hair. As I sprayed product into it, my hair became shinier and shinier. I thought to myself, "Finally! It's time to put my hair into a ponytail!" So, I pulled my hair back into the long-awaited hairdo. And, it was the best looking ponytail ever! So beautiful! Then, I woke up and realized I still looked like a 14 year old boy. Very disappointing.

In other news, I am heading to the plastic surgeon for my first (fingers crossed) expansion this afternoon. And, in the words of Margaret, the brave heroine of Judy Blume's Are you there God, it's me Margaret, "I must, I must, I must increase my bust."

THE BEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE

2005-03-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

Photo c. 1992

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to revisit puberty? Well, if you ever have to go through treatment for breast cancer, you're in luck!

For me, there were three major milestones of puberty: getting boobs, growing pubic hair and starting menstruation.

I remember when I was a pre-teen, I used to dream about the bosom that I hoped to have one day. I often noted the bosoms of my women family members to see how mine might turn out. Since my mastectemy, I have started to dream about my bosom once again. What will it be like? How big will they be? I feel like I'm 12 again. And, I am told that the expansion process is like going through puberty in super-speed motion.

As you know, chemotherapy causes your hair to fall out, ALL your hair. Let's just say that I recently relived those moments from years past when hair started sprouting when it had not before.

Finally, chemotherapy caused my periods to go into hibernation. So, every day, I anxiously await for its arrival. I even had a dream about it last night. I feel just as I did in middle school when all the other girls had gotten their periods, while I waited and waited.

BC HAVING THE BEST WEEK EVER?

2005-02-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Either it's a slow news day or breast cancer is having the best week ever! I strolled on over to CNN.com today and noticed that the main story was about Melissa Etheridge and her bout with the good ol' BC. Check it out!

Also, I was indirectly mentioned on the University of Georgia's main Web site this week. The article mentions an inspirational message from a breast cancer survivor...that's me!

STRIKE TWO

2005-02-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, I went to the plastic surgeon for my first "pump-up," but, yet again, I was denied. Looks like I won't have my new girls for that early June beach trip afterall.

On a happier note, my hair is growing quickly and I have retired all my hats (except when my head catches cold). Many of my co-workers call me G.I. Jane, but I think that hair is the only resemblance. Soon, I will have a stylish "pixie" cut.

Have a great weekend!

STILL FLAT AS A BOARD

2005-01-25T15:49:00.000-05:00

We've returned from the plastic surgeon and I regret to inform you that I didn't get pumped up today. Apparently, I need to heal for three more weeks until my first session. The damn chemo slows down healing.

LIFE'S JOYS: TRASH TV

2005-01-25T10:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, I admit it. I am a sucker for trash TV. The OC, the Bachelorette, desperate Housewives, Project Runway are among some of my favorite TV shows that I rarely miss. Why do I watch this crap? It is my release and break from reality. What's the big deal? My fiancee hates this about me. Why does he care? I know I should spend my time reading a book or preparing for graduate school, but I love the twists and turns in the satirical desperate Housewives, watching Americans navigate the world in the Amazing Race is interesting and sometimes horrifying, and the ridiculous conquests of wealthy teens on the OC is just plain fun. So, as long as there is trash on TV, I will probably be watching it. Let's just hope that I get TIVO soon so it won't interfere with my graduate studies.

PUMP, PUMP, PUMP ME UP

2005-01-25T10:22:00.000-05:00

I am off to my first expanding session. I wish that the expanding process was as easy as the old-school reebok pumps. Here's what's going to happen for those of you that are curious.

After my mastectemy, the plastic surgeon came in and inserted expanders under my chest muscles (think of them as deflated implants). Every couple weeks or so, I go back to the plastic surgeon and she will find a "tap" of sorts and fill up the expanders with saline. I will continue to have regular fill-ups until my muscles and skin is sufficiently stretched out. Then, I will go back for another surgery to get my new boobs.

Wish me luck!

BRING ON THE FUZZ

2005-01-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

The peachfuzz that is. It appears that I have a fine layer of peachfuzz on my head, and I can't tell you how excited I am about it! I think that it is too early to tell if I will fall victim to the "chemo curl" that I've been hearing about, but I will be sure to keep you posted.

My recovery is from the surgery is going well. I went back to work yesterday for a half day and will do so today. Tuesday I see the plastic surgeon for my first "fill up." More to come on that!

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

2005-01-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

This is a note dictated by Sarah, typed by Matt...

Hey, I'm home... I'm resting... and I'm on DRUGS!!!!!

Here's a picture of my ring...

NEW YEAR, NEW BOOBS, NEW NAME

2005-01-04T20:47:00.000-05:00

New year: Happy new year everyone!

New boobs: I'm off to Northside hospital tomorrow morning for surgery. I am having a bilateral mastectemy (that's both girls) with reconstruction. Bring on the C cup!

New name: As of January 1, 2005, I'm engaged! So, I'll be getting a new name in the future. You know a guy loves you when you're hairless and boobless!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2004-12-23T14:35:00.000-05:00

I am off to Montana tomorrow to celebrate the holidays with the Helwick clan. There will be lots of food, Christmas morning mimosas....my favorite, and, hopefully, snow.

Wishing you and yours the very best holiday season!

HAIR REPORT

2004-12-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

THREE WEEKS OUT

Greetings! This is the first of many biweekly hair reports. Now that chemo is finally over, my hair should start growing back. At three weeks, nothing has happened (note: I did not lose all my hair. The "peachfuzz" that you see never came out).

In other news, I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectemy with reconstruction on January 5th. Happy New Year!

THE SEASON OF GIVING

2004-12-13T13:40:00.000-05:00

If you're in mood for holiday giving, please consider the Young Survival Coalition. I don't know what I would have done without their community of young survivors and wealth of information relating to treatment, surgery, etc.

From an email that I received from YSC:
Remember the YSC in Your Year End Giving
Look at me. I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine. I'M FINE! But somewhere in my body, there are these tiny little cells trying to kill me"
These words were spoken by my friend Tracy, a four year breast cancer survivor, who was diagnosed at the age of 32 after finding out that the clogged milk duct she found after breast feeding her son was really breast cancer. One year later, when Tracy thought she was on a path to help other young women beat the disease, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to her lymph nodes and then her brain.
But, you see, Tracy is a fighter. She has to be, for her five-year old son and for her husband, for her family and for the other young women who go through what she does daily. Her goal: to dance at her son's wedding.
By remembering the YSC this holiday season and sending your gift today, the YSC will help empower more young women through their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. So that young women like Tracy will see their children grow up and dance at their weddings.
Please send your gift to the YSC today. Mail your check to: Young Survival Coalition, 155 6th Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10014; call the office at 1-877-YSC-1011; or make your donation on line at https://www.youngsurvival.org//index.cfm?fuse=donations.form
May you and those around you have a wonderful holiday and season.
To read other sections of the YSC Weekly, click on one of the links below.
YSC's Resource Link Up and Running Update on the Fifth Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer YSC Attends San Antonio Breast Cancer ConferenceÂ

DIO HAS ROCKED FOR A LONG, LONG TIME

2004-12-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

And will continue to rock this Saturday as Shiny Diamonds (aka, my brothers' Dio tribute band) at the Zebra Cocktail Lounge in Bozeman, Montana. Shiny Diamonds will be performing as a part of the Tit Offensive breast cancer benefit. I am making the trek to Montana for this very special event, organized by my brother. Read more:

The Tit Offensive Benefit: Shiny Diamonds, Baxema, Ruby's, Liquid Air

Zebra Cocktail Lounge
Sat:Dec 04, 04
8:00 pm

The Tit Offensive - raising money for Cancer Resource Center

On Saturday December 4th at the Zebra Cockatial Lounge, Very Allergic Productions proudly presents The Tit Offensive....a rock and roll breast cancer benefit with all proceeds going to the Big Sky Cancer Recovery and Resource Center. Starting at 8 p.m., join your host Kevin “Box” Perone for a night of rock and roll.starting with Liquid Air’s non smoking set from 8 to 10 p.m. Complimentary appetizers will be offered by Boodles, Dave’s Sushi and Red Letter Events. Be sure to get your raffle tickets ($3 each or two for $5) with prizes from Plonk, Poor Richards, the Garage, Cat Eye Cafe, Looies, Cactus Records, Soucie and Music Villa. At 10 p.m., smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em while the Ruby’s and Baxema keep the evening going. To close out the night, Bozeman’s own all star Dio tribute band, Shiny Diamonds, will be playing. So, come out and support local music while helping raise money for the Big Sky Cancer Recovery and Resource Center. Tickets are only 5 bucks.

Rock!

I HAVE CROSSED THE CHEMO FINISH LINE!

2004-11-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

That's right folks! As of 2:30 PM today, I finished my chemotherapy treatments! Bring on my hair! However, I don't feel like celebrating quite yet as my cancer journey is not complete. Tomorrow my mom and I will be traveling to Atlanta to visit with a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon to discuss and schedule a bilateral mastectemy. The fun continues...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2004-11-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

Hi, friends! I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We all have much to be thankful for. I am especially thankful for great health insurance, mineral oil, anti-nausea drugs, percocet, and bean burritos. But, most of all, I am SO thankful for all the love and support that I have received from you!

HEY, ATHENIANS! HELP FIGHT CANCER THIS WEEK!

2004-11-16T09:32:00.000-05:00

The University of Georgia's chapter of Relay for Life is sponsoring
"Crusade Against Cancer" on November 15-18. Throughout the
week, the Crusade Against Cancer Program is going to be presented
throughout campus. Topics of the program include breast cancer,
testicular cancer, lung cancer, skin cancers, and healthy lifestyle.

In addition, specific events are scheduled throughout this
week for people to participate in. On Wednesday, Nov. 17,
there will be a fundraiser at the Tate Center from 11 am - 2
pm relating to tobacco awareness. On Thursday, Nov. 18, the
Great American Smokeout will take place. This event
encourages individuals to vow to go at least the day without
smoking! On that same day, from 7 - 8 pm at the Arch there
will be a candlelight vigil to honor loved ones affected by
cancer. People are encouraged to bring a photo of their
loved ones who have been or are presently affected by cancer
for a collage that is going to be made.

Thanks to my girl, Adina, for the link!

HELP OTHERS CHECK THEIR GIRLS!

2004-11-09T20:54:00.000-05:00

The breast cancer site helps fund mammograms for women who can't afford them. All you have to do is visit their Web site and click! It just takes a second and you don't even have to sign up! Thanks to Wendy for forwarding an email about this. And, for those of you who are suspicious, this site is totally legit. Click away!

IF YOU THINK CANCER IS SCARY

2004-11-09T09:35:00.000-05:00

No, it's not polar bears (Though, one of my biggest fears is being attacked by a wild animal). This article that I came across yesterday on CNN.com about global warming alarmed me. Just thought I'd pass it along to you folks since I am a firm believer that the deterioration of our environment has a huge impact on our health. If you'd like to take a stand for the environment and its cute little polar bear cubs (see above image) visit saveourenvironment.org. This is SO important now that "the American people have spoken" and re-elected our tree-hatin' president.

I must apologize, I wanted to keep the blog non-partisan, but I just couldn't help it!

I LIKE MY COFFEE CREAMY AND MY CROSSWORDS EASY

2004-11-06T13:40:00.000-05:00

It's about time for another "Life's Joys" post.

There's nothing better than enjoying a sweet, creamy cup of coffee while pursuing a challenging crossword puzzle after twelve hours of sleep. It's one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I did it this morning.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN...WITH YOUR HELP

2004-10-30T13:06:00.000-04:00

I figured that I should take advantage of my baldness this Halloween. I've narrowed my costume down to three: Gandhi, Susan Powter of "Stop the Insanity" fame, and my favorite chubby religious icon, the Buddha. So, what do you guys think?

TAXO-RIFFIC!

2004-10-22T14:32:00.000-04:00

Monday, I went for my first treatment of Taxol, a new chemotherapy drug. It went unusually well! No barfing, no nausea, nothing! It seems too good to be true! The only side effects that I am experiencing are constipation (my fav!) and body aches. I am still waiting for the little surprises that chemo seems to bring.

The Red Dragon didn't go down without a fight, though. The last bought of nausea was pretty bad and I have a high fever the following week. I am so glad that it is over!

3 MORE TO GO!

IT IS HALFTIME!

2004-10-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

Yes, that's right folks! The Dragon has been slayed, and I have reached my half-way mark with my chemotherapy treatment. I am still feeling pretty crappy after the fourth round, but I am so thankful that this regimen is over!

Next, I will start Taxol. From what I hear, it's supposed to be better, but I am anticipating the worst, just in case!

I still have some of my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. My dad has given me a new nickname..."Fuzz-head," which often calls his two golden retrievers. Well, that's all for now! Enjoy the show.

JOIN THE WRISTBAND-WAGON

2004-10-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

I'm sure that everyone has seen the Lance Armstrong Foundation's bright yellow Live Strong wristbands on everyone from gansta rappers to George W. Bush. I've been wearing mine since I my friend Charlie gave me his wristband right off his wrist after I told him my diagnosis.

Now, Target is selling their own cancer awareness band to promote breast cancer awareness. You can purshase them at target.com. They also have tons of other breast cancer awareness goodies as October is breast cancer awareness month. Thanks to my girl, Sonya, for the info!

SEE, I'M NOT ADOPTED!

2004-09-15T23:04:00.000-04:00

As I looked at myself in the mirror after Will shaved my head, I saw my brother, Tim, staring back at me. After years of constant torment from my older brothers, my new haircut proves that I am not adopted as their childhood ridicule suggested. Ha!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

2004-09-15T22:49:00.000-04:00

That's right folks today I am welcoming my 26th year! You're probably wondering if I could have anything for my special day, what would it be. It's not a yummy cake with rich icing. It's not a day off of work sleeping in and watching Sex and the City (no, I did that yesterday). It's a pain-free bum-bum. Ain't chemo grand?

Friday, I'm off to my 3rd installment of the Red Dragon. Just think....the next time (after Friday) will be my last round of the Dragon. I can't wait! Then, four rounds of Taxol and I'm done with the chemo!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes and gifts! Y'all kick ass!

THE LONG AWAITED UPDATE

2004-09-09T15:28:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! Can you believe it? I'm actually posting. It's amazing.

I just completed my second round of the Red Dragon last Friday. It wasn't as bad as the first, but I still got sick. I continue to feel just bad enough not to function normally. I like to call it "The Icks."

My hair is falling out. Thanks to my friend and devoted roommate Will, I now look like Billy Jean from the classic "The Legend of Billy Jean" (the photos are forthcoming).

I just wanted to thank everyone for their posts, cards and gifts. Everyone's thoughts and prayers are really helping me through this!

OLYMPIC FEVER!

2004-08-30T20:35:00.000-04:00

Sorry, folks! It's been a while since my last update. I am sure you're wondering where I've been. Actually, I've been competing in the Chemotherapy Olympics. You're probably wondering which event I'm competing in.... it's the decathalon, of course! Below is a listing of the events that I have completed so far:

-Hurling
-Throat and gum swelling
-Constipation
-Fever and chills
-Hemmerhoids

More events to come!

NORMAN MEOWSERS

2004-08-24T19:54:00.000-04:00

I would like to dedicate this week's Life's Little Joys post to my cat, Norman Meowsers. Norman is always there for me providing me comfort and entertainment! It's funny how he knows that I am feeling bad. If I'm not feeling well or if I am sat, Norman always comes up and rolls around on my lap. Meowsers!

I MADE IT, BARELY

2004-08-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

First off, thank you to everyone for your words of care and concern! They are really helping me through this.

I made it through the first round of treatment. Friday night was probably one of the worst nights of my life, but I got through it. I am still feeling kind of quesy and a bit achey, but I am starting to feel a lot better.

Again, thanks to everyone for your support!

UNLEASH THE DRAGON

2004-08-19T20:36:00.000-04:00

The Red Dragon, that is. The Red Dragon is one of the regimens of chemotherapy that I will start tomorrow. It will be the first of 8 total treatments of two different drugs that will span over 16 weeks.

I am happy to report that after my surgeries and tests (a bone scan, echocardiogram, and a catscan of the chest), it doesn't appear that there is cancer anywhere else. If there are floaters in my bloodstream , the Red Dragon should take care of them. Bring on the Red Dragon!

SHARING THE LOVE

2004-08-18T19:59:00.000-04:00

Now that my drain has been removed, I have relinquished my drain purse. My friend, Shelby McTriever, loved it so much, I decided to let her borrow it. Puppies!

GET TO KNOW YOUR GIRLS, GIRLS!

2004-08-18T19:36:00.000-04:00

As we have all learned, you're never too young to get breast cancer. Young women need to be especially aggressive in checking their boobs for lumps since annual mammograms typically do not begin until after 40. So, learn out to do a Breast Self Examination (BSE) and do them religiously! The more that you check your boobs, the better you get to know them. The Susan G. Komen Web site provides a great how-to guide for BSEs. Check it out and get to know your girls!

If you're having trouble remembering your BSE, the 3M corporation has a great BSE reminder program. Check it out be-otches!

MAKE YOUR MARK ON HISTORY

2004-08-18T18:48:00.000-04:00

By putting your name on the world's largest pink ribbon made up of pink post-it notes! The World's Largest Pink Ribbon will stand over 70 feet tall and consist of over 75,000 pink Post-it® Super Sticky Notes. By entering your name, city and state on the website, you will not only be supporting City of Hope through the 3M contributions ($1 for every post-it), but also be represented by one of the more than 75,000 Post-it® Super Sticky Notes making up the World's Largest Pink Ribbon.

Thanks to my girl Adina for the link!

LUCKY FOR ME, HATS ARE BACK

2004-08-17T11:22:00.000-04:00

According the Fashionistas at the New York Times, hats are making a comeback. Sweet.

Registration may be required...boo.

HEAVEN'S POOLS ARE FILLED WITH CHEESE DIP

2004-08-16T18:50:00.000-04:00

When you're facing a life-threatening illness, you realize how much the simple things mean to you. I've decided to start dedicating a weekly post to life's simple joys.

By far, one of my joys is cheese dip! Cheese dip from Agua Linda is my favorite by far. Not only do can you enjoy its scrumptiousness by dipping crispy tortilla chips in it, it is equally good when your burrito is smothered in it! Yummy! Experience this joy yourself!

SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN

2004-08-14T10:28:00.000-04:00

Ahhh...finally, I have showered! Don't worry, I have bathed in the past three weeks, but I have not been able to shower because of my drain. Yesterday I had my drain removed and today I showered. It was GLORIOUS!

In honor of this momentous occassion, learn more about the history of the shower.

LEAVE IT TO THE DRUG COMPANIES

2004-08-12T20:56:00.000-04:00

Gosh! They'll market to anyone. Check out this ad I found in a magazine.

BALD IS THE NEW SHAG

2004-08-11T20:48:00.000-04:00

If you're facing chemotherapy, you're probably wondering how you will look with no hair. I was curious myself. Instead of waiting for each strand to fall out, I decided to create a bald me.

Beautiful, huh?

For those of you who are curious how your favorite celebs look with no hair, check out this site. Thanks to Mail Clerk and my friends at thedayjobs.com for the link. Holla.

NICE SACK!

2004-08-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

It's the newest trend in Fall fashion: The drain purse!

No, seriously. I've had a drain in since my lymph node surgery on July 23rd. And, it is a real pain in the ass, but my new drain purse has made it a lot more bearable! Thanks to the folks at the Loran Smith Cancer Center for my drain purse, a real life saver and staple for your fall wardrobe.

"CAN I GET A NUMBER ONE AND A DOUBLE MASTECTOMY WITH A DIET COKE?"

2004-08-11T11:07:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my dad for this one.

From lifetimetv.com:

On September 25, 2003, Lifetime Television delivered more than 5 million petition signatures to Capitol Hill, urging Congress to ban "drive-through" mastectomies — the practice in which women are forced out of the hospital sometimes only hours after breast cancer surgery. Sign our petition now to help end drive-through mastectomies once and for all. Read the article and sign the petition. I did.

I CAN'T MOVE MY ARMS

2004-08-11T10:09:00.000-04:00

Does anyone remember that episode of Seinfield in which Molly Shannon played the girl who never moved her arms? I am that girl right now.

Yesterday, I had a number of tests and a passport put in upper left arm. The passport will provide easy access for the chemotherapy. Now that I have a fresh incision on my left arm and a sore right arm from my lymph node surgery, I cannot move my arms! At least I can move my fingers enough to types messages. So, if you see me walking with stationary arms, now you know why.

PS-I have a number of posts to upload, but they include pictures but I have yet to learn how to upload pics (I need help from Computer Support). Keep checking back!

LIFE'S JOYS: HAIR, BOOBS AND CARBS

2004-08-06T13:27:00.000-04:00

First they tell me that I going to lose my hair and maybe even my boobies, now they might take away my precious carbs! Well, I guess it doesn't matter too much since I already have cancer.

SO, HOW DID I GET HERE?

2004-08-06T10:23:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year, I was doing my BSE (Breast self-examination), and I found a lump. It really didn't concern me since I have lumpy-booby disease (AKA Fibrocystic disease) and I've had a biopsy before that turned out to be nothing. I decided to wait until my yearly examination with my gyno.

When I met with my gynecologist, she referred my to my surgeon, Dr. Cannon, to have it checked out. He suggested that I get an ultrasound. The radiologist said that it looked benign and that I shouldn't worry since I'm so young. (For those of you that don't know me, I am 25).

I met with Dr. Cannon after the ultrasound. The final report from the radiologist said that my suspicious lump was "definitely as cyst." Dr. Cannon decided to do a needle biopsy (Ouch!) just to make sure it was a fluid-filled cyst. Well, it wasn't. He did capture some tissue during the needle biopsy, and had it sent to the pathologist for testing. It turned out that they found "atypical cells," and that I needed to have surgery to have it removed.

As I slowly awoke from the wonderful drugs (undoubtedly the best part about surgery), I saw the blue blur of Dr. Cannon next to me. He told be that I had breast cancer. I responded with, "OK, great. Thank you so much" (drugs talking). I remember feeling like I wanted to cry but I didn't because I was still hoping that it was a drug-induced dream. When they rolled me into the recovery room, and I saw everyone's faces, I knew it wasn't a dream.

That was a month ago, and since then, I've had another surgery to remove and check my lymph nodes. Just 2 out of 21 had cancer in it. Next week I have a number of tests before I can start chemotherapy.

Again, welcome to my blog. I hope that my friends and family with use this blog to track my progress. And, I hope that other women with breast cancer will use this blog as a resource and much-needed comic relief. Enjoy and check back!

WELCOME!

2004-08-03T20:28:00.000-04:00

Hi! Welcome to The Tit Offensive, my blog dedicated to my fun-filled journey with breast cancer. More to come!