Monday, December 17, 2007

Here is the letter I sent out to friends:

First, I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I won’t be getting around to cards this year. I am very happy to have you as my friend. In this way, I am wealthy without measure.

The last few months have been a whirlwind! I have been slowly telling people what is going on. I am getting use to saying it out loud. I am amazed at the support I have received from my friends. Boy! Do I know how to pick them! I was recently diagnosed with non-invasive carcinoma in situ, for us lay people - Breast Cancer. If there is such a thing as good cancer this is it. It was caught in the earliest of stages. With my family history – mom and grandma having had it, it wasn’t a shock but still when they say the C word it takes the wind out of your sails! I cannot stress enough the need to get mammograms – this was undetectable through feeling myself up. Thank God the radiologist had such a keen eye.

After seeing quite a few different doctors about different treatments, I have opted to have a bilateral mastectomy which is scheduled for January 2 at North Memorial. This is something I do not want hanging over my head. I believe I get to go home that Friday. I have no idea how I will feel (physically) those first few days but hope to be up to having visits (hint, hint) after the first five to seven days. Do not be surprised to see me topless this summer. Finally, I can be on the Skins team. I am considering having tattoos of zippers put over the scars or perhaps leopard or zebra pasties – any suggestions will be thoroughly reviewed and considered.

Do not be sad for me or treat me any differently – I am still me. I am most upset about not being able to work with Josie, practice agility with Wyatt and snuggle with Pixie. I have great incentive for getting back to normal, well my version of normal. I am up to the latest test I am being put through – I get knocked down but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down! (lyrics to an inspiring song). Those that know my darkest secrets know I am a survivor and technically I am already a survivor of this and am going forth with my best defense. Cancer don’t F with me!!

I will be taking short term disability from work and will probably start going stir crazy after the first week. Please call me, email me or better yet come by for a visit.

Very truly,



T