First we find out that Vitamin D is thought to prevent breast cancer.Then came today's news that breast cancer is more likely spread in women who are deficient in the sunshine vitamin (from the Globe and Mail): Women diagnosed with breast cancer are nearly twice as likely to have the disease spread to other parts of their bodies and are 73 per cent more likely to die from it if they have low levels of vitamin D, according to a Canadian study...younger women tended to ha…[more]

I have had two scans over the last few of days.On Friday, I had a CT scan and was taken aback (but pleasantly so) when the technician informed me that she had checked and that there was no change from my previous scan and that there is still no evidence of cancer on my liver.The events leading up to this conversation were a little outside the norm of what one should expect in a professional hospital setting, so I thought I would share them with you (actually, my spous…[more]

I am not even supposed to know this yet.I have just come from what was one of the strangest CT scan experiences of my life. But at the end, the tech told me that there is no change from my last scan.She's really not supposed to do that but I am glad she did.More on the scan tomorrow. Just wanted to share the good news.

I don't know why I always do this. Ahead of time, I plan on being in bed the day after chemo (sure) but I also imagine all the things I will get done. In particular, I always seem to think the day after chemo will be a good day to get writing done.And it always, turns out that, in reality, I can't concentrate long enough to read a book, knit on an easy project or even answer emails with any coherence.And I am always disappointed in myself.I know that some women work right through chemo trea…[more]

I had an appointment with my oncologist today.When we arrived at the cancer centre there was a line-up for the registration desk, which appeared to be staffed by someone who was new at the job (I actually muttered to the woman behind me,"It looks like they have the B team on today." Don't judge me. The cancer centre makes me cranky). I stood in line for twenty minutes, only to be informed that my oncologist was running an hour behind.The waiting room was absolutely packed with grumpy people…[more]

After reading yesterday's post, a friend sent me some links that provide an update on the investigation into a cancer cluster at at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation headquarters in Brisbane. The building was closed in December 2006 but the search for answers continues, as the number of women affected continues to rise.This is from an entry on Health and Nursing Issues Australia ("a clearinghouse for health, nursing and aged care issues in Australia"), dated Dec…[more]

There is a group of seven women with whom I meet regularly. We are working on a writing project together. Each of us is smart, funny, strong, perceptive and unbelievably supportive of the others in the group.We share a common set of values. We are all feminists, trade unionists and committed to working for social change. We have all had breast cancer. And we all worked in the same building.Of the seven of us, four were under the age of forty-five when we were first diagnosed. Three of us wer…[more]

I planning on calling this post, "ok. i blew it." But then I decided that would be a) not very constructive and b) not entirely accurate.If you are new to the blog, you can check my review of February here.When I was very young, I would make resolutions and then pretty much forget about them. For the last few years, I haven't bothered. This year, as I attempt to come to terms with the many ways in which my life has changed, I decided to mark the new year by setting out some go…[more]

"Sometimes and often from loss grows a whisper, a roar, and song."J.L.S. Rebel1in8Last December, I went to New York to visit my friend Jacqueline. It was a fun, inspiring week end and Jacqueline made me some garments (and renovated some old favourites) that are still my very favourite things to wear. In making clothes for women like me, who have had a mastectomy but can't or don't want to wear a prosthesis, Jacqueline provided an amazing service.And she made me feel more beautifu…[more]

I have been thinking a lot lately about cancer as a chronic illness. This is how my oncologist defines my cancer. My illness will be with me for the rest of my life and I will likely always be in treatment. But my cancer is being managed and I am thinking about sticking around for a long time, and living really well while I'm doing it. And the truth is, that, much of the time, I feel very well indeed.Dr. G. often refers to the various tools at his disposal. Some day (hopefully a lon…[more]