12/20/11 I am 49 years old, married with 2 grown children, 2 semi-psychotic dogs and 2 lazy orange cats. On 10/30/11 I discovered a lump in my right breast and was diagnosed with Stage 2, Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. Breast Cancer. I have had two biopsies after mammogram and ultrasound, an MRI, heart scan and surgery. I am about to begin chemotherapy, followed by radiation and estrogen suppression. I try to find humor in most situations and there have been some cringe worthy and down right funny moments over the past 2 months. I want to share my journey to being a cancer survivor by trying my hand at blogging.
6/19/12 I have now completed chemotherapy, had my power port removed, been tested for the BRCA gene and will begin radiation next week. Still blogging. Still laughing.
8/20/12 I am done with active treatment, having completed radiation on 8/17/12. I lost a week in July when my sister unexpectedly passed away. Ironically having treatment to focus on got me through the first very difficult weeks after her death. A bone density scan shows strong bones and the addition of Calcium along with daily weight bearing exercise will keep them that way. Today I started taking Tamoxifen and, as with the chemo, I am telling myself that side effects are not mandatory. I’m not always the best listener. I’ll keep you posted.
4/29/2013 My husband became a grandfather!
6/6/13. I am a widow.
12/11/15. In 4 years this blog has morphed from dealing with cancer, to dealing with widowhood and life in general to a kind of rant of things that irritate me. It feels right.
5/29/16 . Why still blogging? because seeing the humor in things is much easier and a lot less messy than opening a vein and blogging about it all is certainly a lot cheaper than therapy.
mainelyhopeful 
Hi Susan, I would like to contact you by email – if that’s ok with you? My email is beyondbreastcancer@live.com. Thanks.
LikeLike
Sure, Marie.
LikeLike
I enjoy reading your blog. Although I’m only at the beginning of my journey, I believe that wry humor can get us through just about anything without losing our minds.
LikeLike
It certainly helps! Good luck with your own journey. I’ll be following along 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Susan,
I wish you all the best on your journey. I started chemo this a.m. and so far, so good. I will be following with you.
Lynne
LikeLike
Thank you, Lynne. Best to you, too!
LikeLike
Chin up chest out (what’s left of it) I’m right there with you Susan and I love the name of your blog.
LikeLike
Thanks, Tina 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Seems like we have a lot in common, including our first name. Sounds like you’re in Maine? My daughter lives there.
Congrats on being done with the treatment. You’ve had quite a year. Glad to see you can do it with some humor. The way I see it, we either laugh or cry about it all. The choice is ours with all life hands us.
LikeLike
There has been plenty to laugh about, thankfully. 🙂 I’m in central Maine. Have you visited the area?
LikeLike
Yes, fell in love with it but now they are moving to another state next month. We were mostly visiting in the Brunswick area, enjoyed the beautiful coastline.
LikeLike
You keep inspiring me!
LikeLike
Likewise 🙂
LikeLike
I am at the beginning of my cancer experience and was looking for other writers to help me through. I look forward to reading–
LikeLike
I’ve just found your blog as well. It’s a lot to process at the beginning but having the blog and connecting with others at various stages of treatment is a great help.
LikeLike
Did you have surgery, too?
LikeLike
Yes. I had a lumpectomy.
LikeLike
Hi,
I have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?
Thanks,
Cameron
LikeLike
Well shit! You’ve certainly been dealt a bad hand for the past few years! I’m sorry I haven’t visited sooner. It sounds like you still kick ass and take names. And if you don’t, that’s okay too…I’m still going to think of you as a badass.
LikeLike
I’m glad you’re here now. 🙂 I have been enjoying your blog for some time.
LikeLike
Hi Susan,
I want to echo The Life ofJamie up above and say “well shit!”
Sorry there is so much of it flying your way. I admire your strength (don’t you HATE it when people say that), your humor and your unwillingness to crumble.
You go girl.
LikeLike
Yes. Shit. That about sums it up. I just found your blog. Thanks for stopping by mine. 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Susan,
Thanks somuch for stopping by Riding Bitch and the follow. I’m sorry for all you’ve been through, and now a recent widow too. Ugh. Life is a shit sandwich sometimes. You sound very resilient and funny. Humor is the best weapon, in my opinion. Looking forward to following your journey.
best,
Niva
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m looking forward to catching up on yours.
Susan
LikeLike
Susan, I would like to speak with you privately. Please email me @
mari_de_el_mar@yahoo.com
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by my blog, Susan. Always good to hear from another cancer survivor. Unfortunate we also have widowhood in common. Blessings.
LikeLike
Yeah, cancer and widowhood. Two clubs we were kind of forced into.
LikeLike
A fellow blog follower if yours recommended your blog to me. I so sorry for your losses and your chosen battle with Cancer. Thank you for your honest generous sharing of your experiences. Looking forward to reading more.
LikeLike
I meant “Unchosen” battle with cancer – stupid ass auto correct!
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by the blog, Lorraine. 🙂
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss:( You’ve been through it all. Best wishes for happier days ahead!
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by my blog, Cindy, and for your kind words
LikeLike
Susan, thank you for reading my blog. I am sorry for your losses as well as your battle with cancer. In my grief fog, I do believe we may have corresponded before but just in case we didn’t, I am so very sorry for everything that has been thrown at you and I hope you continue to remain mainly hopeful. Hugs, Dee
LikeLike
Thank you, Dee.
LikeLike
You seem inspiring.
Looking forward to following along your journey.
LikeLike
Thank you. Looking forward to your wit as well 🙂
LikeLike
Your words (my reality) have hit close to my heart. I also went through cancer and then lost my husband too soon this March. I hear you when you say I am fine, but you are not.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry about your husband, Susan. And thank you for reading/commenting on my last post. I took it down after a good night sleep and realizing that it was taking people to task that would be hurt. That wasn’t my intention.
LikeLike