Breast Cancer Survivor

I got cancer for Christmas in 2007. I'm an ad for the annual mammogram - took 15 of the suckers (over 15 years, not all at once!) before I finally won the booby prize. Even with that stellar early-detection tool, I was Stage 2A, and there was no palpable lump. So, if you think you don't need to get your boobs squished 'cause you don't feel any lumps...think again! I had a lumpectomy, six rounds of CMF chemo, and 37 radiation treatments.

 I wrote a book about my experience (Oct. '09) - "Cancer for Christmas: Making the Most of a Daunting Gift." It's not about you-can-survive (that book's already been written...and written...and written...) - my book is about being an active participant in your health, and your health care.

I compare it to a car wash. When you go to the car wash, you wanna go through inside the car, or strapped to the hood? If you ask questions, and participate in your care and treatment, you get to stay inside the car. Don't ask questions? Strapped to the hood, with lots of soap and wax up your nose. And those whirly-towel things have gotta be murder...

You must be active in your own healthcare!