The Definition of Courage

Last year I received one of the most devastating phone calls. I learned that one of my dear friend's best friends had lost her husband and two of their three children in the Haiti earthquake. In the aftermath of heartache, Emily created the Kenbe La Foundation. Kenbe Law means "Never Give Up" in Haitian Creole. She exemplifies courage and grit and embodies love. The Kenbe La Foundation provides educational opportunities to disadvantaged children in Haiti. Click here to learn more.

Race for the Cure!

Denver's Race for the Cure is October 3, 2010. Come and participate or donate to help men and women diagnosed with breast cancer receive treatment. Click here for more information.

To see the Channel 9 news clip, click here. (I'm still technologically un-inclined!)

Thank you.

My Cancer

Sometimes it is simply easier to count the amount of sleep in minutes...last night was one of those nights. A year ago this morning about now was the very last time he touched my real breasts, playfully tugging at my nipples. It was the last time I stood naked in front of a man. In less than an hour -- a year ago -- the anesthesiologist delivered the potion rendering me helpless as the surgeon made two perfect horizontal six-inch incisions across my chest and carefully removed the woman inside.

It's not like cancer...

Lymphedema is forever.

I don't know anything about it and neither do a ton of other people. It has something to do with protein and fluid filling in the spaces within our cells causing unsightly swelling. Twenty percent of breast cancer survivors get lymphedema.

When I joined the alumni association of the pink ribbon club I thought I was done. I just got to be the big sister to the up and coming pink ribbon stars. But when I could not longer put my fingers around my wrist and had recurring [what I thought was] nerve pain down my right arm I asked what the heck? Within 10 minutes I had my first appointment for MLD -- manual lymph drainage.

I feel like I fell back into that spiraling tornado of medical mayhem.

I am just beginning my journey down Lymphedema Lane, but in these three short days I've had an opportunity to meet a true superstar. Her name: Rachel. She founded Lymphedivas. It was her mission in life to offer a lymphedema garment that women could feel good about wearing so that they could heal. She devoted her energy towards the betterment and healing of others. She truly is a pink ribbon superstar. She is the big sister for me that I hope so much to be for someone else.

I will never get an opportunity to thank Rachel for traveling this path before me -- for helping me see that lymphedema can be fashionable and fun. Rachel passed away on January 22, 2008 from breast cancer. She was 37 -- I know because we shared the same birth year.

Next week I will be fitted for my lymphedema garment. I will be honored to wear one of Rachel's designs.

Vote for a Local Business!

From my friend Julie...

Two years ago this month I was diagnosed with breast cancer. While going through treatment I designed and developed a planning system to keep on top of the paperwork, treatment regimes and scheduling. Cancer is complicated and overwhelming and there is a great deal of emotional trauma that accompanies the disease. The more organized and focused I became the easier the process.

My planner became my security blanket. Knowing how imperative the system was for me, I began to design one for others. Nearly two years from inception, Ready for Recovery/Breast Cancer Planner is going to become a reality.

Ready for Recovery is designed to help patients and their families navigate treatment and recovery. It is meant to ground, support and guide patients while alleviate fear, stress and confusion. There is a specific place for tracking everything -- from diagnosis, pathology, blood work and treatment protocols to appointments, nutritional recommendations and emotions.

This month Intuit is awarding over $50,000 in grants through their Love a Local Business campaign. Help me help others going through breast cancer by voting for Ready for Recovery. It only takes a minute. To vote visit http://shar.es/aN5rN

It is my intention to get planners into the hands of as many newly diagnosed cancer patients as I can so they to can add their names to the list of survivors.

Keep on living, loving and laughing ... Julie

I have seen the planner and can attest it truly has everything to navigate the roller coaster ride from diagnosis to treatment. Take a minute before the end of this month and vote for Julie's planner. Thanks -- Connie

BANDEAU...

...a wireless strip of cloth with Velcro fasteners designed to hold the girls down.

Later the bandeau added a fashionable strap around the neck and transformed into the Brassiere, or "over the shoulder boulder holder".

I love my bandeau, or "boobie sling" as I call it.

In the beginning there were four walls...

Why would anyone tear down a perfectly good wall? Because it's fun!