About
My story was pretty simple — I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in April 2010 at age 40, had a bilateral mastectomy within 3 weeks of diagnosis and was ready for the happily-ever-after life of a survivor. Not so fast — 3 weeks after the surgery, a nasty infection raged, which led to 4 hospitalizations and 2 more surgeries. Over the course of the summer, my story became decidedly more complicated, but I’m now on the upswing and am adjusting to life in the survivor lane. 
I’m a mom to Payton (age 12) and Macy (age 9), who keep me busy and make me laugh, yet I look forward to seeing them leave for school every morning! 
Payton loves baseball and the Red Sox; he’s been to Fenway Park every year since he was 4. He’s equally in love with video games and thinks it’s seriously unfair that he can’t play them 24-7. Macy is a wacky girl who loves animals and has a heart as big as Texas. If she had her way, we’d run a zoo out of our home, but for now have 2 dogs, Harry & Pedey; 
3 fish, Waterfall, Shark and Kool-Aid; and a new leopard Gecko named Cinco. We live in a suburb of Houston and think that any day is a good day to open a bottle of champagne. We love Tex-Mex, good margaritas, sunny days in January and being able to play tennis year-round.
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your new venture. I know I am not alone in saying yours is a voice worth hearing. Keep the opinions and commentary coming, undiluted and uncompromised.
Love the name and I second Ed’s comment. Congrats on your new venture. I find myself waiting for an update in my inbox so I can’t wait to see/hear what you have in store for us now! Many hugs and kisses to you, my sweet friend!
I’m feeling like the guy who said, “I’m slow, but I do poor work.” But I’m catching up, and am so glad that you are going to continue writing a blog, as we were both disappointed when you said you were quitting caringbridge. Your excellent and faithful writing has made us, like all your many friends, feel like we were walking through this ordeal with you. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve wanted to wave a magic wand and make it go away. Sending much love to all of you!
Nancy, so nice to “meet” you. Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. It’s been a while since I’ve written…I got through the tough treatments and stopped. I really shouldn’t have since my story is far from over.
Saw that you’re ready for another series of surgeries. I had a TRAM, not a DIEP, but it seems like the end results will be similar. I have to say, I’m thrilled with the way that my foobs look. They’re high, perky and soft, so much better than what they looked like after nursing 3 boys.
Recovery was not too bad. My surgeon has his own set of recovery rules: no lifting anything heavier than 7 lbs., no lifting arms overhead for 6 weeks, no girdle/binder, tape for 6 months on the incision sites.
I haven’t read through much of your journey yet, but I wanted to let you know that I got your sweet notes. We’re definitely in a no-man’s land between those “young” survivors that are under 40, and those that are post-menopausal (although I guess I am now at 43 since I had a hysterctomy).
Sorry that you had to be initiated into such a crappy sorority, but glad that I get to walk along side you.
So happy you found my blog. We talk about food alot and just general stuff. But we are having fun. Hope you’ll have some along with us.
Jeanne ( Another Stir of the Spoon)
Thanks for stopping by one of my blogs. I love reading your posts and am glad you took time to read some of mine. Keep your chin up, the humor flowing and maybe a few margaritas in there, too! Happy to “meet” you! Warmly, Barbara
[...] life of a sassy Texas girl dealing with breast cancer and its messy aftermath Skip to content HomeAbout ← It’s [...]
Your blog title caught my eye on Navigating Cancer, as my blog is title The Dirty Pink Underbelly. Dirty pink because my cancer is now metastatic. The idea of the underbelly stuck us both…great minds, and all that. Keep it up.
It “just sucks” that we belong to the same club. That said, your words are being read and carry meaning. Despite this crappy disease, I’m glad to have come to meet so many good people with passion and voice.
Laura, you’re so right! I’m so glad we found each other’s blogs.
This is really sad. My best friend has Ovarian and Uterine cancer aftermath.. She had a hysterectomy in December but still has to go through chemo. She is only 23 her blog is simplysunshineanddaisys.blogspot.com
Priscilla, I just checked out her blog–thanks for pointing me in her direction. 23 is too young. I’ll be following her story.
Thanks for checking out my blog and for the encouragement to continue.
I’ve been into the whole ‘metaphysical, thought creates reality’ stuff for some time and my horoscopes, numerology and such tell this Leo she needs to write…write…write! Maybe if I stopped procrastinating and actually started to do it, I wouldn’t have all the noise in my head.
BTW, my grandmother of 95 got breast cancer two years ago and she’s still hanging with us. And I have several stories I could share about 3 close friends of mine who dealt with and deal with the affects (or is it effects) of the crap disease but I’ll save those for another time. Hey, I know maybe I’ll blog about it ;o}
Keep your spirits up pinkunderbelly!
Thanks for the comment, and keep writing — it is one of the ways to connect and find solace.
As always, I am impressed with your courage and determination. I wanted to share with you what one of my other blogging friends is doing to help cancer research: She is shaving her head as part of a fund-raising venture. Here is the post to her site: http://redroanchronicles.com/2011/09/06/a-shaved-head-for-the-children/#comment-663
Pink, just found your blog after your post on mine… girl, you have been (and are going) through the ringer! Complications seem to be the name of the BC game; I sympathize and empathize. From one BC sistah to another… stay well.
-Renn
Hello, I have a quick question for you about your site. If you could please get back to me at your earliest convenience I would greatly appreciate it. Have a great day!
Thanks,
Dan Gilbert
Communications Coordinator
Primrose Schools
dgilbert@primroseschools.com
Hey there,
I recently stumbled upon your site and wanted to say “hi,” and “good Lord, what a journey!” I look forward to reading more
Tory
I am always searching the bloggosphere for kindred spirits, and I think I have found another in you.
Cancer Warrior
http://www.perksofcancer.com
I think it is excellent that you are sharing your story of survival and hope to other women and men that are deal with breast cancer. My grandmother had breast cancer when I was a child. I use to look at her in awe wondering how she was so strong in trying time like those were for her. I remember seeing her Mastectomy breast forms and bra’s and that what sparked me in the field im in today. I work for a company called Serenity Health Supplies. We specialize in Durable Medical Equipment such as wheelchairs, walker, and hospital beds. Now we offer Nearly Me Technologies products here in the memory of the strong ladies and gentleman we known that fought this and won. And also the brave souls that passed on before us like my grandmother. (in tears). I would like to help anyone I can to afford these products to make them feel confident and feminine. Thank You…And Good Luck
Hi Nancy. I’m one of the ‘reluctant sisterhood’, new to the breast cancer blogosphere (for want of a better phrase) and am delighted to have found your blog. Any blog featuring a pig with a hairbow is good with me!! Now off to plunder your archives…
All the very best from Darwin, Australia…
Liz
I am so glad you found my blog!
Your story is very inspiring with all you have been through the last two years. I applaud you for your strength and courage–keep it up and come have a margarita at the ranch sometime!
hello — I have followed your posts ( as a recent cancer person ) and found humor and an earthiness that I enjoyed. I have nominated you for this award “versitile blogger”
http://bwthoughts.wordpress.com/2012/05/12/versitile-blogger-award/
thanks for sharing your thoughts.
bw
Nancy – I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award that will be published later today. Here’s the link if you want to participate: http://thecheneycrew.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/one-lovely-blog-award/
Happy Birthday to Trevor!! GO SOX!!
Cheers,
Paul