About
My story was pretty simple: I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in April 2010 at age 40 (my OB-GYN found a lump), 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 31 days in the hospital, nearly a year of antibiotics, and countless surgeries, from “simple” debridements to DIEP reconstruction.
Six years 
I’m a mom to two teens who keep me busy, drive me crazy, and make me laugh. Payton loves baseball and the Red Sox; he’s been to Fenway Park every year since he was 4 years old. He’s equally in love with video games and thinks it’s seriously unfair that he can’t play them 24-7. Macy loves the usual teenage things and has a heart as big as Texas. Also sharing our home are a dog named Pedey and a pig named Piper. Yes, you read that right: a pet pig.
Pedey, aka The Most Interesting Dog in the World
Yep, that’s a pig, in my house.
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.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you find something useful and/or amusing. Cheers!
The Pink Underbelly 
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
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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
Great blog! So glad to have found it – thanks for writing – Kate
Welcome, Kate! Come back anytime.
I’ve heard all about you and am excited to follow your posts!
Dear Ms. Pink Underbelly,
Congratulations on your improving health!
I would love to use your abdominal kinesiotaping picture in an upcoming seminar about Breast Cancer Rehabilitation for physical therapists. It would appear as a photo in a powerpoint presentation for an online webinar.
Please let me know if you would grant me permission to share your photo.
Linda
Would you email me some details about the seminar? I’d like to help.
Hi pinkunderbelly,
I was given monthly Lupron injections from Oct/11 to Aug/12. Before Lupron I was playing tennis at a high level (4.5). But now even 6 months after stopping Lupron there are so many days were I cant even make it out to the tennis court I am so weak.,
On a good day I might be at 80% but I find that on those days I am a step slow, and my muscles fatigue extremely fast.
I am just curious as to how Lupron affected your tennis playing abilities?
I don’t think Lupron affected my tennis game, but I do relate to your being a step slow. Not sure what that’s caused by but it is frustrating. I wonder if your fatigue and weakness are from a nutritional deficiency? Perhaps anemia? I hope you find some resolution.
Hi pinkunderbelly,
I was given monthly Lupron injections from Oct/11 to Aug/12. Before Lupron I was playing tennis at a high level (4.5). But now even 6 months after stopping Lupron there are so many days were I cant even make it out to the tennis court I am so weak.,
On a good day I might be at 80% but I find that on those days I am a step slow, and my muscles fatigue extremely fast.
I am just curious as to how Lupron affected your tennis playing abilities?..
Hello Nancy,
Thank you for having the courage to share your story in such a public forum. I know there will be many women and people who love them who will be strengthened by what they read here.
My wife, Gina, is a 4 year breast cancer survivor. Her way of dealing with it was to start a charity called Girls Love Mail (www.girlslovemail.com). Girls Love Mail gives hand-written letters of encouragement to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer or going through treatment. Letters come from women, men, and children all over the country and get distributed by nurses and peer navigators to patients at various cancer centers. In just over a year GLM has collected nearly 7,000 letters and it’s growing rapidly. The more people hear about GLM the faster letters have been coming in. It’s truly heart warming. I’m guessing you feel the same way about the feedback you get from your blog. Thank you again for what you write here. Have a wonderful and long life.
Sincerely,
Grant Mulligan
Hey Grant! I’m so glad you found my blog so you could tell me about GLM. I just sent my first card to Gina and signed up to write weekly. What an awesome project! Here’s hoping for continued success.
Thanks so much, Nancy! Your letters will be loved by the women who receive them. I’ll be sure to let Gina know about your blog. I know she’d be glad to post something about it on the GLM Facebook page. A lot of our own contacts would enjoy your blog I’m sure. If you have any good contacts at treatment centers you think might want GLM letters for their patients, be sure to let us know. We want letters going everywhere! You can email Gina directly at ginamulligan@girlslovemail.com. I told her about you this morning. Have a great day and thanks again.
Thanks so much, Nancy! Your letters will be loved by the women who receive them. I’ll be sure to let Gina know about your blog. I know she’d be glad to post something about it on the GLM Facebook page. A lot of our own contacts would enjoy your blog I’m sure. If you have any good contacts at treatment centers you think might want GLM letters for their patients, be sure to let us know. We want letters going everywhere! You can email Gina directly at ginamulligan@girlslovemail.com. I told her about you this morning. Have a great day and thanks again. 🙂
i’m going to read your blog from the beginning – so glad to have found you.
i’m a texas girl too! born and raised there, but now living in california.
xoxo
hi – did you see this one? I know you keep up to date on this…
http://news.yahoo.com/the-breast-cancer-shot–cleveland-doctor-develops-a-vaccine-113000843.html
I did not but am going to check it out. Thanks for the heads-up!
Nancy, this may be something else worth checking out, a new (e)book titled “The Mammogram Myth: The Independent Investigation Of Mammography The Medical Profession Doesn’t Want You To Know About” by Rolf Hefti.
Today you saved me. So glad I found you and your blog. T rage is in full swing and if I see one more pink ribbon Ill scream. Dont ever stop writing.
Cheers Fiona ( Middleton South Australia)
Dear madam,
Edu’Actief is an educational publishing company in The Netherlands. We make and sell books for college students.
We would like to use one of your pictures (of the air mail sticker) in a textbook for college students (age 12-16).
We would like to ask your permission for using this picture for this particular purpose.
Best regards,
Dedmer
Yes, you may, and thank you for asking so nicely!
Is it possible to email you?
I am in the infection zone!
Yes of course! nancyKhicks@gmail.com
I just came across your blog after searching for Lupron/Tamoxifen. So glad to read your “Benjamin Button” post. I was just diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and after surgery, I am undergoing radiation as well as the hormonal treatment of Lupron/Tamoxifen. Thank you for your honesty and insight!
Dear PinkUnderbelly, We need to talk. I have mycobacterium fortuitum after a foot surgery and now I am going to lose my foot. They tell me I have to be on drugs for life to maintain this mycobacterium because you don’t cure it, you treat it. I am really interested in talking with you. How are you doing these days?
Linda, email me at nancykhicks@gmail.com.
My 4 month old male pig greets me by pissing on my feet if he hasn’t peed all over the house already. We have a litter box for his, let him out side all day long but he still seems to have to leave his mark! Need help. We love him but my house is starting to get ” musky” from his markings.
Chris, is your pig neutered? If not, get that done! If so, I would have your vet check him for a UTI. Another thing you can try is puppy housebreaking pads instead of the litter box. Good luck!
I am 39, and after three years of miserable lupron, I am switching to an oophy. I am having trouble finding women who took a similar course. I am really hoping that the oopherectomy was less horrible in the long run, with regards to side effects, than the lupron.
Would you consider getting in touch with me and letting me know?
Mikainsb @ hotmail . Com
Thanks.
Email me at nancykhicks@gmail.com.
Dear Nancy,
I just found your blog. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was luckily on the table 5 days later. It’s been almost a year and I will be having reconstructive surgery in mid July 2016. I’m a ball of excited and scared nerves all at once. I look at pictures of other reconstructions for any sign of what my body may look like post surgery. This has very hard but I knew inside that I was down but not out. I can remember driving away from my appointment feeling angry and saying aloud to no one “I don’t have time for this!”.
Thank you for sharing your cancer journey. I truly enjoyed reading your blog posts. I hope you’ve recovered well and are enjoying your champagne and coconut creme pie.
Jill in Pittsburgh, Email me at nancyKhicks@gmail.com if you want to talk about reconstruction. Excited and nervous…that sounds right! You’re gonna do great. It’s a process, that’s for sure, so as long as you don’t go into reconstruction expecting that it will be the last step, you’ll handle it just fine. Keep in touch; I’d love to hear more. Cheers!