HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I am off to Montana tomorrow to celebrate the holidays with the Helwick clan. There will be lots of food, Christmas morning mimosas....my favorite, and, hopefully, snow.

Wishing you and yours the very best holiday season!

HAIR REPORT

THREE WEEKS OUT

Greetings! This is the first of many biweekly hair reports. Now that chemo is finally over, my hair should start growing back. At three weeks, nothing has happened (note: I did not lose all my hair. The "peachfuzz" that you see never came out).

In other news, I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectemy with reconstruction on January 5th. Happy New Year!

THE SEASON OF GIVING

If you're in mood for holiday giving, please consider the Young Survival Coalition. I don't know what I would have done without their community of young survivors and wealth of information relating to treatment, surgery, etc.

From an email that I received from YSC:
Remember the YSC in Your Year End Giving
Look at me. I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm fine. I'M FINE! But somewhere in my body, there are these tiny little cells trying to kill me"
These words were spoken by my friend Tracy, a four year breast cancer survivor, who was diagnosed at the age of 32 after finding out that the clogged milk duct she found after breast feeding her son was really breast cancer. One year later, when Tracy thought she was on a path to help other young women beat the disease, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer to her lymph nodes and then her brain.
But, you see, Tracy is a fighter. She has to be, for her five-year old son and for her husband, for her family and for the other young women who go through what she does daily. Her goal: to dance at her son's wedding.
By remembering the YSC this holiday season and sending your gift today, the YSC will help empower more young women through their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. So that young women like Tracy will see their children grow up and dance at their weddings.
Please send your gift to the YSC today. Mail your check to: Young Survival Coalition, 155 6th Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10014; call the office at 1-877-YSC-1011; or make your donation on line at https://www.youngsurvival.org//index.cfm?fuse=donations.form
May you and those around you have a wonderful holiday and season.
To read other sections of the YSC Weekly, click on one of the links below.
YSC's Resource Link Up and RunningUpdate on the Fifth Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast CancerYSC Attends San Antonio Breast Cancer ConferenceÂ

DIO HAS ROCKED FOR A LONG, LONG TIME

And will continue to rock this Saturday as Shiny Diamonds (aka, my brothers' Dio tribute band) at the Zebra Cocktail Lounge in Bozeman, Montana. Shiny Diamonds will be performing as a part of the Tit Offensive breast cancer benefit. I am making the trek to Montana for this very special event, organized by my brother. Read more:

The Tit Offensive Benefit: Shiny Diamonds, Baxema, Ruby's, Liquid Air

Zebra Cocktail Lounge
Sat:Dec 04, 04
8:00 pm

The Tit Offensive - raising money for Cancer Resource Center

On Saturday December 4th at the Zebra Cockatial Lounge, Very Allergic Productions proudly presents The Tit Offensive....a rock and roll breast cancer benefit with all proceeds going to the Big Sky Cancer Recovery and Resource Center. Starting at 8 p.m., join your host Kevin “Box” Perone for a night of rock and roll.starting with Liquid Air’s non smoking set from 8 to 10 p.m. Complimentary appetizers will be offered by Boodles, Dave’s Sushi and Red Letter Events. Be sure to get your raffle tickets ($3 each or two for $5) with prizes from Plonk, Poor Richards, the Garage, Cat Eye Cafe, Looies, Cactus Records, Soucie and Music Villa. At 10 p.m., smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em while the Ruby’s and Baxema keep the evening going. To close out the night, Bozeman’s own all star Dio tribute band, Shiny Diamonds, will be playing. So, come out and support local music while helping raise money for the Big Sky Cancer Recovery and Resource Center. Tickets are only 5 bucks.

Rock!

I HAVE CROSSED THE CHEMO FINISH LINE!

That's right folks! As of 2:30 PM today, I finished my chemotherapy treatments! Bring on my hair! However, I don't feel like celebrating quite yet as my cancer journey is not complete. Tomorrow my mom and I will be traveling to Atlanta to visit with a breast surgeon and plastic surgeon to discuss and schedule a bilateral mastectemy. The fun continues...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hi, friends! I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We all have much to be thankful for. I am especially thankful for great health insurance, mineral oil, anti-nausea drugs, percocet, and bean burritos. But, most of all, I am SO thankful for all the love and support that I have received from you!

HEY, ATHENIANS! HELP FIGHT CANCER THIS WEEK!

The University of Georgia's chapter of Relay for Life is sponsoring
"Crusade Against Cancer" on November 15-18. Throughout the
week, the Crusade Against Cancer Program is going to be presented
throughout campus. Topics of the program include breast cancer,
testicular cancer, lung cancer, skin cancers, and healthy lifestyle.

In addition, specific events are scheduled throughout this
week for people to participate in. On Wednesday, Nov. 17,
there will be a fundraiser at the Tate Center from 11 am - 2
pm relating to tobacco awareness. On Thursday, Nov. 18, the
Great American Smokeout will take place. This event
encourages individuals to vow to go at least the day without
smoking! On that same day, from 7 - 8 pm at the Arch there
will be a candlelight vigil to honor loved ones affected by
cancer. People are encouraged to bring a photo of their
loved ones who have been or are presently affected by cancer
for a collage that is going to be made.

Thanks to my girl, Adina, for the link!

HELP OTHERS CHECK THEIR GIRLS!

The breast cancer site helps fund mammograms for women who can't afford them. All you have to do is visit their Web site and click! It just takes a second and you don't even have to sign up! Thanks to Wendy for forwarding an email about this. And, for those of you who are suspicious, this site is totally legit. Click away!

IF YOU THINK CANCER IS SCARY

No, it's not polar bears (Though, one of my biggest fears is being attacked by a wild animal). This article that I came across yesterday on CNN.com about global warming alarmed me. Just thought I'd pass it along to you folks since I am a firm believer that the deterioration of our environment has a huge impact on our health. If you'd like to take a stand for the environment and its cute little polar bear cubs (see above image) visit saveourenvironment.org. This is SO important now that "the American people have spoken" and re-elected our tree-hatin' president.

I must apologize, I wanted to keep the blog non-partisan, but I just couldn't help it!

I LIKE MY COFFEE CREAMY AND MY CROSSWORDS EASY

It's about time for another "Life's Joys" post.



There's nothing better than enjoying a sweet, creamy cup of coffee while pursuing a challenging crossword puzzle after twelve hours of sleep. It's one of my favorite things to do. In fact, I did it this morning.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN...WITH YOUR HELP

I figured that I should take advantage of my baldness this Halloween. I've narrowed my costume down to three: Gandhi, Susan Powter of "Stop the Insanity" fame, and my favorite chubby religious icon, the Buddha. So, what do you guys think?

TAXO-RIFFIC!

Monday, I went for my first treatment of Taxol, a new chemotherapy drug. It went unusually well! No barfing, no nausea, nothing! It seems too good to be true! The only side effects that I am experiencing are constipation (my fav!) and body aches. I am still waiting for the little surprises that chemo seems to bring.

The Red Dragon didn't go down without a fight, though. The last bought of nausea was pretty bad and I have a high fever the following week. I am so glad that it is over!

3 MORE TO GO!

IT IS HALFTIME!

Yes, that's right folks! The Dragon has been slayed, and I have reached my half-way mark with my chemotherapy treatment. I am still feeling pretty crappy after the fourth round, but I am so thankful that this regimen is over!

Next, I will start Taxol. From what I hear, it's supposed to be better, but I am anticipating the worst, just in case!

I still have some of my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. My dad has given me a new nickname..."Fuzz-head," which often calls his two golden retrievers. Well, that's all for now! Enjoy the show.

JOIN THE WRISTBAND-WAGON

I'm sure that everyone has seen the Lance Armstrong Foundation's bright yellow Live Strong wristbands on everyone from gansta rappers to George W. Bush. I've been wearing mine since I my friend Charlie gave me his wristband right off his wrist after I told him my diagnosis.

Now, Target is selling their own cancer awareness band to promote breast cancer awareness. You can purshase them at target.com. They also have tons of other breast cancer awareness goodies as October is breast cancer awareness month. Thanks to my girl, Sonya, for the info!

SEE, I'M NOT ADOPTED!

As I looked at myself in the mirror after Will shaved my head, I saw my brother, Tim, staring back at me. After years of constant torment from my older brothers, my new haircut proves that I am not adopted as their childhood ridicule suggested. Ha!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

That's right folks today I am welcoming my 26th year! You're probably wondering if I could have anything for my special day, what would it be. It's not a yummy cake with rich icing. It's not a day off of work sleeping in and watching Sex and the City (no, I did that yesterday). It's a pain-free bum-bum. Ain't chemo grand?

Friday, I'm off to my 3rd installment of the Red Dragon. Just think....the next time (after Friday) will be my last round of the Dragon. I can't wait! Then, four rounds of Taxol and I'm done with the chemo!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes and gifts! Y'all kick ass!

THE LONG AWAITED UPDATE

Hi Friends! Can you believe it? I'm actually posting. It's amazing.

I just completed my second round of the Red Dragon last Friday. It wasn't as bad as the first, but I still got sick. I continue to feel just bad enough not to function normally. I like to call it "The Icks."

My hair is falling out. Thanks to my friend and devoted roommate Will, I now look like Billy Jean from the classic "The Legend of Billy Jean" (the photos are forthcoming).

I just wanted to thank everyone for their posts, cards and gifts. Everyone's thoughts and prayers are really helping me through this!

OLYMPIC FEVER!

Sorry, folks! It's been a while since my last update. I am sure you're wondering where I've been. Actually, I've been competing in the Chemotherapy Olympics. You're probably wondering which event I'm competing in.... it's the decathalon, of course! Below is a listing of the events that I have completed so far:

-Hurling
-Throat and gum swelling
-Constipation
-Fever and chills
-Hemmerhoids

More events to come!

NORMAN MEOWSERS

I would like to dedicate this week's Life's Little Joys post to my cat, Norman Meowsers. Norman is always there for me providing me comfort and entertainment! It's funny how he knows that I am feeling bad. If I'm not feeling well or if I am sat, Norman always comes up and rolls around on my lap. Meowsers!

I MADE IT, BARELY

First off, thank you to everyone for your words of care and concern! They are really helping me through this.

I made it through the first round of treatment. Friday night was probably one of the worst nights of my life, but I got through it. I am still feeling kind of quesy and a bit achey, but I am starting to feel a lot better.

Again, thanks to everyone for your support!

UNLEASH THE DRAGON

The Red Dragon, that is. The Red Dragon is one of the regimens of chemotherapy that I will start tomorrow. It will be the first of 8 total treatments of two different drugs that will span over 16 weeks.

I am happy to report that after my surgeries and tests (a bone scan, echocardiogram, and a catscan of the chest), it doesn't appear that there is cancer anywhere else. If there are floaters in my bloodstream , the Red Dragon should take care of them. Bring on the Red Dragon!

SHARING THE LOVE

Now that my drain has been removed, I have relinquished my drain purse. My friend, Shelby McTriever, loved it so much, I decided to let her borrow it. Puppies!

GET TO KNOW YOUR GIRLS, GIRLS!

As we have all learned, you're never too young to get breast cancer. Young women need to be especially aggressive in checking their boobs for lumps since annual mammograms typically do not begin until after 40. So, learn out to do a Breast Self Examination (BSE) and do them religiously! The more that you check your boobs, the better you get to know them. The Susan G. Komen Web site provides a great how-to guide for BSEs. Check it out and get to know your girls!

If you're having trouble remembering your BSE, the 3M corporation has a great BSE reminder program. Check it out be-otches!

MAKE YOUR MARK ON HISTORY

By putting your name on the world's largest pink ribbon made up of pink post-it notes! The World's Largest Pink Ribbon will stand over 70 feet tall and consist of over 75,000 pink Post-it® Super Sticky Notes. By entering your name, city and state on the website, you will not only be supporting City of Hope through the 3M contributions ($1 for every post-it), but also be represented by one of the more than 75,000 Post-it® Super Sticky Notes making up the World's Largest Pink Ribbon.

Thanks to my girl Adina for the link!

LUCKY FOR ME, HATS ARE BACK

According the Fashionistas at the New York Times, hats are making a comeback. Sweet.

Registration may be required...boo.

HEAVEN'S POOLS ARE FILLED WITH CHEESE DIP

When you're facing a life-threatening illness, you realize how much the simple things mean to you. I've decided to start dedicating a weekly post to life's simple joys.



By far, one of my joys is cheese dip! Cheese dip from Agua Linda is my favorite by far. Not only do can you enjoy its scrumptiousness by dipping crispy tortilla chips in it, it is equally good when your burrito is smothered in it! Yummy! Experience this joy yourself!

SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN

Ahhh...finally, I have showered! Don't worry, I have bathed in the past three weeks, but I have not been able to shower because of my drain. Yesterday I had my drain removed and today I showered. It was GLORIOUS!



In honor of this momentous occassion, learn more about the history of the shower.

LEAVE IT TO THE DRUG COMPANIES

Gosh! They'll market to anyone. Check out this ad I found in a magazine.

BALD IS THE NEW SHAG

If you're facing chemotherapy, you're probably wondering how you will look with no hair. I was curious myself. Instead of waiting for each strand to fall out, I decided to create a bald me.



Beautiful, huh?

For those of you who are curious how your favorite celebs look with no hair, check out this site. Thanks to Mail Clerk and my friends at thedayjobs.com for the link. Holla.

NICE SACK!

It's the newest trend in Fall fashion: The drain purse!



No, seriously. I've had a drain in since my lymph node surgery on July 23rd. And, it is a real pain in the ass, but my new drain purse has made it a lot more bearable! Thanks to the folks at the Loran Smith Cancer Center for my drain purse, a real life saver and staple for your fall wardrobe.

"CAN I GET A NUMBER ONE AND A DOUBLE MASTECTOMY WITH A DIET COKE?"

Thanks to my dad for this one.

From lifetimetv.com:

On September 25, 2003, Lifetime Television delivered more than 5 million petition signatures to Capitol Hill, urging Congress to ban "drive-through" mastectomies — the practice in which women are forced out of the hospital sometimes only hours after breast cancer surgery. Sign our petition now to help end drive-through mastectomies once and for all. Read the article and sign the petition. I did.

I CAN'T MOVE MY ARMS

Does anyone remember that episode of Seinfield in which Molly Shannon played the girl who never moved her arms? I am that girl right now.

Yesterday, I had a number of tests and a passport put in upper left arm. The passport will provide easy access for the chemotherapy. Now that I have a fresh incision on my left arm and a sore right arm from my lymph node surgery, I cannot move my arms! At least I can move my fingers enough to types messages. So, if you see me walking with stationary arms, now you know why.

PS-I have a number of posts to upload, but they include pictures but I have yet to learn how to upload pics (I need help from Computer Support). Keep checking back!

LIFE'S JOYS: HAIR, BOOBS AND CARBS

First they tell me that I going to lose my hair and maybe even my boobies, now they might take away my precious carbs! Well, I guess it doesn't matter too much since I already have cancer.

SO, HOW DID I GET HERE?

Earlier this year, I was doing my BSE (Breast self-examination), and I found a lump. It really didn't concern me since I have lumpy-booby disease (AKA Fibrocystic disease) and I've had a biopsy before that turned out to be nothing. I decided to wait until my yearly examination with my gyno.

When I met with my gynecologist, she referred my to my surgeon, Dr. Cannon, to have it checked out. He suggested that I get an ultrasound. The radiologist said that it looked benign and that I shouldn't worry since I'm so young. (For those of you that don't know me, I am 25).

I met with Dr. Cannon after the ultrasound. The final report from the radiologist said that my suspicious lump was "definitely as cyst." Dr. Cannon decided to do a needle biopsy (Ouch!) just to make sure it was a fluid-filled cyst. Well, it wasn't. He did capture some tissue during the needle biopsy, and had it sent to the pathologist for testing. It turned out that they found "atypical cells," and that I needed to have surgery to have it removed.

As I slowly awoke from the wonderful drugs (undoubtedly the best part about surgery), I saw the blue blur of Dr. Cannon next to me. He told be that I had breast cancer. I responded with, "OK, great. Thank you so much" (drugs talking). I remember feeling like I wanted to cry but I didn't because I was still hoping that it was a drug-induced dream. When they rolled me into the recovery room, and I saw everyone's faces, I knew it wasn't a dream.

That was a month ago, and since then, I've had another surgery to remove and check my lymph nodes. Just 2 out of 21 had cancer in it. Next week I have a number of tests before I can start chemotherapy.

Again, welcome to my blog. I hope that my friends and family with use this blog to track my progress. And, I hope that other women with breast cancer will use this blog as a resource and much-needed comic relief. Enjoy and check back!

WELCOME!

Hi! Welcome to The Tit Offensive, my blog dedicated to my fun-filled journey with breast cancer. More to come!