Kids on ice - oh, so nice!

Well, it seems that it's been quite a while since my last post and a lot has happened since then.  We are the proud parents of five kidsicles!!  That is, five frozen embryos for future use.  

Ok, so here's the back story.  For most women, estrogen is a great thing.  It is, at it's core, what makes us women, right?  However, for me and many other women with breast cancer, estrogen is trying to kill me.  While I enjoy the benefits of estrogen such as soft skin and healthy bones,  I'm pretty sure I'd rather be alive with dry skin and brittle bones. So, my doctor has decided that what's best for me is to remove my ovaries tubes at some point during this process.  That means that my ability to procreate naturally isn't an option.  So, we decided to go forward with in-vitro fertilization so that we have the option to have biological children one day.  Lucky for us, we received a scholarship from Fertile Hope to help with the costs.  Thank you, LAF!

The IVF process wasn't bad at all.  I'm not sure if it's because what I've already been through or if it was just easy for me.  Those stories of massive bloating, uncontrollable mood swings and painful injections were mere legends to me.  The most annoying part was having to get up every day at 7:30 AM to inject myself with drugs not the injecting part itself.  The needles were so thin that the shots were nearly painless.  The actual procedure involved sedatives so it was quite fun.  

I was a little bummed at first that I couldn't use my birth and pregnancy story to guilt my future children, but after all the annoyances of needles, vaginal sonograms (oops, is that TMI?), the financial burdens and all this cancer business, I'm pretty sure I have plenty of ammo to guilt our children into making their beds and doing their homework.  

Next stop...chemotherapy!

Cancer 2.0

Well, FUCK (the only appropriate word really). So, I certainly never wanted to have to write this post, but here I am, over five years after my initial breast cancer diagnosis, with a second diagnosis. Back in September, I noticed a lump on top of my reconstructed breast. After many tests and a surgical biopsy, I learned that I had breast cancer....AGAIN! It's unclear at this point whether or not this is a recurrence of the old cancer or a brand new one. Either way, it sucks....really, really hard.

The past month has been full of tests, scans and doctor visits. I am happy to say that there is no evidence of cancer anywhere in my body and three surgeries resulted in clear margins and the removal of all the cancer in my breast (along with the implant -- I'm totally uniboobing it right now. It's pretty effing awesome).

I really considered not blogging about cancer this time around, but I thought that it would be cathartic and a great way to keep people in the loop of my treatments and musings on stuff. So in the coming days I plan to share my treatment plan and other fun things like injecting myself every single day for the next three weeks in the hope to create some kidsicles. So, come by often or subscribe to my feed. And, if you'd like to read about more fun stuff like crafting or puppies and kitties, be sure to check out the Pretty Bird Press.

Much love,
Sarah

My New Blog

Hi, friends. I wanted to let you know that I have a new blog called the Pretty Bird Press. Since I don't have much to say about cancer these days, I decided to start a different blog that covers my crafty pursuits and other bits of my life. I may occasionally post here, so continue to check back. In the meantime, mosey on down to the Pretty Bird Press.

What happened to the Tit O?

Unfortunately, this blog was a victim of Satan's wrath. No really, the server in which the style sheet was on shut down on 6/6/06 and the design for the blog was lost forever, sigh. So, I am going to take some time to think about what I should do with this blog. On one hand, I'd like to keep it going because I think that it can help other young ladies. On the other hand, I'd like to put all this cancer stuff behind me. I am thinking of starting another blog just about me and what I'm up to and continue to update the Tit O with news and other cancer-related items. Input? Ideas?

In other news, the term is over essentially. I have two papers and an exam remaining. I also got some really great news last week: I received a full-year assistantship next year. What does that mean exactly? Well, I don't have to pay tuition and will receive a monthly stipend and health insurance (you can never have too much of that).

Monday, June 19th I leave for Barcelona, Spain for a week before heading to an abandon Northern Italian village for four weeks. I'm super excited. I am going to try to post pictures, so check back. After the program is over, my friend Erica and I have a week to explore before we head back to the states. We're thinking about going to Croatia. Anyone been there?

And, once I return, I will have only one month to wrap up the remaining wedding details! I can't believe it is so close.

Must...Continue....Writing....

Oh my gosh! I've never written so much in my life! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I am trying to complete a 15 page research paper that is due Monday. Hopefully, I will still be able to write by then so that I can update you on the following: Young Survival Coalition conference in Denver, Spring Break in New Orleans, and Italy this summer.

Back to typing my fingers to the bone,
Sarah

An Experiment

So, as many of you know, I have a pervert problem. I guess I should have expected a problem such as this running a site about boobies. However, it's just gotten out of hand. I don't know that anyone who visits this site anymore is looking for information on breast cancer or updates about me, for that matter. So, I have removed the image that is getting all the perverted hits. Hopefully, I can limit this problem. Currently, I average about 50-60 hits a day. Now that I've removed the image of desire, I am curious how the volume will change. I will keep a note in the comments of this post if you're curious.

If you're actually here to because you have question about breast cancer, if you're checking on me or if you're a not pervert, drop me a comment. I'd love to hear from you! And, what the hell, if you're a pervert drop me a note too!

Sarah

Matt and I are famous!

Well, not really. But, we were on TV! See if you can spot us in a sea of orange and black (we're the ones in the red and black). It was a fun game and great to see some Bulldogs...but we lost.

Did you find us?

What died on your head?

I know what you're thinking: That hideous monster has to be a wig. Sadly, it is my real hair.

Now, we all know the perils of breast cancer: excruciating treatment, body-altering surgeries and constant fear of recurrence. But, no one ever talks about the hair. I know it's horrible to talk about, much less witness on a daily basis (poor Matt). However, we must talk about this! When your hair grows back after chemo, it comes back CURLY. I don't mean cute, Sarah Jessica Parker curly. No, more like Napoleon Dynamite curly!

What else must I endure? When will my life (and my hair) it go back to normal?

Check your boobies...with your friends!

Last night I was watching a local (well, it was Seattle) news special about breast cancer. They featured a woman who created an organization called "Check your Boobies." She is a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for BSEs (Breast Self Examinations). Additionally, she organizes Boobie Parties! What could be more fun than a boobie party?! I encourage you to check out her web site (FYI, this site does have a bare boobie on it...just in case you're at work) to learn more about this organization and, perhaps, get some tips on organizing your own boobie party. They even have a monthly BSE reminder email that you can sign up for. I encourage all you ladies that still have your boobies to sign up for this email service. It might just save your life!

Here's an interesting article about the excess of breast cancer products. Note: you may have to watch a commercial to view the article but it's totally worth it. Thanks to Matt for sending it my way.

Heaven's pools are.......Empty?

I don't know if any of you recall my "Life's Joys" post from last year regarding cheese dip. I naively made the assumption that cheese dip is a staple in every Mexican restaurant from coast to coast. Unfortunately, I learned that I was horribly wrong! Matt and I have been to countless Mexican restaurants in Oregon, and we have yet to visit one that offers cheese dip on the menu. What's more, none of my new friends (they are from all over the country, but not the South) have never heard of cheese dip. They think that I am talking about the pump cheese you find at the movies. And they also think that I am quite crazy to be obsessing about liquid white cheese. So, if anyone out there lives in the Pacific Northwest and knows where I can find some cheese dip, PLEASE let me know. I am going through withdrawals here!

On a side note, I was happy to learn that I am not the only person obsessed with cheese dip. I found this very informative web site regarding the subject. Enjoy!

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) there is a deluge of everything breast cancer. Personally, I find the breast cancer awareness toilet tissue a bit excessive. I mean, if toilet tissue is going to raise cancer awareness, shouldn't it be for colon cancer? Just a thought. Anyways, there's a lot of merchandise out there. If you decide to do some purchasing, please do your homework to ensure your hard-earned money is being used appropriately.

However, one great thing about BCAM is the stories that run in the national magazines. I have received two in particular that are quite moving in their own ways.

The first is a photo essay about one women's journey with BC, particularly with her mastectomies and reconstruction. If any of you have ever wondered what that was really like, this essay will give you some good insights.



Secondly, if you'd like to bear all for breast cancer, consider contributing a photograph to the 4th Annual Blogger Boobie-Thon. Everyone can participate, even the fellas (see below).



Thanks to Melinda and Matt for the links!

Enjoy BCAM and check your girls, girls!

Update

Hello, friends!

Since I cannot think of any clever breast cancer related posts at the moment, I thought that I'd give everyone an update.

The field school that I went to last week was great! I learned a lot and got my mind off of everything breast cancer for a change. As soon as I get pics I will post them.

I am starting school for serious tomorrow! Wish me luck. I hope that the writing skills that I have fine tuned over the past year here will allow me to be an exceptional graduate student and stellar research paper writer :) I am also leaving for Portland, OR after class tomorrow for the National Trust for Historic Preservation conference.

My hair is insanely curly and somewhat long. I promise that a picture, along with one of the girls, is forthcoming.

I hope that everyone is doing well. I miss all you Georgians and still rely on everyone's wonderful comments to keep me going (so, keep 'em coming). I have found that the post treatment period of cancer is the hardest....more on that later.

Love,
Sarah

Back to School

Well, sort of. Tomorrow, I am off to Historic Preservation Summer Camp...weeeee! Actually, it's better known at the Pacific Northwest Field School. I am so excited and a bit nervous about going back to school. Wish me luck!

Remember this guy?

I do, unfortunately. A year ago, I was struggling with my first chemotherapy treatment...Damn dragon! Feel like reminiscing? Check out the original post.

Buzzy Booberson

While searching for information on a BC support group called Boobees, I found this hilarious website. Apparently, these ladies like to make prints of their breasts and create artwork for coffee mugs, t-shirts and magnets. 50% of the profits go to BC research. However, if you're feeling creative, you can create your own! I wonder what a print of my girls would look like seeing that I have no nippies...Hmmmm, maybe something like this:



Kristina, this post is for you!

Young Women Sought for Study

I read about this study about a month ago and decided to participate. It's the least that I can do for young women who might be affected by this disease. If you or someone you know is a young breast cancer survivor, I encourage you or her to participate. It might just spare our daughters from this disease.

A call for proposals

So folks, it appears that my journey with breast cancer is over. (Well, I still need some nippies, but they can wait.) I need to know what I should do with The Tit Offensive. I would like your thoughts. Should I close down the site? Try to get other girls to contribute? What?

Happy Birthday!

That's right, folks! Wednesday I welcomed new and improved boobies into the world. They still have that "newborn" look, but I am certain that they will get a lot cuter as they get older. Thanks for your thoughts and comments!

Pictures coming soon! (I'm sure that you're wondering if I'm serious or not. I guess you have to check back and see.)

Good-bye Bionic Boob Girl!

Sad but true. Bionic Boob Girl will retire tomorrow around 12:45 PM as I'm off for my FINAL surgery (that's a total of 6 in a year)! Basically, I'm getting your standard boob job with nipple reconstruction. Isn't that exciting?! My plastic surgeon decided against the silicone implants, so I'm going with saline. She will also construct new nipples! Apparently, I will always be cold. Not such a bad thing according to the Sex and the City girls.

Wish me luck!