For long-time readers, I hope that you will indulge me as I write about the Silver Lining philosophy after my diagnosis of cancer, specifically f-bomb breast cancer. You see, this summer has brought a whole new audience to The Silver Pen, which is a Silver Lining in and of itself! So, I thought that I’d… Continue reading The Silver Lining Philosophy after a Diagnosis of Cancer
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
How to Read Blood Test Results
Prior to every chemotherapy treatment and now every appointment with my oncologist, I have to get a blood test. Why, you ask? Well, blood tests, sometimes called blood panels, are one of a physician’s most basic tools to see a detailed analysis of any disease (e.g., cancer) markers, the nutrients and waste products in your… Continue reading How to Read Blood Test Results
Role Reversal
Learning how to rely on people when I had FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers) was a brutal learning curve. As a nurse and social worker, I had always been the caregiver. And I liked it that way. Until my diagnosis, I had always been a do-it-yourselfer (except when it comes to craft projects).… Continue reading Role Reversal
Breast Cancer in Men. Yes, Sir.
Although rare (1 in 100 diagnoses), men can indeed get FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers). Though it’s rare, I’ve known quite a few men with FBC. And you know what? It seems like in some ways, it’s a little extra sucky for them because it’s considered to be a disease that affects women.… Continue reading Breast Cancer in Men. Yes, Sir.
The Nuts and Bolts of Breast Cancer Staging
Hearing a diagnosis of FBC (f-bomb breast cancer) is an earth shattering and mind blowing experience all wrapped up in a box of disbelief. Less than 5% of what is heard at a diagnosis meeting is retained. It’s all so confusing and overwhelming. Even as a nurse, I shut down, emotionally and cognitively when I… Continue reading The Nuts and Bolts of Breast Cancer Staging
Tumor Markers
The tumor marker test sends an icy chill down my spine. Why? Well, just look at the name. It is as advertised. My girlfriend who is going through FC (f’ing cancer) treatments right now just had a tumor marker test and after, she called asking what it is. Why aren’t these tests explained more clearly?… Continue reading Tumor Markers
The Load
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into… Continue reading The Load
Waiting…
The period of time when you are waiting for a diagnosis is brutal. Everything about it. Waiting for my diagnosis of FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers) was simultaneously was heart wrenching, nerve wracking, confusing and downright scary. Here’s how it goes: You have unusual symptoms. You wait. You decide to call your doctor… Continue reading Waiting…
After the Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Now What?
Diagnosis: DONE. Next steps: Information gathering and making a PLAN. The Husband and I are planners. Good planners. After a weekend of diagnosis digestion, we set up a series of meetings with doctors in Santa Barbara: oncology, plastic surgery, radiation oncology and “my” surgeon. Pages and pages of notes, full of various opinions and strategies.… Continue reading After the Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Now What?
The Silver Pen Beginnings
The inspiration for the The Silver Pen (formerly known as BrooksideBuzz.com) is to document my physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and oftentimes hilarious journey through, with, over and around breast cancer. To clarify: breast cancer isn’t funny. Not at all. However, my journey? Frequently guffaw inducing. Another clarification: I prefer to call breast cancer FBC. The… Continue reading The Silver Pen Beginnings