What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender before Nana came to tidy the room.  ”Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-handle ?”
“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse, “It’s a thing that happens to you. [...]

On May 26, 2012 I lost one of my dearest friends, Diana, to cancer.  I am reminded that there are other survivors of cancer…those who are left behind when someone close to you dies.   We are left with the loss of someone we love which comes with a multitude of feelings.  For those of [...]

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who have died in battle.  I want to honor those who have died in the battle that is cancer.
Take a moment on Monday, May 28, to reflect in any way that is meaningful to you.   You may want to light a candle or read a poem. [...]

Happy Mother’s Day to those women who still make the lunches and drive the kids to school while struggling with breast cancer.   To those who continue on with their lives feeling ill, tired and frightened.    This Mother’s Day I celebrate your courage and resilience.
Happy Mother’s Day to those women whose children have cancer… [...]

I came across this quote by Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D.    I remember reading his book “You Can Fight for Your Life”  when I was in graduate school in 1977.   I met him at a conference years later and thanked him as this book really changed my life.   Then in 2007,  I got cancer. [...]

The April/May 2012 edition of the AARP Magazine includes an article on cancer entitled:
“Cancer- More Americans are Surviving.  Here’s Why”
“In 2012 U.S, cancer survivors reach 12 million, a fourfold increase since 1971 and a 20 percent increase since 2001.”
“Indeed, between the new drugs, the improved technologies, and screenings, many experts believe the time is coming [...]

When do you actually feel like a survivor?  Or do you?
I just had my mammogram and the follow up visit with my surgeon.  It’s all good!  Yet these tests and visits always bring up feelings and thoughts.  Anticipating the news while sitting in the waiting area… looking at the other women who are also sitting [...]

An evening of dining and jazz, featuring the lush and vibrant vocals of Linda Tillery with Nicolas  Beard and Friends.
February 6th, 2012
Yoshi’s Oakland
510 Embarcadero West
Jack London Square
Select ticket pricing available.  For more information contact Pat Bregant at WCRC  (510)601-4040 x105
Come, have a ball AND support the important services of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center.  See [...]

I remember that right after finishing treatment for breast cancer there was still a feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop.   It’s all still so fresh and frightening.  And it feels difficult and strange  to step back into life because life has changed forever.  But then after months and then, fortunately, years, [...]

Mammogram
by Jo McDougall
“They’re benign,” the radiologist says,
pointing to the specks on the x ray
that look like dust motes
stopped cold in their dance.
His words take my spine like flame.
I suddenly love
the radiologist, the nurse, my paper gown,
the vapid print on the dressing room wall.
I pull on my radiant clothes.
I step out into the Hanging Gardens,  the [...]