I'm so sorry. It's very hurtful to be slighted by your family.

It’s absolutely true that in many (most?) families, there is someone who is the designated punching bag, and the family agrees it is a good thing and absolutely right to abuse that victim, over and over, for decades.

I was the designated punching bag for my extended family, and my only chance for happiness was going no contact with all of them.

If you are the one who always gets mistreated by your extended family, you don’t deserve it…and it’s okay to walk away from continued abuse.

Thank you everyone for being so kind and supportive.

My oncotype test came back and I will not have to go through chemo, which is a major relief to me.

Looks like it will be just radiation and endocrine therapy.

So I have a lot to be thankful for as thanksgiving approaches.

I have been going through a bit of mourning for my old pre-cancer self and body but I know I will be happy with my new breasts once the scars are not quite so gruesome and once the swelling has subsided. I think on this cancer journey we all have moments where we need to let the sadness out and mourn, and then carry on.

Thank you all for being here and being you.

More blues.

Anyone else like the old fashioned Delta blues like I do?

"Middle East" by Ofra Haza.

A song I’ve loved for decades but have listened to a lot recently.

Hope you guys might enjoy this song and video as well.

KGMY, Missoula, Montana. 1972.

Ashkenazi heritage here, currently fighting breast cancer

No BRCA but still tons of breast cancer in the family.

I have noticed since my diagnosis of breast cancer, tons of ads are popping up

Everywhere, even on my TV, which shocked me, for meds targeting breast cancer or products for post surgery.

Really disturbing.

Mostly eaten with bread, like toast. It's quite delicious.

Helen Reddy, "Leave Me Alone"

Love this song and I have been listening to it non-stop lately. It has special significance for me right now. I’m sure we all have times when this song speaks for us.