Breast Cancer 101

Over the past year, I have several people who have come into my life because they are about to start treatment for Breast Cancer, and a mutual friend or relative of theirs has got them in touch with me. Not that by any means do I feel like I am an expert...but I think it can be helpful to hear about what you're about to go through first hand...not from doctors or from the people that don't want to scare you - so they sugarcoat things. Fact is - you can't sugarcoat surgery or radiation or chemo. Truth? - it's nasty. But sometimes I get a little too much credit for supposedly sashaying through cancer with beauty and grace. It's okay to think that - it was good marketing and PR on my part. (patting myself on the back)

But looking back...I wish I would've been a little more willing to let my guard down, to admit that cancer was tough. Instead, I acted as if I was Mike Tyson and I was going to go a couple rounds to give cancer the ultimate "ass whoopin!". I could've slept a little more...I could have asked for help sometimes. It would've been okay to cry...everyone else did. I probably didn't need to walk 60 miles that year, or try to pack and move. I could've just laid down and rested a spell.

So my best advice to my friends (and strangers) who might be reading this, and could be facing treatment in the near future. Let yourself rest, don't try to be everything to everybody...it's okay to cry (it doesn't mean you're giving up). Let those friends that want so badly to be there for you - be there. Invest in a few key items that make you feel relaxed and comfy...whether it's a new pillow, new jammies, a cozy blanket. Find an outlet...mine was my blog, but a journal or diary works too. Write down the things you can't imagine telling anyone out loud...the scary stuff...if you're feeling it...it's okay. There's no right way to fight cancer...don't let anyone tell you that you're doing it wrong. Opening your eyes every morning can be a chore...and if thats all you do some days...thats okay.

At the end of the day, there is no handbook, no Breast Cancer 101...no "Breast Cancer for Dummies" cheatsheet. You don't get a grade at the end of treatment, no extra credit for finishing first. Just get there - get to the finish! Kick cancers butt...whether it's gracefully gliding over the finish line or clumbsily trippin over your own feet...just get there.

Brunch for Boobies Fundraiser - Sunday, Dec. 27th

BRUNCH FOR BOOBIES
SUNDAY, DEC. 27th, 2009
10AM - 1PM
@ THE SKYLARK CAFE
3803 DELRIDGE WAY SW.

20% off all Food Sales will be donated to TEAM TRACY
to raise funds for the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk!!!

Come Join Us!!!

My Christmas Card...minus the 44 cents...

A Very Merry Christmas to all...

As 2009 comes to a close, I am incredibly thankful and amazed by the year that I've had. So many of you have held me up, pushed me a long or just walked by my side as I spent another year battling the mighty Breast Cancer beast. It is with great joy I can say that I am 6 months cancer free! This may be my biggest news and greatest accomplishment of 2009! (It is absolutely okay to let out a big YEE HAW here).

The other day while looking through my cedar chest I ran across my Kindergarten report card...it made me smile to see my teacher's handwriting - "Mrs. Christian" (who still sends me cards in the mail today). In all my subjects I received "+" marks. Is it possible that I may have "peaked" in Kindergarten? Eek! But more importantly were the things she wrote on my card that made me smile..."makes friends easily", "plays well with others", "listens to instructions" and "always willing to share and include others in her activities". Is it truly possible that everything we need to know in life was learned in Kindergarten? Each one of these "strengths" she wrote on my card, are traits that I try to practice today! It made me thankful for Mrs. Christian...thankful for the friends I have, the ones I get to "play" with on a regular basis - and those through the miles - we can still stay close and reminisce of old times. I am thankful for learning that sometimes being quiet and listening, whether it's to your own thoughts or someone who needs to be listened to, can teach you so much more about yourself and your friends. And lastly, I am thankful for learning to include others, to be accepting of others no matter their faith, gender, race or sexual orientation. I am positive that my life is richer because of the broad circle of friends that I have...no two alike, none exactly like me.

So this Christmas I would like to celebrate the birth of Christ and the fact that we live in a country where we can celebrate our faith openly and publicly. I celebrate those who keep us safe in this country - our leaders and our military at home and abroad. I am incredibly thankful and celebrate my friends and family...near and far. I celebrate healthcare professionals...personally Dr. C and Dr. W at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. I marvel at the generosity of those who donate to causes like the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. I admire the men and women who have taken on the challenge of walking with me 60 miles again this year.

I pray that each and every one of you have a blessed holiday and I look forward to spending 2010 with you all!

Here are just a few pictures of what I've been up to this past year!!!

Love to you all!!
-Tracy

Thank You roll call...

This Saturday my 3 Day walk Team and I are putting on an Auction and Raffle...I have had an overwhelming response with the donation of items. Had I known the outpouring of generosity I would receive...I would have booked a larger venue. I am again humbled and appreciative of so many people who have donated items and services...here is the beginning of the list...and I'm sure it will continue to grow.

Brooks Running link
St. Patricks Day Dash link
Pawsitive Outings link
Boud's Pinehurst Pub link
Penelope's link
Envy on Alki Skin Boutique link
Lolo's Hair Salon link
Cherry Consignment link
West 5 link
Museum of Flight link
Dave Henderson link
John Mackenzie Realty Solutions Inc. link
George's Wine Shoppe link
Johanna Loomis, Avon Representative link

Thank you all for supporting the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure!

ps...the fundraiser made the Top Story on the West Seattle Herald Website! Click HERE to see the article.

Team Tracy Fundraiser on Sat. Dec 12th!

This Saturday "Team Tracy" will be fundraising again for the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk! Here are the details...

Date: Saturday, Dec.12th, 2009
Time: 7pm
Where: Christo's on Alki - 2508 Alki Ave.

Christo's on Alki is graciously letting me take over the place for the evening! Yahoo! We will be doing a Silent Auction (10-15 items) and a raffle to raise money towards TEAM TRACY for the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. The restaurant and bar will be open for business with great food and drink specials!!! AND...the Christmas Ships will be on Alki that night from 9:40pm-10pm. You can watch the ships from the comfort (and warmth) of the restaurant, or bundle up and head across the street to the beach.

It should be a lot of fun...and will hopefully raise some money for a cause that is SO important to me!

Come shop for some fun Christmas gifts - see the Christmas Ships...eat, drink and be merry!!!

In memory of Heather...

My heart goes out to the family and friends of fellow SCCA patient and 4 year Breast Cancer survivor, Heather T., who lost her battle late last night after a very courageous fight. Just 41 years old, with so much life ahead. This one hits far too close to home, as our stories started out in a similar way. I will walk 60 miles next September with Heather's spirit and strength in mind! It may not have been in time to save Heather, but we WILL find a cure!!!

Reality TV...or is reality enough!?!

Since I have moved to my new apartment, I haven't had TV. No cable, not even basic channels. I have a beautiful new flat screen TV which I have been watching a lot of movies on, but now that 6 weeks have gone by...I have started wondering if I really need Cable. I think about the hours I waste watching mindless programs...getting sucked into reality shows filled with disfunction and negativity. Afterall - real life can be all the drama you need some days. It also has given me the opportunity to read more...I've blazed through 3 books in the past few weeks.

The only thing is, I don't get to see the news...I want to watch the 2010 Olympics this winter. Occassionaly there is a program I wish I could see. But is it worth paying $75-$100 a month for TV?

On another note, I have been completely obsessed and distraught over the 4 police officers that were murdered in Lakewood this past Sunday morning...just on the heals of another police officer who was murdered on Halloween night. I have friends who are in law enforcement, and I have worked in restaurants and coffee shops that police officers have frequented on a regular basis. These poor officers were having a cup of coffee together before their shift and were gunned down with no warning. It is absolutely disgusting - and I am SO happy they found the gunman (not far from my old apartment in the Rainer Valley) - before he was able to kill another officer. I think about how short life can be...how at any moment, it could be our last....whether we work in a dangerous job or not. Being aware of the present moment - loving those we have in our lives right now - not waiting for a "perfect time" to tell someone that you care about them. Sometimes busy days get away from us, and too much time passes between visits with family and friends. Appreciate today! Appreciate what can be done and what can be said to one another today! There is no time like the present to start living - really living!