Perfect marriage, blahahahahaah

16 ever loving years of marriage 21 years together are we friggin crazy???? Yes a little. I hate those people that say they have the “perfect marriage” “we never fight”, its bullshit total BS. I could give you the whole “a marriage is built on….. “ (fill in the blanks) but every marriage needs something different.  We are so far from perfect we boarder insanity, but we don't give up on each other, top that suckas. Tom and I are total opposites and sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. We fight, have our challenges but at the end of the day we lay next to each other in loving comfort. Does that make the fact he doesn’t shut the lights off when he leaves a room ok, oh hell no but I still love him. When he silently corrects my grammar I know he just can’t help it and he loves me, it’s when he vocally corrects it I wanna smack him. We drive each other crazy and that is all part of this wacky marriage.
 


Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer changed me, him and our marriage. I have met so many who had their marriage destroyed because of the beast. I am proud to say it made us stronger. We have learned that we each are hurting through this and we respect that. We both decided that we would not let cancer consume our marriage and we fought like hell to understand each other. Tom learned that he can’t save me from cancer and all I needed was for him to hold my hand, I love that part just love it.  Cancer exhausted us both of us, ok me more but I will give him that he suffered from sleep too. Tom doesn’t care what my scars look like, how much weight I gain or how insane this has made me, he really doesn’t. I guess you can say I am lucky, pretty damn lucky.For a man that doesn’t like to be public he stands by my big mouth and small foobs as my mission against cancer grows, I am so proud of him! Doesn’t that mean he always says the right thing or that I don’t fly off the handle no way just means we get the reasons why cancer has altered us forever.



The damn kids never help a marriage I am sorry kids but it’s true. They add an insane amount of stress no doubt but when the morning comes and you have these 4 amazing monkeys snuggling with you in a full size bed it all makes sense. When we got married a couple that we love and respect said to me, “When you have kids do not put them before your marriage. Your marriage comes first”. I remember thinking that is cray cray, your kids should be your priority. But the reality is that if the marriage isn’t working the kids are suffering too. I get that statement more than I ever thought and this past year has amplified that.

 So as we celebrate our anniversary I can say that this week I sure do love Tom a lot, next week that may change but I am going for it. How many grammatical errors were in this blog post, ask Tom he will tell you??  I can say for certain through it all he does an amazing job of shining my tiara!!

Bravery Bags



 

 

The bags have been a major success. Not only making those battling feel like they have support but making Jill and I feel like we are making strides in our own recovery. We even have Kathy in CA doing her own Bravery Bags for Kathy's Komforts, it makes me so proud of this little bag. The fund raisers have been so amazing and really helpful in keeping the bags going but the reality is we can not keep up with the demand. So through another survivor "Get the Pink Out" she told me about Amazon wish list. Jill and I have started a wish list with the title Bravery Bags. http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=wish_list Just search stupiddumbbreastcancer@gmail.com and it will pop up! We are so excited to start this. You can donate the items we list or have a party yourself were your friends could get the items. The fleece blankets will still be made by the Caring Kids, the shirts by Ward Sales and the bags themselves by Wear Yours, donations can be made through them as well.

Shipping, ahhhh shipping!! It costs to ship these bags and while we want to keep it up we need a little help so if you are interested in donating the shipping email us at stupiddumbbreastcancer@gmail.com and we can send you a PayPal invoice (button coming soon). Thanks so much for your on going support, we are all making a difference by utting a smile on so many badass cancer terminator faces,

 

Rebecca rocking her Brave shirt

 

Jeri getting her bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best thing that happened to me during this dumb battle was my cancer connection group. I have met the most amazing men and women. We have all formed a bond on various social media sites and consider our friendship more like a family. Most of these people I have never had any contact with except on these sites, I won’t meet more than half of them. Yet I cannot imagine my day without being in contact with them. Some rock Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer shirts even though they didn’t have breast cancer just to show support!

I met one lady named Heather Owens, Fighting Fancy we call her. She sent me a bag filled with things to lift a cancer patient’s spirits. Heather has a great thing going because I know so many that have received this bag just when they needed it, mine came the day before my hysterectomy and made me feel like I was not alone, like someone was actually thinking about me that I have never met. It made me feel stronger. Please check all the great things this inspiring young woman has done! http://fightingfancy.com/

Then came an email from Jill in Massachusetts. “I have an idea” it said. Well you know me and ideas, I told her to call me a.s.a.p. She thought the bags were inspiring, too. We talked and talked and talked some more and came up with lots of ideas. In talking, we found our lives, stories, and values to be very similar and knew this was the making a beautiful relationship. After listening and talking it over with her with excitement she asked if I was in. I said “OH HELL YES I AM”.

We have joined forces to create “BRAVERY BAGS”.  We will be making bags filled with water bottles, pillows, a tee shirt, and little things to lift spirits of those fighting the battle in our own communities! To start off they will be delivered by Jill and I in our communites, but who knows where this will lead.

We have chosen to not just sit by and wait as women and men are still BATTLING breast cancer. Neither one of us is a scientist or has any desire to get into research. We want to help people in our own community, to show them that some random person not only gets it, but is thinking of them.

We are both having a fundraiser in April 11^th to raise money for these bags and will continue to have other fundraising events at the same time. We are planning to take “My Journey Through the Lumps” to the Boston area in July. We’ll have community events where children help make the bags and paint rocks with words like COURAGE on them. We will to deliver these bags to our local cancer centers by June.  We are planning on taking donations, 501 is in effect. We are PLANNING so much!

 I could not be happier to be working with Jill. She is fabulous! Here is her story…..

 

Jill rocking the shirts that will be in the "Bravery Bags" My name is Jill Greblick and in June of 2012 I learned I carry the Breast Cancer gene (BRCA2) which means I am at high risk (87%) for getting breast cancer and (30%) for getting ovarian cancer. Folks in my position have 3 choices....1.) do nothing, 2.) get screened every 6 months or 3) have prophylactic surgeries to get rid of "at risk" tissue. I am not a person to wait and see so I decided to move forward with the surgeries. As a preoperative screening I had a mammogram which showed "something". I had a biopsy and it was all clear. In July, I had a breast MRI which was all clear. On September 24 I had my ovaries removed and the pathology showed atypical cells so the surgeon was glad I had them out. On October 18, I had a bilateral mastectomy directly into reconstruction. Yes, I have implants. I went back to my breast surgeon on November 1 and she walked in the room as white as a ghost (holding my pathology report). The next words out of her mouth were, "Jill, you have cancer." Wow...we didn't expect that...My husband didn't even come with me to the appt. The rest of that appointment was a blur because unless you have heard those 4 words you can't imagine the feeling. Anyway, when you have cancer written in your chart you go to another place medically. Off to my oncologist (Dr. Morganstern) I go. Both he and Dr. Duggan agreed, that we needed to see if the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes (BTW the cancer was a very aggressive form (HER2+).....the fact that in July the MRI was clear and in October I had an invasive form of cancer speaks for itself). On November 26, I head back to the Operating Room for a lymph dissection. 9 nodes were taken out and they were all clear. Dr. Morganstern states several times in our visits that I was very lucky I did the surgeries when I did because in a couple of months later and we could be in a very different place.  While I was going through my surgeries, I took comfort in some items my friends gave me. I loved the fuzzy socks, the pretty necklace, the functional water bottle that all my friends gave me.  I also, loved a small pillow (that was made for me by my girlfriends mother) that I could place anywhere to give relief from body parts rubbing against each other.  I was using it at 3:00 AM and thought everyone should have some items that bring them a bit of relief while they go through this, and Bravery Bags were born.  After going through the hardest thing I have ever been through I realized that I didn't want to go back to my old life....I knew I wanted to give back to others coming after me.  I read, Ann Marie's Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer Blog and realized she had the same feelings I did.  I emailed and asked her if she wanted to become partners and Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer Bravery Bags were born! The SDBC Bravery Bags will contain items that will bring comfort: fuzzy socks, "chick flick" DVD, a blanket, note cards, a water bottle, a "small pillow" etc.  No woman who receives our bags will ever feel alone....

Sammy Boy

Dear my Sammy Boy,
WOW can not believe you are 11 today. Where did it go my big headed baby?? It seems like yesterday that you were born. Ben used to love to hold you with the Boppy and rub your hand now you two just want to smack each other with your hands! Yet I know you are the best of friends. This past year has been hard on my smiling Sammy. Some people say their kid always smiles but you have been smiling since birth. Even when I am screaming at you there is still a smile on your face. There is even one on that round beautiful face when your brothers are getting in trouble, I think that's your favorite time to smile on you little knucklehead!  You never miss a chance to make someone crack up which sometimes makes me want to crack your head! You have one of the kindest hearts I know always helping the underdog. You are my go with the flow kid and really always looks on the brighter side! Birds birds birds that is all I can say about that.
The night before my surgery you laid next to me sobbing, that was the hardest thing to watch. I hate that cancer took your smile away, really hate that. I know how worried you still are and I wish I could take that fear away. This was the one time you could not joke or smile and cancer sucks for taking that from you.

I know you drive me friggin nuts with your wise acre attitude (not sure where you get that from!) but I know in the long run you will be a more confident person because of it. I could not be any more prouder of the young man you are becoming. Except of course when you are tormenting Anthony which you have seem to do amazingly well. I know how happy you are to share a birthday with Beyonce I just wish for your sake she was as excited as you!

Thank you for always being there with your smile, I know it may seem I want to smack it off you but I secretly don’t. Remember I love you so much and you will always be my favorite (just don’t tell the others).

Your princess mother,
Mommy 

Sorry, this item is sold out!

 

Jigglers anyone?

See it jiggle it, watch it jiggle… I know you are thinking what the hell is she talking about. I went to my plastic surgeon today discuss what we are doing about this implants that my body doesn’t seem to like. I asked about the DIEP and he had to jiggle my belly to see if it was big enough. For the first time in my life sucking it in was not an option. Come to find out that cancer gave me just enough to have this with the disclaimer of small boobs. I was not a candidate for this originally but cancer gave me some extra weight. So I am onto a LONG surgery followed by 5 days in the hospital 2 of which are ICU this is no joke and not at all what I ever thought I was going to do but my gut (blahahah get it) is telling this is right. Totally getting some killer shoes for this stay!! Why the hell do I want this?? Well, let me start by saying these implants are not right, puckering and up to my throat and moving to the pits. None of those things look very good. The PS will fix my scars that are so raised up you can see them through shirts. The keloids are bad and they suck!!  That is the first and actually easy reason. Now on to the bigger… I feel like a friggin alien!!! I have no idea whose body this is that I am living in. I could not feel more for lack of incorrect grammar “faker” than I do right now. I constantly am aware of these 2 fake things attached to me. They are like a science experiment that I didn’t mean to do. I skipped lab in HS so this is not what I signed up for. I hate how they look when I take my clothes off it is like I see my head but what the hell am I attached to. And if one more person tells me how great they look I will seriously punch them. When get out of the shower I cry, a lot. There is such an emotional part to this journey that can only be described if you went through it. No breast does not define a woman but they are part of us. Whether you choose to be flat and fabulous, implanted or flapped out they are a part of you. Society puts a lot of focus on breasts and because of that we put notions in our own head of how our body should be. I want my old body back but I know that is not a reality. So what I need right now is to have me, no silicone just me. Part of this is that I am far from a fake, I am who I am like me or move on. I almost feel like with them I am impersonating someone. No I am not on crack I am totally straight. These implants have taken me and made me self-conscience and I hate that. I can’t even begin to explain the reasons why I do not have enough time and I do not want to bore the hell out of you. Now I know if you are reading this and never had cancer let alone breast cancer you are thinking “can’t she just be happy she is alive?” I can yes I can, but that is not the issue here. Cancer changes you so much and while I will never be back to my old self I want to feel little like me. Is this decision for everyone? No it is for me. I have friends that LOVE their implants and are doing great with them, or are flat and completely happy . I need to be myself really me whether you like me or not I have to like me and right now I am not digging this body. So I will shop for some stilettos and shine my tiara and get ready for one big ass surgery or better yet one gutsy surgery!!

Events: mark your calendars

Kick It to Cancer” with Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer

                                                           

On June 9, cancer warriors will “earn their showers” participating in a 3-hour trifecta of fitness events.

Fayetteville, New York:  Focusing attention on the health benefits of physical fitness, Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer (SDBC) is hosting “Kick It to Cancer” at the Towne Center Fitness Studio in Fayetteville on Sunday, June 9. The event features three one-hour group fitness sessions (cycling, boot camp, and yoga), giving participants the opportunity to take part in one, two, or all three.  “Fitness is an important key to health, whether you’re being treated for cancer or not,” says SDBC Founder Ann Marie Giannino-Otis.  “I have always loved the energy I get from working out in a group setting, but I know that people can be intimidated at the idea of being a beginner in front of others. This event is designed to give everyone at any fitness level the chance to experience different kinds of workouts.  Maybe they’ll find something they like and can stick with.”

Kick It to Cancer is not just for beginners.  Experienced, highly trained instructors will lead the one-hour sessions and, because of class size limitations, they will have the ability to modify the workout for varying levels of fitness, from beginner to intermediate to expert.  “You can work hard or take it easy – whatever works for you,” Ann Marie says.

Starting at 7:30 AM, the complete trifecta of classes will be provided six times throughout the day so participants can create a schedule that works best for them.  “We’ve also set it up so that people can put together a team and do the three classes together,” says Ann Marie.  “Or they take turns doing the individual events and make it a relay.”  Individuals are also encouraged to participate.  “There’s a saying I like,” she continues.  “’You’re just one workout away from a good mood.’ I really believe that it’s true.”

  All of the money raised for the event will be donated directly to East Syracuse-based CancerConnects and SDBC’s new Bravery Bags program. Participants will also be provided with a water bottle and healthy snacks, included in the registration fee, to keep them hydrated and nourished throughout the event.  There will be a door prize raffle, with opportunities to win free classes at the Towne Center Fitness Studio.

M.C. Reidy Davidson, a Towne Center Fitness instructor who will be leading classes for the event, often asks her students “How are you going to earn your shower today?”  Kick it to Cancer participants will earn theirs as cancer warriors, fighting cancer and taking a positive step toward fitness through their participation in this fun, healthy day-long event.

For more details about Kick It to Cancer, contact Ann Marie (amandtom@msn.com /

315-559-1203) or visit the Facebook event site: https://www.facebook.com/events/435570783197357/

Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer is Ann Marie Giannino-Otis’ fierce and unconventional initiative to promote awareness, early detection, and advocacy, with a special focus on how the disease impacts younger people. On behalf of her organization, Ann Marie has been featured in magazine and news stories, made appearances on TV, local radio, and Huffington Post Live, and hosts a series of monthly events, including the My Journey Through the Lumps photo essay at Fayetteville-based Pascale’s Restaurant in October, Stacks for Racks in November and February, This is My Journey, a slide show and presentation at the Fayetteville Free Library, Caring Kids events in December and April, Ride Inside for Breast Cancer in January, the Pink Out! drag show in February, and Bunco for Boobs in March. Since its inception last September, Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer has raised and contributed around $26,000 to a variety of breast cancer organizations, including Komen CNY-Central New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Stand Up to Cancer, Duke Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Center, the Upstate Cancer Center, Cancer Connects, and the Maureen’s Hope Foundation.

Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer has developed Bravery Bags in partnership with Jill Greblick, Ann Marie’s cancer-surviving counterpart in Boston, and CancerConnects. The project consists of filling gift bags with such items as lip balm, dry shampoo, notecards, and a cheerful fleece blanket made by a child at an SDBC “Caring Kids” events. The Bravery Bag, which will be delivered in advance of a patient’s scheduled surgery, is designed to make life comfortable for them after their procedure, and to send the message beforehand that someone understands what they are going through and is thinking of them.

CancerConnects is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which provides free programs and services to help facilitate the cancer journey for patients throughout Central New York, empowering cancer patients and survivors via connections to community resources, support, and guidance.

Ann Marie communicates regularly with a growing network of patients, their loved ones, and supporters via a blog, www.stupiddumbbreastcancer.blogspot.com and Facebook community, www.facebook.com/stupiddumbbreastcancer. 

Past Events

April 11^th 6pm

Trappers II in Minoa

Join the ladies on April 11^th at 6pm for a night of dice, drinks, food, prizes, boobs and FUN!! Be there by 6pm to register and get your seat assignment, the game will start at 7 pm SHARP! The price is $20 and you must register in advance by April 5^th . There will be 60 spots and that is it, so contact me. The shirts are PREORDER, $20 grey vneck with the SDBC logo on the right side. There will be AMAZING prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, most Bunco and  boobie, plus every time you roll a Bunco you get to reach into the grab bag. Raffles and NEW Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer shirts will be on sale. Proceeds to benefit CNY Komen team CURE OR BUST and Maureen’s Hope. Trappers II will be having food and cocktail specials as well. So get your ladies and come get your Bunco on to support the “girls”!

This link will bring you to the FaceBook Events page

https://www.facebook.com/stupiddumbbreastcancer?ref=hl#!/stupiddumbbreastcancer/events

Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer rides for Cancer

Join Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer for a ride inside for a cure on January 6^th at the Community Fitness Center in Fayetteville for a high intensity indoor cycle marathon or relay. The proceeds will go to CNY Komen Race for the Cure team “Cure or Bust “and Jackie Balliot in her fight against Osteosarcoma a form of bone cancer. Jackie was 15 when diagnosis and has the will power of a Super star. Read more about her at blog http://jackieballiot.blogspot.com/   

http://www.giveforward.com/balliotmedicalaccount

Jackie is from North Carolina but will be cheering us on via Skype. Cancer does not discriminate and Jackie is proof that with hope there is a CURE.

There are many ways to ride just find the one that works for you. All riders will get a FREE shirt, the first 5 teams will get a water bottle, if you register by Thanksgiving you will get a 2 week voucher to the center and if you are a solo 6 hour rider there is a visor for you! If you know someone battling or 
surviving or lost their battle to cancer ride for them. Let us know so we can put a sign on your bike. There will be raffles through the day and door prizes as well, a great time for an important cause. This is an ideal way to kick off the New Year, getting fit and helping battle cancer.

Pick your ride

The Big Bone- ride alone for 6 hours with four 15 minute breaks. This is hard core and we will be there cheering you on, $105.

The double Mastectomy- get a buddy and split the ride. You can go every other 1 and 15 minutes or do a 3 hour yourself. Either way it will be a great work out, $55 a person

The Meningie Trou-three people changing up the ride and working hard, $38 a person

Six Pack- six friends burning their quads in an hour intervals, $ 25 a person

All registration needs to be in and paid to get a spot by December 28^th. There are only 30 bikes, spaces will fill up FAST. The instructors will be announced and their time slots when all spots are filled.

Click here for the PDF registration form
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B--YeBt8DuhQcTZLZ3lyWHlTbFU

December 10th 2012 7pm

I will share my thoughts, feelings, and distinctly unconventional approach to breast cancer in a slide show presentation of photos documenting my battle with the disease. Directed toward young women, older teens, cancer survivors, and their loved ones, the presentation seeks to enlighten and inspire the audience and demystify the processes and procedures related to treatment. This is My Journey is another in a growing number of Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer events designed to promote early detection, encourage advocacy, and generate an honest and straightforward conversation that continues long after the “official” Breast Cancer Awareness Month has ended.

Please join me at Fayettevile Free Library for my story. The doors will open at 7pm and I will begin to talk at 7:30pm. I am looking forward to this "friendraiser". The library seats 150 people so please arrive on time. This is just another confirmation to the community support. Some of the photos will be on display in the lirbray for the month of December, check them out.






Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer is the works of becoming a non-for profit and I could not be happier. I have events planned for everyone month, everyone is different and will appeal to a variety of people. I am looking for donations of goods, services, gift certificates, etc. Nothing is too small of too large. They will be used at the events as door prizes or raffles. What a great way to show your products off and get some free advertising. Contact me for more information; I look forward to working with you!

Stacks for Racks

Join  Trapper’s II

  for a poker tourney to benefit

 Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer

Monday, November 5^th

Starting at 6pm

Trapper’s II 101 North Main Street, Minoa, NY 13116

$30 buy in with ability to buy back in

Half the pot will go to Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer and Cancer Control Division in Radiation Oncology at the University of Rochester. The other half will be divided into 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place. There will be door prizes and GREAT raffles. Come to this fun evening for a great cause, anything to save the boobies! MUST register (there are only 50 seats, so register NOW!!) Trapper's II will have food specials for all participating players!!! $8-16" Cheese pizzas and 50 Cent wings!!

Please join Genevieve Fridley Photography and me on October 21st from 4pm until 7pm as we display the real, uncensored version of stupid dumb breast cancer. The cost will be $10 advance sale tickets and $15 at the door. The show will be at Pascale's Restaurant in Fayetteville. Ticket sales will begin September 1st. Please contact me at amandtom@msn.com for ticket purchases. Tickets and donations can be paid via PayPal as well. The part of the proceeds will benefit the team CURE OR BUST at the 2013 Race for the Cure on May 18th. The other will go to Stand up to Cancer. https://www.standup2cancer.org/ I am so excited that we are using the money for research and education. Both of organizations are fabulous. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. If we have donations for food we will have more money for these important organizations! Contact me if you would like to donate.
There will be a cash bar and light appetizers, so drink heavily and eat minimal. We are looking for any donations for food and print costs. Genevieve is donating some prints. These print will be used at various events. If you are willing to help with keeping costs down PLEASE contact me. Thanks so The Art Supply Store for donating some framed pictures for the event, so generous. http://www.commercialartsupply.com/ Plus, please check the coupon on the blog as well! They are donating 10% of your purchase to Cure or bust, get your framing done and support the team.
Please mark your calendars and tell your friends. What better way to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month than showcasing a life SAVED from early detection. These pictures have been so incredibly therapeutic for me, amazing how Genevieve captures the emotion. They have also inspired other women going through stupid dumb breast cancer now (and friends of these women who need to see the harsh reality of it). Please know that anyone who really wants to come but does not want to view the pictures, we have respectfully set up the viewing area in the restaurant part. The bar will not have any pictures that will make anyone uncomfortable. I really hope to see you all there. Stupid dumb breast cancer lit a fire inside me. Join me as we find a way to stop it! I wonder what shoes to wear??!!

For Tickets Via PayPal. PLEASE tell how many tickets and if they are for survivors!

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HSCXDSM8FDDJJ

PAYPAL IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED, THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

DONATION AND SPONSORS

For the past seven years, I have organized a team for CNY Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure called “Cure or Bust”. I’ve done this to honor my grandmother, as well as friends that have had their lives torn apart by this disease.  We have been the biggest team for the past four years and two years running as the biggest fund raiser.

Ironically, on May 5^th of this year, I found a lump, and on June 13^th, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am not cancer, I never was. I knew from that moment that my mission would be to beat cancer and help others along the way.

On Sunday October 21^st from 4-7pm at Pascale’s Restaurant in Fayetteville, “My Journey through the Lumps” will be on display. Genevieve Fridley Photography has documented my entire journey with images that are uncensored and emotional, while never failing to show the reality of “stupid dumb breast cancer”. All proceeds will benefit Stand up to Cancer and Susan G. Komen through our team Cure or Bust.

One in every eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer. We would appreciate donations to help in the fight. Our corporate sponsor levels include-Silver at $250, gold at $500, platinum at $750, and diamond at $1000. All of these sponsors will have their logo at the event on October 21^st and on the Cure or Bust team page and at the Komen race event. Your company name will be on the Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer blog, Facebook page, and Twitter account as well. Any company wishing to make a smaller donation of $100 will be mentioned in the program on the day of the event.

Please make all donations to Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer. We could not be more pleased or grateful for your generous donations. Or through PayPal via the blog link. ALL donations MUST be in by October 13th so we can get the logos to the printers.

 Breast cancer is the leading killer among women, help us save a life and beat Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer.

Love him or hate him

My dear sweet brother ...blahahahahahahahaha! My brother is the kind of person you turn to when you want the ultimate truth, when need help moving a body, when you need back up, when you need to be loved. He loves with his whole heart does things only because he wants to which means he loves you enough to do it.  His advice is always given even if you don't want to hear it. He gives his all to a relationship and expects you to do the same. He speaks his mind whether you want him to or not. And he has taught me how to do all that I just added my touch to it. He drives me nuts when he stops over at 7am but I don't want him to ever stop, ever. He won't read this cause he hates to see my chest, he used to change my diapers to its weird to him. He called every day, stopped by but still felt helpless. I saw the pain in his eyes while I went through everything. There was no body to move, he was just pissed at cancer. He never left my side through all this and was right were my kids needed by their side. He is the godfather to my son Sam and the perfect choice. I love my brother and would do all the above and more for him. I need him in my life and my kids. Happy birthday to the best back up a princess could have! 

Oh and happy birthday to my sweet god daughter Nicole. I love you  my little munchkin and really really look forward to your 21st birthday! You getting that tattoo means more to me than I think you will ever understand. I want you to never have to go through what I did, ever and for that I will always fight. I also don’t want you to get pregnant right now so use protection, just saying. Thanks for all you have done for me this year. Now be a good girl and shine my tiara!! 

Vacation all I ever wanted....

my man!!!

Yup that fanily

Jello is our staple

Sand in my toes, junk food in the bags, girl magazines ready, Patron in effect, J E L L O,  metal detector ready for action and NO DRAINS!! This is going to be a great vacation add the 3 bottles of "Cheezy Does It" and it will be amazing. Seriously last year was plain awful (singing a little Annie to this I hope). Sure we laughed a lot but I was in so much pain coming a week off my mastectomy. I couldn't help the way I normally do actually I do tend to take over. I was simply exhausted by the time we left the beach that it the only thing I could do was sit. Don't get me wrong I barked orders just fine but I am a doer. I mean poor Megan had to carry 50 pound sand bags and lets face she weighs 100 pounds wet! Rosie can barely handle the Jell-O shots without me and I was too tired to really help. Ok I will admit it we are "that family" on the beach you know the one. With the cabana, music, 6 coolers, 12 chairs, soccer net, enough food to feed the beach, and loud very loud. Last year though we were all a little more toned down, no really we were. We were waiting on my pathology report, waiting good times. My famil was so nice to me, helping me, not letting me do squat. I am pretty sure that will change this year and I am so happy to be back to normal. Whatever normal is! 

I can't wait for coconut ice cream at Sundae School, lobstah rolls from Arnold's, bone fire on the beach with our friends, bocce ball and getting my sun on! I know how exciting it is to go away, how you need it. But this year we REALLY need it. Not just from stupid dumb breast cancer but from stupid dumb heart attack too. I brought my dad to the Cape 15 years ago and we have been going ever since. Cape Cod is our happy place. Not just because its lovely but because some of our favorite people are there with us.  And this year we are adding my nephew too, boy is in for it. These are the  people that make me happy even when they are pissing me off, people that no matter what still treat me like a princess. Crap I hope I packed my tiara!

Hope, Live, Love



Coconut Ice Cream for the nuts!



My King

My side kick






Mid-Western BFF Birthday

Sometimes someone pops into your life and you have no idea what direction the relationship will have. Years ago I met Genevieve and I thought she is nice but I will be real friends. As time went on we got closer and closer sharing personal experiences and dark secrets (I think she once said she was a spy shhhhh). Funny how this loud mouth Italian became so close with this quiet Mid-Western girl. She was that friend that stood by me through this whole journey not  leaving me side. Even when there was blood, scars and drains. She healed heal me through her photos in a way that I do not think she even understands. She made me feel like I was going to be ok through those pictures. Those photos then inspired and empowered and encouraged and helped so many other woman. I don’t think Genevieve will ever understand the magnitude of these pictures and I hope she will never have to. I am not only so happy to have her as my friend, I am so proud that she is my BFF. Thanks “G” for everything you have done. I am so happy your parents decided to have sex and make you. Happy birthday to my Mid-Western BFF.

Mastectomyversary?

Here we go

Cancer is a funny thing. You have your DX anniversary, your cancer free anniversary, your first chemo, your last chemo, rads and any drug your started anniversary, your surgery anniversary and whatever hell else you make up. Some are easy and you barely notice them or they just make you smile. Then there are the ones that remind you of what really altered you. For me that is today.

Hugs not drugs, wait I need the drugs

I keep holding back tears yet I am not sure what I am crying for, The fact I am here and this year was tougher but made me tougher (as if I needed help). The fact that my body has changed so much it has made me a self-conscience freak (as if I needed to fly my freak flag more). Or is it the loss of body parts that I find myself for no other word, sad. Unless you lost a body part you cannot understand the feeling. I wish I had the fancy shamancy words to help those who have never experienced it but I don’t, I only have made up ones to drive Tom and Jennifer nuts. That is really the thing, there are not any right words it’s just a feeling. You are so happy that the part is gone because it tried to poison your body, but shit you are sad they are gone. Then you are thrilled to be alive yet pissed off that this is happening and you cannot control it. It is a roller coaster for sure. OMG that is it I am calling it the “viper” emotion. I am simply brilliant. Applause now please! I remember surgery day so well. Getting up after absolutely no sleep whatsoever, talking to Alissa all night long,  Sammy boy crying himself to sleep holding my hand, Meg half asleep telling me she loved me, MC pulling up to pick us up in the darkness of the morning, the ride there and the check in. Seeing my dad and how strong he was trying not cry (for those new to this show I had a no crying rule). This was major for my dad, major. My badass brother coming into the room hugging and running literally out the door because he was going to cry (he came back a little drunk and cried a little). G-Deb trying hard to not cry but sneaking out for coffee when I knew what she was doing. Genevieve snapping shots that I thought were funny yet not really understanding the impact of what these pictures were going to do to me. My sister showed up late which was perfect for 2 reasons, “that’s Lori” and there was no way she could do the no crying rule. MC, well there are no words none. She was right there not leaving me and joking the entire time just what I needed. Then there was Tom, fool ate a full breakfast right in front me the ass. He couldn’t look me in the eyes I knew why; he was so scared and didn’t want me to see. This was not just an in and out surgery and the uncertainty was intense. When we did look at each other just enough to understand. Then waking up. Drugged, in pain wondering what the hell you look like. The drains that no one can prepare you for what they feel, smell like. How you are so nervous yet the drugs make you so confuse those emotions. Walking for the first time, no memory yet I have pictures to prove I did. the nurses were great and I will never for them especially Emily. Funny how a stranger can give you so much love and care. Seeing my kids via FaceTime, loved that just loved it. They got to see I was ok and I was. Wondering what the hell was next and having no control over it. I can look back on this day and be proud for sure. It turned my life around. I feel like my journey has helped others so much and for that I will take 2 for the team. I can also be pissed that this journey has given me low self-esteem and broke my heart. I can be so happy that I am alive and beating up cancer (we all know the journey doesn’t end with the last “whatever”). I can be guilt ridden that I am alive when so many have taken wings. I can be empowered by their amazing courage too. I can be depressed that this journey has showed me so many amazing people that have lost their battle. I can also be overcome with sheer glee (yes I said glee now shut the front door) that I have made some of the best or breast friends of my life. This journey has taught me just who my friends are and how amazing the really are. It has brought my family even closer (almost to the scary creeper side) than I ever imagined. So how can I argue with that? Yet I still cry and really if you are reading this and have never experienced cancer at its finest you cannot get it. I am so happy yet I want to cry on this day like a big ol’ friggin baby. There is no doubt that we all experience cancer different but I will tell you this part is how it just is. I know so many survivors struggling with this and it sucks the big cancer stick. Stupid dumb breast cancer, ARGGGG!! Today will come and go and I will be fine. I will flip through these pictures and remember where I was, how far I have come and what is still down this long ass fucking bumpy road. Maybe I will cry, maybe I will smile or even laugh just a little. Whatever I do this is my journey and I will do it my way like or leave the page but don’t hate. I will do it in stilettos, a tiara and a pink boa (just for my militant friends)!