Book Signings

Hi friends:

I am scheduling several more book signings. If you have a cancer-related fundraiser, let me know.

Friday, July 25 - - Relay for Life of North Naperville/Lisle. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to the Relay for Life of North Naperville/Lisle.

August 9 - - Lombard

October 3 - - Gallery 510 in Decatur

Past Events

Sunday, June 22 - - Wind Water & Light Gallery, Downtown Champaign from 1-3 p.m.

Book Signing at Champaign IL Relay for Life

I'll be signing copies of the newly released Adventures in Breast Cancer at the Champaign, IL Relay for Life at Centennial High School on May 17. Stop by and Walk for the Cure!

Is "I'm Sorry" Adequate?

Often people claim they don’t know what to say when they are told someone’s facing a challenge. Most of the time, they’re wrong. It’s not even what they say, it’s how they say it. You get a real sense of caring.

Sometimes, just three words said with real sincerity can become the Gettysburg Address of Love.

Then there are others who are correct. They really don’t know what to say but they start talking anyway.

Here’s my best advice: If you’re not sure which category you’re in, let me suggest that you keep away from anything that suggests:

1) It’s no big deal
2) It’s somehow the fault of the person facing the challenge, or
3) It’s a punishment from God

It’s also a good idea to refrain from sharing stories where a person went in for a lumpectomy and came out with a lobotomy.

Most of all, it's not what you say - it's the way you listen.

Support Groups

Empowerment, Information and Cookies
Whenever someone mentioned a Support Group, I envisioned distraught, sobbing people. With that image in mind, you can imagine my reluctance when, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, my husband suggested we find a Support Group. This is one discussion I'm glad I lost.

When we went to our first meeting of the Christie Clinic Breast Cancer Support Group, I was immediately struck by the attitude of empowerment. There was no complaining. There was discussion and leading edge information. There was no sobbing. There were questions and practical answers. And, there were cookies.

"My sister refused to go to a Support Group after her diagnosis. As a result, she had trouble coping” said Barbara Godsell. "I thought - not me! This group helped take away my fears when I was diagnosed. It's not a pity group; it's uplifting."

Lorie Hatfield had never met anyone with breast cancer until she was diagnosed. She was under 40 and hesitant to go to a Support Group because of her age. She thought no one would understand but, at the urging of a nurse, she gave it a try. "I was the youngest but I found out that everyone's situation was similar. I didn't feel so alone."

My husband was smart enough to get us to the Support Group while we were still in the decision making process. That made all the difference. I didn't realize all the choices that had to be made. The group provided great advice. I can't tell you how comforting it is to go into a surgical situation trusting your decision. Mary Claire Smith agrees. "The minute you're diagnosed, before you make any decisions, you should come to the Support Group. This group taught me to be my own advocate."

It's also the best place to gather information. Each month we have a speaker or a discussion where we hear:

• The newest techniques and technologies
• The latest research results and clinical studies
• Practical advice for pre- and post-surgery
• Personal tips for feeling and looking our best
• How to help others cope with diagnosis for themselves and their loved ones

Six years after being diagnosed, Lorie still attends the monthly meetings. "I continue learning and now I'm the one providing the support."

'There's a comradery, a sistership" interjected Mary Claire. And yes, we have cookies.

These Are Our Stories

What is the cure for cancer? Life. That’s right, life. Filled to the brim with laughter, tears, courage and more laughter. Adventures in Breast Cancer contains a full dose of life and is sure to bring relief to cancer patients, their friends and families.

Adventures in Breast Cancer incorporates stories from the experiences of many cancer patients and care providers. Readers are invited to join in an irreverent journey covering diagnosis, surgery, treatment and recovery. They will learn what to expect, the questions to ask and how to cope using the power of laughter. Journal pages are provided so that readers can record their own journey.

Do you have a story you'd like to share?